How it works

Duman Opportunity Center job placement services extend beyond filling open positions. Our employment specialists are invested in your success. They take time to learn about your likes and dislikes, your dream job and where you see yourself in the future.

Often, finding the right job can feel like an uphill battle. We help you build your confidence through individualized counseling. Working with employers to find just the right fit, we know that together we can reach your goal.

Once you are on your way to employment, we are here to help you achieve independence in your work. On-site job coaches work with you and your employer to identify your new roles and responsibilities, making sure that they are broken down into manageable steps. Each job seeker is unique, and we believe that with the right tools, everyone can find fulfillment through work.

Why it works

Our personalized approach to your job search makes all the difference. We take your employment seriously and focus not only helping you find a job, but also maintaining your job. We turn what may be an overwhelming process into easy-to-follow steps.

Our team is trained and certified in flexible strategies, services and supports designed to increase long-term employment and career advancement for job seekers who need a more individualized approach. By working with you and your employer, together we create a positive work environment for all.

Take the first step

Want to learn more about job placement and coaching? Speak directly with one of our intake counselors at 855.275.5237 or email us at Ask@JCFS.org.

The Duman Opportunity Center is committed to helping people with disabilities (aged 16 and older) find and maintain meaningful employment through high-quality, customized services and streamlined supports, such as job readiness training, placement assistance, retention strategies, and job coaching.

Our vision for an inclusive society for all begins with an open door that leads to well-trained, expert staff prepared to provide person-centered services. View our video below to learn how our employment specialists can help you find and keep a job. 

Applications for academic year 2026/2027 are now open! Apply here.

Applications and all supporting documents are due no later than March 1, 2026.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at jvsscholarship@jvschicago.org.

How it works

We administer educational scholarship funds from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago to help Jewish college and graduate students offset some of their financial burden. Assistance is available for those with financial need who are pursuing careers in the helping professions. Scholarships range up to $4,000 and are potentially renewable.

You are eligible to apply if you:

• Are Jewish
• Were born and raised in Chicago metropolitan area*, including Lake County, Indiana; or had one continuous year of full-time employment in the Chicago metro area prior to enrollment
• Intend to remain in or return to the Chicago metropolitan area after completing school
• Are entering an accredited graduate program in a helping profession** on a full-time basis for the fall 2026 through spring 2027 academic year or
• Are entering your junior or senior year of an accredited bachelor’s degree program in a helping profession** on a full-time basis for the fall 2026 through spring 2027 academic year
• Demonstrate financial need and career promise

*Chicago metropolitan area includes Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.

**Applicants must demonstrate career promise in a helping profession such as:

• BUSINESS (undergraduate at U.I.U.C. only)
• COMMUNICATIONS (College of Media at U.I.U.C. only)
• EDUCATION – journalist, Jewish studies, teacher
• HEALTHCARE/PUBLIC HEALTH
• JEWISH COMMUNAL SERVICE
• LAW – public interest
• MEDICINE – audiologist, chiropractor, dental hygienist, dentist, doctor, geneticist, nurse, occupational therapist, optometrist, pharmacist, physician’s assistant, physical therapist, researcher, speech therapist, veterinarian
• PERFORMING/FINE ARTS – actor/actress, artist, musician, photographer, poet, playwright, sculptor
• PHYSICAL/NATURAL SCIENCES
• SOCIAL SERVICE – gerontologist, psychologist, social worker, therapist/counselor
• THE RABBINATE – cantor, rabbi
• TECH/SCIENCES – architect, biomedical engineer, biochemist, chemist, engineer, computer scientist, environmental engineer, mathematician, other sciences
• URBAN AFFAIRS/PUBLIC POLICY

If you’re not sure if your educational path qualifies as a helping profession, please check with us at 312.673.3444 or jvsscholarship@jvschicago.org to verify eligibility before completing application.

School acceptance is not required at time of scholarship application.

Why it works:

We process academic scholarship applications from eligible students who have financial needs that cannot be fully met by other appropriate resources.

Take the first step:

Have any questions or want to learn more about our scholarship program? Contact us at jvsscholarship@jvschicago.org

For information regarding the Jewish Federation Shirley Ehrlich Student Loan Program.

We partner with you to work together toward your employment goal, using proven strategies to help you land your next job.

How it works

Our one-on-one sessions offer an array of approaches for those individuals who have already finalized their resume and LinkedIn profiles, allowing for a highly focused and effective job search. Here are several of the many resources we provide.

• Learn how to maximize your professional networking
• Polish your interviewing skills
• Create a professional brand for social media
• Develop the tools needed to launch a successful marketing campaign

Why it works

Developing a comprehensive job search plan is a process. Our staff apply their years of experience to work on a customized approach to finding the right job for you. From recent college grads to executives, and every stage in between, we have helped thousands of job seekers move ahead in their careers and secure employment.

Want to learn more about our Job Search Strategies offerings? Speak directly with one of our intake specialists at 855.275.5237 or email us at ask@JCFS.org.

How it works

We help you identify your employment goals and work with you to develop an action plan that can lead you toward a meaningful career.

We help you to articulate a clear career identity by:

• Identifying your transferable skills
• Leveraging prior work experience
• Categorizing your field of work interests
• Understanding your life-work values 

Why it works

We understand that each job seeker is unique. There is no one size fits all approach. Through career assessments and supportive one-on-one sessions, we help you learn and understand how your values and goals are served by the right career identity. Our staff has the experience and expertise to help you navigate the process of uncovering a career direction and path that works for you.

Want to learn more about our Career Exploration offerings? Speak directly with one of our intake specialists at 855.275.5237 or email us at Ask@JCFS.org.

Career Services provides workshops focused on the critical materials needed by all job seekers as they prepare to launch their job search. Our workshops are in-depth presentations focused on resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn, networking, interviewing and professional branding, with all of the resources needed to help with the job search process and assist in securing employment.

Explore our list of upcoming workshops to find the ones that work best for you and your professional goals.

Career Services offers our unique Motivation and Accountability group because we understand that staying positive and on course during the process of searching for the right job can be difficult. We bring the uplifting components of how to stay motivated, like meditation and positive online presentations, while keeping you on task and responsible throughout your weekly job search.    

Why it works

All of our workshops and groups are facilitated by professional staff who understand the needs and challenges associated with a successful job search. Workshops focus specifically on creating professional materials, while standing out from the rest of the candidates, while our groups provide the support needed to sustain you through your job search journey.      

Want to learn more about our Career Workshops and Groups? Speak directly with one of our intake specialists at 855.275.5237 or email us at ask@JCFS.org.