Social Security recruiting for jobs online, in person

As the Social Security Administration recruits for about 6,000 new jobs across the nation, Northwest suburban residents have two options to be considered for any local positions available.

Those interested in applying are advised to keep a close watch on the careers page of the administration's Web site at ssa.gov/careers.

John Marshall, the administration's Chicago-area work incentive coordinator, said specific jobs usually remain listed for only three to 15 days before they're filled.

The administration is looking for people of all ages to serve as claims representatives and other related jobs, Marshall said.

But while all eligible adults are considered, the agency is particular interested in finding disabled candidates, as theirs is a population at the heart of the administration's mission, he added.

Both the disabled and seniors 50 and older may also learn about the social security jobs at a Senior Job Club event at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at Schaumburg High School, 1100 W. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg. The job club is run jointly by Wheeling, Schaumburg and Palatine townships.

Club coordinator Val Profit said this month's event has been moved from its usual venue at Schaumburg Township Hall to the high school because of the large turnout expected.

Marshall emphasized the only advantage those who attend will have over those who search the Web site is that they'll hear him explain in person the duties and pressures of the jobs.

"These are high-end-stress kinds of jobs," he said.

He also cautioned that while 6,000 new jobs sounds like a lot, the agency is recruiting nationwide. At this point, there's no indication how many of those will be staffed in the Chicago area.