Is working with an IT Recruiter worth the time?

100%. I may be bias for obvious reasons but working with any recruiter is worth it, especially in Information technology where companies look for specific skill-sets. You can always apply to jobs directly but doing so along-side working with a recruiter will increase your opportunities, sometimes even at the same company. A recruiters job is to work for both you and their client. Many candidates don't realize the level of constant follow a recruiting firm may do to keep a hiring manager engaged. It's not that hiring managers don't want to hire but they have many other responsibilities as well. This is a huge gap that a recruiter bridges as hiring manager rely on their recruiters often times more so that candidates may rely on them.