LGBTQ Life Skills Educator (Lakewood)

About Lawrence Hall

Lawrence 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.

About the Role

As a LGBTQ Life Skills Educator, you'll provide individual and group life skills training for LGBTQ youth ages 17½-20 in our Transitional/Independent Living program. You will teach independent living, self-care, time management, and social skills, while fostering a supportive, affirming environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver individual and group life skills instruction (home management, self-care, time management)
• Facilitate psychoeducation and life skills groups
• Develop team-building activities and community linkages
• Observe, document, and report behaviors and progress
• Support youth in accessing community resources and education
• Model trauma-informed care and positive youth development principles
• Transport youth in agency vehicles as needed
• Participate in staffing, treatment planning, and quality improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum 21 years old (25 if no Associate's Degree or 60 college credits)
• Associate's degree or 60+ college credits in Human Services or related field
• At least 1 year working with older youth in child welfare or residential settings
• Experience supporting LGBTQ+ youth preferred
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, adolescent development, and strength-based approaches
• Valid Illinois driver's license and ability to pass background/drug screenings
• Computer proficiency for documentation

Work Schedule & Additional Information

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.

Potential shifts include: 7am - 3pm, 3pm -11pm, and 11pm - 7am.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

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: $19.62-22.00/hour, based on experience.
• 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) - Medical and Dependent Care
• Pre-tax Commuter benefits - 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.

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.

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.