LGBTQ Life Skills Educator (Lakewood)

Job Description

Job Description

About Lawrence HallLawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency that provides therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services to youth, families, and neighborhoods affected by lasting trauma. We foster healing and growth through empowerment, respect, safety, and teamwork. ROLE SUMMARY The LGBTQ Lakewood Life Skills Educator reports directly to the LGBTQ Lakewood Site Coordinator. Provide intensive individual and group services playing a critical role in supporting the safety, growth, and healing to 6 LGBTQ young people aged 14 to 17 years old at the assigned site. This position provides direct supervision, trauma-informed interventions, and daily care to youth in the Lakewood Group Home. Youth Treatment Specialists create a safe, supportive, and structured environment while serving as role models and helping youth develop life skills, manage emotions, and build healthy relationships. 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. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Provide direct line-of-sight supervision and promote safety within the residential unit.Implement trauma-informed interventions and individualized treatment plans.Utilize verbal and protective intervention skills consistent with Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training.Encourage and prompt youth in daily living activities, personal care, and positive social behaviors.Co-facilitate life skills and psychoeducational groups.Document services accurately and in compliance with Medicaid and agency standards.Drive youth in agency vehicle to school, appointments, and community activities.Uphold a homelike, supportive environment through shared housekeeping and unit responsibilities.Act as a positive role model and build trust-based, supportive relationships with youth.Collaborate with team members, families, and external partners to support treatment goals.Home Management - instructs basic household management - how to clean, proper nutrition, shopping, meal planning and cookingDevelops team building activitiesDocuments all services providedFacilitates community support servicesCreates an affirming and supportive culture within the homeSupport linkage to supportive community-based services for youthAbility to work effectively with program participants and family members, employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recoveryParticipate in staffing with team and young people for assessment, treatment planning and reviewParticipates in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities as assignedOther duties as assigned GENERAL EXPECTATIONS Collegiality required – employees must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively, foster positive relationships, and contribute to a respectful team environmentMaintain confidentiality to ensure a safe environment for all.Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, SharePoint, Word, Excel).Understand child and adolescent development, recognize trauma symptoms, and use healing-centered, trauma-informed strategies.Engage caregivers and families by collaboratively identifying strengths and challenges.Must use verbal and, if needed, protective interventions with youth aged 14-18. Must demonstrate proficiency in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), including protective interventions; maintains certification through required biannual recertification and consistently applies TCI principles in the workplace. POSITION REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT This role is located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago and requires flexible scheduling, including weekends and holidays. Responsibilities include transporting youth in agency vehicles to schools and community resources. Requires the physical ability to observe, hear, and communicate with youth; regularly navigate two to four flights of stairs during an 8-hour shift; lift up to 50 lbs; and assist with placement moves. Includes exposure to behavioral challenges requiring safe physical management, youth with complex mental health needs, and varying levels of cleanliness and hygiene. QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS Required:No less than 21 years of age with an Associate's Degree or at least 60 hours of college in Human Services, or a related field Will be at least 25 years of age if they do not have an Associate's Degree or have 60 hours of collegeValid Illinois Driver's license No history of child abuse or neglect Ability to pass background and drug screenPreferred:Experience in providing direct care to the LGBTQ+ population as an ally or lived experienceAt least one (1) year experience working with older youth in a child welfare setting Familiarity with DCFS policies and community-based support systems. An ideal candidate will be a member of the LGBTQIA+ community who can assist in affirming LGBTQIA+ youth and staff through effective role modeling and advocacy. We encourage individuals with lived experience to apply. CLASSIFICATION Time Off Schedule: Schedule BDepartment: Affirming CareReports To: LGBTQ Site Coordinator COMPENSATIONCompensation is determined by a base salary for each position, with additional compensation considered based on relevant education and experience Job descriptions are not intended and should not be construed to be all-inclusive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V Status: Non-Exempt 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.