Youth Treatment Specialist - Day and Evening

Who We Are

Lawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency that provides therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services to youth, families, and communities impacted by trauma.

Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon the principles of the Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) model and the core values of Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. Together, these principles are embedded throughout our trauma-informed philosophy and guide how we serve youth and families, support one another as colleagues, and partner with our community.

Our Child & Family Treatment Center (CFTC) is a 24-hour residential treatment program serving DCFS- and ISBE-referred youth ages 8-18 who are experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges. Through individualized treatment plans and trauma-informed care, we help youth heal from abuse, neglect, and trauma while building the skills and resilience needed to thrive.

About the Role

As a Youth Treatment Specialist, you will serve as a consistent and supportive presence in the daily lives of youth receiving residential treatment services. You will help create a safe, structured environment while mentoring youth, teaching life skills, and supporting treatment goals through positive relationships and trauma-informed interventions.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is compassionate, dependable, and committed to helping youth overcome challenges, build healthy relationships, and successfully transition back to their families and communities.

What You'll Do

• Provide direct supervision and maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment for youth in residential treatment.
• Implement individualized treatment plans and support youth in developing emotional regulation, life skills, and healthy coping strategies.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational, recreational, and life skills programming.
• Model positive communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
• Support youth with daily routines, transportation, appointments, meals, hygiene, and recreational activities.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation to ensure compliance with Medicaid, licensing, and agency requirements.

Who We're Looking For

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Zero to one year of related experience.
• Valid Illinois driver's license.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and drug screenings.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree or five years of experience working with youth in residential treatment, behavioral health, child welfare, or related settings.
• Experience working with youth and families impacted by trauma.
• Knowledge of adolescent development and trauma-informed practices.
• Experience facilitating youth groups or life skills programming.

Position Requirements & Work Environment

• Work Location: Child & Family Treatment Center (CFTC), 4833 N. Francisco Ave., Chicago, IL 60625.

• Schedule: Full-time onsite position with the following shift options:

• Shift 1: Wednesday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM | Thursday 1:00 PM-11:00 PM | Friday 1:00 PM-11:00 PM | Sunday 9:00 AM-11:00 PM

• Shift 2: Monday 3:00 PM-11:00 PM | Tuesday 4:00 PM-11:00 PM | Wednesday 11:00 AM-10:00 PM | Saturday 9:00 AM-11:00 PM

• Shift 3: Monday 1:00 PM-9:00 PM | Tuesday 1:00 PM-9:00 PM | Wednesday 11:00 AM-9:00 PM | Saturday 9:00 AM-11:00 PM

• Travel/Driving: Must be able to transport youth to school, appointments, and community activities.

• Physical Requirements: Ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance, safely intervene during crises, and actively supervise youth throughout the shift.

• Work Environment: Residential treatment setting serving youth with emotional, behavioral, and trauma-related challenges.

• Other Position Requirements: Must obtain and maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), CPR, and First Aid certifications and safely utilize verbal and physical intervention techniques when necessary.

Compensation and Benefits

We care about the well-being of our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Hourly Rate: $20.10-$23.00 per hour. Compensation is based on a set hourly rate and may vary based on education and experience.
• Overtime opportunities available.
• Average of 17-25 days PTO + 9 holidays.
• Medical insurance (HMO and PPO options).
• Dental insurance (HMO and PPO options).
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) with up to 5% employer match and auto-vesting.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical and Dependent Care.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits for parking and transit.
• 100% employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Voluntary Life Insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
• 100% employer-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and life resources.
• Wellness Reimbursement Program.
• Employee Referral Bonus up to $1,500.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensed employees.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

How to Apply

Submit your application here.

We look forward to learning more about you!

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Non-Exempt.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

Following job offer acceptance, all new hires are required to complete a background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Individuals who have lived outside of Illinois may also be subject to out-of-state checks, which can take up to eight weeks to process. While these checks are pending, candidates should continue completing all other pre-boarding requirements. Employment may begin once all pre-boarding steps are complete and DCFS clearance has been received.

Following job offer acceptance, all new hires are required to complete a background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Individuals who have lived outside of Illinois may also be subject to out-of-state checks, which can take up to eight weeks to process. While these checks are pending, candidates should continue completing all other pre-boarding requirements. Employment may begin once all pre-boarding steps are complete and DCFS clearance has been received.