Hiring  [ Benefits ]   [ Training ]

What are the strategic directions of the ELCA?
- The strategic directions of the ELCA can be viewed at: http://www.elca.org/planning/directions.html

Where can I view the Personnel Policies of the ELCA?
- The Personnel Policies can be viewed at: www.elca.org/hr/pol/index.html

Where can I find Mobility Papers?
- Mobility Papers can be found at www.elca.org/sr/mobility.html

Do you need to be located in Chicago to work for the ELCA Churchwide office?
- All positions are Chicago-based unless otherwise stated in the posting.

How do I apply for a specific position posted on the internet?
- If you are interested in a position that is posted on the internet, simply fill out the application. The application is currently available in Adobe Acrobat PDF and Formatta Filler.  Both could easily be downloaded onto your computer, free of charge.

Can I submit a general application for positions within the ELCA, or do I need to reference a specific position?
- We only consider an individual for possible employment if we have a completed Application for Employment and if that application is in response to a specific, advertised position.

Where do I find the application for employment for the ELCA churchwide office?
- The application for employment can be accessed by clicking on the ELCA Application for Employment Icon. 

Where do I find the listing of current job openings at the ELCA churchwide office?
- Current listings of openings are listed  HERE.

Do I have to be Lutheran to apply for positions with the ELCA churchwide office?
- You do not have to be Lutheran to work at the ELCA, unless membership in an ELCA congregation is noted in the position description. However, many positions do require extensive knowledge of Lutheranism and the ELCA.

How important is inclusivity to the ELCA churchwide office hiring?
- The ELCA makes it our mission to hire at least 10 percent persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English. Our headquarters in Chicago has consistently been nearly 30 percent people of color.

What do the different salary grades on positions mean?
- To remain consistent and fair in a non-profit environment, we specifically designate salary grades to positions. Each level receives a grade. New employees usually start at or near the minimum point of the salary grade for that position.

What does "close date" for applications mean?
- The close date for positions is the last day that resumes will be accepted by the hiring unit. The cut off time for credentials is 5pm central time.  After the close date, all credentials will be sent to the Search Committee to determine which candidates that they'd like to interview.

Should I email, mail, or fax my completed resume and/or application to the ELCA churchwide office?
- All methods (e-mail, fax, or mailing) are acceptable ways to submit your resume and/or application.

[ Hiring ]  Benefits  [ Training ]

What employee benefits does the ELCA offer to employees?
- The ELCA pays the full premiums for employees' health benefits (medical, dental, chiropractic, and mental health) as well as for eligible dependents.  The ELCA provides retirement and disability benefits, as well.

In addition, the churchwide organization provides a number of other benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (confidential counseling)
• Travel accident insurance
• Vacation (two weeks for new employees; three weeks after two years; four weeks after five years)
• Sick leave and family illness (accrues at a rate of one day per month)
• Personal days (three per year)
• Holidays (ten assigned days)
• Maternity/paternity and adoptive leave
• Workers' Compensation coverage
• Family leave (unpaid leave)
• Compassionate leave (three paid days per loss)
• Housing allowance for clergy (in accordance with IRS regulations)
• Relocation (where applicable)
• Electronic deposit of paychecks
• Jury and election time off
• Continuing Education Program
• Pretax CTA/RTA passes
• Flexible Spending Accounts

When am I eligible for these benefits?
- If an employee is hired and works more than 20 hours a week, they are eligible for benefits on the first day of employment.

[ Hiring ]  [ Benefits ]  Training

What sorts of training programs are available for employees of the ELCA?
- Our training program has four tracks.

Do I have to work for the ELCA for any specific length of time before I'm eligible for training?
- No. Training is arranged for employees through their supervisor.

Are part-time employees eligible for training programs?
- Yes, part-time employees are eligible for training with their supervisors consent.