LGBTQ Life Skills Educator (Lakewood)

LGBTQ Life Skills Educator – Lakewood Who We Are

Lawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency providing therapeutic, wellness, and skill-development services to youth, families, and communities affected 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 Lakewood Group Home provides an affirming, structured, and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 14–17. Our team helps young people build life skills, manage emotions, develop healthy relationships, and feel safe being themselves.

 About the Role

As an LGBTQ Life Skills Educator, you will provide direct care, supervision, and trauma-informed support to six LGBTQIA+ youth living in the Lakewood Group Home. You will serve as a positive role model while helping youth develop independent-living skills, connect with supportive resources, and work toward their treatment goals.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about affirming LGBTQIA+ youth and creating a safe, welcoming environment where every young person can thrive.

 What You'll Do

• Provide direct supervision, trauma-informed support, and a safe, affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ youth.

• Teach life skills such as cooking, nutrition, shopping, cleaning, self-care, emotional regulation, and healthy relationship-building.

• Facilitate groups, document services, transport youth, and collaborate with families, team members, and community partners.

 Who We're Looking For

Required:

• Must be at least 21 years old with an associate degree or at least 60 college credit hours in Human Services or a related field.

• Candidates without an associate degree or 60 college credit hours must be at least 25 years old.

• Valid Illinois driver's license.

• Ability to pass all required background checks and drug screenings.

• No history of child abuse or neglect.

Preferred:

• At least one year of experience working with older youth in a child welfare or residential setting.

• Experience supporting LGBTQIA+ youth as an ally or through lived experience.

• Familiarity with DCFS policies, trauma-informed care, and community-based support systems.

LGBTQIA+ applicants and individuals with relevant lived experience are encouraged to apply.

 Position Requirements & Work Environment

This is a full-time, onsite position located in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. Flexible availability, including weekends and holidays, is required.

The role includes transporting youth in agency vehicles, regularly navigating two to four flights of stairs, lifting up to 50 pounds, and using verbal or protective interventions when necessary. Training and ongoing certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention will be provided.

 Compensation, Benefits & Perks

Compensation is determined by a base salary for each position, with additional compensation considered based on relevant education and experience

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, based on experience

• Average of 17–25 days PTO plus 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 online 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.

 

 

CLASSIFICATION

• Time Off Schedule: Schedule B
• Department: Affirming Care
• Reports To: LGBTQ Site Coordinator
• FLSA 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.