LGBTQ Life Skills Educator - Overnight

Lawrence Hall; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established community-based organization is seeking a passionate LGBTQ Life Skills Educator to empower young individuals aged 17½ to 20. This role involves providing essential life skills training, fostering a supportive environment, and engaging with families to promote healing and recovery. With a commitment to trauma-informed care, the organization values respect, empowerment, safety, and teamwork. Join a dedicated team that supports the growth and development of youth in Chicago, making a meaningful impact in their lives while enjoying comprehensive benefits and a collaborative work culture.

Benefits

17-25 days of PTO

Comprehensive health insurance

Wellness reimbursement

401(k) with employer match

Supplemental insurance options

Life insurance

Commuter benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Employee referral program

Tuition and loan assistance

Qualifications

• Experience working with older youth in a child welfare setting.
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and experience with trauma-exposed youth.

Responsibilities

• Provide life skills training to LGBTQ youth aged 17½ to 20.
• Document behaviors and actions using computer systems.
• Facilitate community support services and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Knowledge of child and adolescent development

Understanding of trauma exposure

Active and reflective listening skills

Basic household management

Self-care skills

Time management

Team building

Community support facilitation

Education

Associate's Degree in Human Services or related field

60 hours of college education

Tools

Word processing software

Basic computer functions

Job description

1 month ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

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-Child and Family Treatment Center, Therapeutic Day School, Creative Therapies, Foster Care, Transitional/Independent Living Program, Workforce Development, and Community Wellness-have met the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community based, but also by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicago's communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The LGBTQ Life Skills Educator reports directly to the LGBTQ Site Coordinator. Provide intensive individual and group life skills training to 5+ LGBTQ young people aged 17 ½ to 20 years old at the assigned site. Teach basic independent living skills to young people in order for them to be successful after discharge from the program. 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. Documentation of behaviors and actions using the computer. The position requires the flexibility to adjust hours in order to provide coverage at the site in the absence of other employees as needed. Weekend and holiday hours included.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Requires knowledge of typical child and adolescent development and an understanding of trauma exposure and traumatic stress signs and symptoms.
• Practice will include using strategies that support healing, recovery, and that resist re-traumatization
• Engage caregivers, parents, family members and others by sharing strengths and challenges experienced by program participants
• Home Management - instructs basic household management - how to clean, proper nutrition, shopping, meal planning and cooking
• Self-Care - teaching appropriate skills related to grooming, dress habits and social skills
• Time Management - Help young people organize and develop a routine - facilitate completion of daily responsibilities
• Develops team building activities
• Documents all services provided
• Facilitates community support services
• Creates an affirming and supportive culture within the home
• Support linkage to supportive community based services for youth
• Uses 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 staffing with team and young people for assessment, treatment planning and review
• Transport young people in agency vehicle to various community resources, schools, etc
• Participates in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to perform keen observation of young people by seeing, hearing and verbally communicating
• Ability to walk up and down between two to four flights of stairs without assistance several times during the course of an 8-hour shift
• Ability to lift a maximum of 50lbs
• Assist in placement moves

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 college
• At least one (1) year experience working with older youth in a child welfare setting Preferred Experience in providing direct care to the LGBTQ+ population as an ally or lived experience
• Knowledge of word processing and basic computer functions; intermediate to advanced level of computer skills required
• 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, positive youth development/strength based approach preferred
• 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.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Non-Exempt.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Education and Training

• Industries

  Individual and Family Services

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Lawrence Hall by 2x

Math Teacher - Leave Position for Fall Semester 2025

Elementary Teacher, Grade 5, 1 Year Temporary

DEAN of School Culture - Rowe Elementary School 24/25 SY

Adjunct Instructor - National College of Education - General Posting

Adult Educator - English as a Second Language (ESL)

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.