Cook County Bureau of Human Resources – Chicago, IL

Cook County Bureau of Human Resources

The Cook County Bureau of Human Resources (BHR) is the central agency responsible for managing the workforce of Cook County government. Located in the County Building at 118 North Clark Street, the bureau oversees recruitment, compensation, benefits, and labor relations for thousands of county employees. Its mission is to attract and retain a qualified, diverse workforce while ensuring fair and equal treatment for all employees and applicants.

Recruitment and Employment

The BHR manages the entire hiring process for offices under the President of the Cook County Board. Services include:

• Job Postings: The bureau maintains an online applicant tracking system where all open positions are listed.
• Testing and Validation: BHR administers civil service exams and validates credentials to ensure candidates meet the necessary qualifications.
• Onboarding: The office facilitates the orientation process for new hires, ensuring they are integrated effectively into the county workforce.

Employee Services

Beyond hiring, the bureau is critical for current employees, managing:

• Benefits Administration: Overseeing health insurance, life insurance, and wellness programs.
• Labor Relations: Negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements with various unions representing county staff.
• Training and Development: Providing professional development opportunities and mandatory compliance training.