Employment Specialist

WHO WE ARE:

Annually serving over 1,400 youth and families, Lawrence Hall is a community-based organization committed to helping Chicago's youth, families, and communities heal from the adverse effects of childhood trauma. For more than 150 years, Lawrence Hall has been delivering high-quality care throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and is a statewide leader in highly effective, evidence-based, and innovative therapeutic treatment. Their core programs include Child and Family Treatment Center, Therapeutic Day School, Creative Therapies, Foster Care, Transitional/Independent Living Program, Workforce Development, and Community Wellness, which have met the changing and complex needs of youth and families by becoming more community-based and developing preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicago's communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Employment Specialist reports to the Lead Employment Specialist and is responsible for developing subsidized and competitive (unsubsidized) employment opportunities with prospective employers. Upon completion of the curriculum, the Employment Specialist coordinates referrals to employment and provides follow-up and aftercare services. Effective use of verbal and written communication skills, along with crisis intervention techniques (both verbal and physical), is required. The use of physical intervention requires the ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance. Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon four core values: Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. These values are deeply embedded within our organization's philosophy of trauma-informed care and directly influence every position. The Employment Specialist must have the flexibility to adjust their work schedule to the needs of the program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify, develop, and maintain high-level employer relationships with business owners, general managers, regional managers, and human resources personnel for subsidized employment placements and competitive employment opportunities.
• Manage employer relationships to promote retention of youth and creation of new employment opportunities.
• Assist participants with self-directed placement activities to secure competitive employment.
• Assist participants in securing employment opportunities in industries of interest or skill level and fields of high growth.
• Utilize current resources and develop new resources for assisting participants in obtaining full and part-time, subsidized and competitive work experiences.
• Requires knowledge of typical child and adolescent development and an understanding of trauma exposure and traumatic stress signs and symptoms.
• Practice strategies that support healing, recovery, and resist re-traumatization.
• Engage caregivers, parents, family members, and others by sharing strengths and challenges experienced by program participants.
• Keep abreast of current and future job market trends, utilizing information for workforce development guidance and to provide job placements in high-demand areas.
• Establish a job bank specific to youth employment opportunities.
• Cultivate employment opportunities for program participants through research, networking, outreach, and job placement development.
• Work with the Lead Employment Specialist and the Development Department to create marketing material for employer recruitment, including written material and social media.
• Prepare and communicate job requirements and employer interest to carefully match program participants.
• Serve as the primary contact person to employers and maintain a database of communications with current and potential employers.
• Document employer contacts and job placement outcomes.
• Monitor youth performance and participation.
• Deliver follow-up services to placed participants.
• Participate in program evaluation as required.
• Provide ongoing employment services including job searches, submission of applications and resumes, and coordinating interviews.
• Create a quarterly job placement newsletter.
• Facilitate access to online job searching, job bank, and other technological assistance as needed.
• Attend all team meetings and in-service training as required.
• Use active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect.
• Understand that behaviors, responses, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences.
• Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment.
• Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma-informed in a twelve-month period.
• Ability to work effectively with program participants and family members, employees, and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery.
• Participate in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities as assigned.
• Maintain a professional standard when representing the agency or youth.
• Engage in continuing education and professional development in an effort to provide best practice.
• Assist in transportation of youth to interviews and work as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field (social work, psychology, counseling) or human resources and related experience preferred, or High School Diploma/equivalent with 3 years of related job development experience. Strong sales ability required.
• Must be highly organized, detail-focused, have excellent time management, and possess strong computer skills.
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred.
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, and positive youth development/strength-based approach preferred.
• Personal vehicle or access to a vehicle and proof of insurance required.
• Valid Illinois Driver's license required.
• No history of child abuse or neglect.
• Ability to pass background and drug screen.

Benefits and Perks that Support You:

• Time Off Benefits (PTO): Employees receive an average of 17-25 days of PTO, including vacation, paid leave, and sick time, in addition to 9 paid holidays.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans are available for employees, spouses/domestic partners, and child dependents.
• Wellness Reimbursement: Employees can receive up to $20 per month towards wellness-related subscriptions/memberships.
• Retirement Savings: Our 401(k) plan includes a 100% employer match on contributions up to 3% after one year of service.
• Supplemental Insurance: Coverage options include Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability for employees and their families.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Full-time employees receive term life insurance equal to twice their salary at no cost.
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax options are available to help cover parking and transit expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A free and confidential resource providing support for personal and work-related challenges.
• Employee Referral Program: Employees can earn up to $1,500 for referring successful candidates.
• Tuition & Loan Assistance: Lawrence Hall is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

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.

Position meets the FLSA requirement for Exempt.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V