Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS)
COMMUNITY-FOCUSED DATA COLLECTION TO ASSESS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT
DFSS’s approach to gathering data on employer metrics emphasizes community impact, focusing on how employer partnerships contribute to local economic development and support underserved populations. This method allows DFSS to showcase both business outcomes and societal benefits, demonstrating the broader value of their workforce programs.
Tracking Local Hiring and Economic Impact: DFSS collects data on the percentage of hires made from local communities, particularly those from underserved areas. By tracking these metrics, DFSS can demonstrate the economic impact of workforce placements on specific neighborhoods and populations, aligning their data collection efforts with their mission to promote inclusive economic growth.
Metrics on Workforce Diversity and Inclusion: DFSS gathers data on workforce diversity and inclusion, tracking metrics such as demographic representation, pay equity, and advancement opportunities for underrepresented groups. These metrics allow DFSS to show employers how their workforce partnerships contribute to a more inclusive workplace and support the community’s diversity goals, creating a stronger social ROI.
Community Impact Reports for Employers: DFSS provides employers with regular community impact reports that summarize metrics such as job placement rates, retention, and the socioeconomic impact of workforce placements. These reports allow employers to see how their hiring practices benefit the local community, reinforcing the importance of their partnership with DFSS in achieving both business and social outcomes.
Evaluating Contributions to Citywide Goals: DFSS aligns its data collection with citywide workforce and economic goals, tracking metrics such as job creation, wage growth, and local economic stimulation. Employers are shown how their involvement in DFSS programs supports these larger objectives, helping them understand the role they play in the city’s broader workforce development strategy.
