Youth and Milieu Stabilization Specialist

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 neighborhoods affected by lasting trauma.

Our Therapeutic Day School serves CPS-referred youth ages 5-22 with emotional, intellectual, or learning challenges. We provide personalized, IEP-driven instruction paired with therapeutic arts to promote skill mastery and engagement. With a 90%+ graduation rate and multiple awards, we prepare students for academic and career success.

About the Role

We are seeking a Youth and Milieu Stabilization Specialist to support youth in our Therapeutic Day School (TDS) and Child and Family Treatment Center (CFTC). This role helps create a safe, healing, and restorative environment for youth by supporting classroom and residential teams, responding to crisis situations, and coaching staff in trauma-informed de-escalation strategies.

The specialist plays a key role in preventing crises, helping youth return safely to baseline, and promoting restorative practices that build coping skills and resilience.

What You'll Do

• Respond to youth crises and support stabilization efforts

• Provide immediate support to school and milieu staff when youth are in crisis and help youth return safely to baseline.

• Create a therapeutic and restorative environment

• Work collaboratively with school and residential teams to build a healing-centered milieu and classroom culture.

• Coach staff in trauma-informed de-escalation

• Model effective TCI skills, support peers in avoiding conflict cycles, and reinforce restorative justice practices.

• Support student treatment and education goals

• Assist with implementation of IEPs and treatment plans and participate in treatment team meetings.

• Document services and quality improvement activities

• Complete timely documentation, review incident reports, conduct debriefings, and help identify opportunities for improvement.

• Provide additional program support

• Assist with ratio coverage, youth transportation, and community shadowing as needed.

Who we're looking for

Required:

• Bachelor's degree preferred and two years of experience working with youth in a therapeutic day school or residential treatment setting; or High School Diploma/GED and at least three years of relevant experience.
• Current Para Professional License from the Illinois State Board of Education
• Strong mediation, conflict management, and restorative justice skills.
• Ability to work effectively with youth, families, and colleagues in a diverse environment.
• Valid Illinois driver's license, access to a vehicle, and proof of insurance.
• Ability to use verbal interventions and, when necessary, physical restraint with youth ages 6-
• No history of child abuse or neglect.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of childhood trauma and trauma-informed care.
• Experience working with youth and families affected by traumatic stress.
• Understanding of youth development and strengths-based approaches

Additional Information

This full-time, on-site position is located at our Therapeutic Day School at 4833 N Francisco Ave, Monday to Friday, typical school hours with flexibility for meetings and professional development. Occasional local travel may be required for educational or professional purposes.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $41,800-$45,000/year, based on experience.
• Average of 17-25 days of 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 resume 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 Exempt

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V