Now AvailableChicago Opportunity Desk is launching in phases. Employment and staffing services are available now. Additional workforce, certification, training, business, and community services are being introduced as our network and capacity expand.
Chicago Opportunity Desk
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Contact

We're here when you need us.

Whether you're a Chicago resident exploring a new career, an employer looking for credential-ready talent, or a community partner planning bidirectional referrals — the fastest way to reach the Chicago Opportunity Desk team is right here.

Call the desk

(312) 343-4183

Speak with a COD team member during business hours. If we're on another call, leave a voicemail — we return every message the same business day.

Email us

info@joinCOD.org

General inquiries, partnership questions, employer intake, and media requests. Please expect a response within 1 business day.

Hours & location

Chicago, IL

Monday–Friday · 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Central. Appointments recommended for in-person visits.

The fastest path forward

Start with the Opportunity Navigator.

Most people who reach out to Chicago Opportunity Desk get to a next step faster by starting a Navigator conversation. The Navigator asks a few plain-language questions, remembers your answers, and hands off to a real COD Case Manager the moment a human is needed. You never have to explain your situation twice.

Who reaches out to COD?

  • Chicago residents exploring careers, certifications, business formation, or navigation to housing, benefits, and behavioral health.
  • Employers ready to hire pre-screened, credentialed candidates with continued retention support after placement.
  • Community partners looking to build a bidirectional referral relationship instead of duplicating services.
  • Instructors and educators teaching under a COD-affiliated certification pathway.

Frequently asked

Before you reach out

How quickly will I hear back?

Phone calls and voicemails are returned the same business day. Emails receive a response within one business day. If you flagged a P1 or P2 urgency inside the Navigator, a COD Case Manager will reach out same-day or the next business morning.

Do I need to pay to speak with someone?

No. Reaching out, speaking with the Opportunity Navigator, and starting a plan with a COD Case Manager are always free. Some certification and business services have costs, but eligibility for subsidized or funded seats is discussed up front.

Can I bring my own documents?

Yes. You can upload documents (resume, ID, prior certifications, background clearance letters) securely from your account after signing up. This lets your Case Manager move faster on your behalf.

I'm in a crisis situation right now.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you're facing a housing loss, utility shutoff, court date within 48 hours, or a similar urgent situation, please call (312) 343-4183 during business hours or start a Navigator conversation and the system will alert a Case Manager immediately.

I'm an employer with an open role.

Email info@joinCOD.org with the role, credentials required, and shift structure. A COD relationship manager will reach out within two business days to align on candidate fit.

I'm a community partner interested in a MOU.

Email info@joinCOD.org with a brief description of your organization and the population you serve. We'll schedule a partnership discovery call within one business week.

Explore more

Places to go next

About COD

Our mission, the two independent organizations behind COD, and Executive Leadership team.

Pathways

Healthcare, business, and workforce pathways in the right sequence.

For employers

Hire credentialed talent with retention support built in.

For partners

Bidirectional referrals and shared outcome tracking for CBOs.