Life Skills Educator

Lawrence Hall; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 56,236,000 - 63,039,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Job summary

Lawrence Hall, a Chicago-based nonprofit, seeks a Life Skills Educator to guide youth aged 17½–21 in daily living and independence. You will teach home management, self-care, and time management through mentorship and structured activities in residential and community settings.

Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, document progress, and contribute to treatment planning while modeling trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or 60 college credits in Human Services or related field, or five years of certified related experience.
• At least one year of experience working with older youth in child welfare, residential treatment, youth development, or related settings.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Strong verbal, written, organizational, and computer skills.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background checks and screenings.

Responsibilities

• Teach life management skills, including home management, nutrition, shopping, meal planning, and cooking.
• Support self-care development and communication, social skills, and confidence building.
• Help youth develop time management, routines, and personal responsibility.
• Transport youth to schools, appointments, and community resources.
• Participate in staffings, treatment planning meetings, and quality improvement activities.
• Document youth progress accurately and timely.
• Model trauma-informed care and strengths-based approaches.
• Foster an inclusive, culturally responsive environment with the interdisciplinary team.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Organizational skills

Computer skills

Driver’s license

Education

Associate’s degree or 60 college credits in Human Services or related field

Five years of certified experience in social work/youth services

Job description

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 communities impacted 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 Transitional and Independent Living (TIL/IL) Programs empower young adults ages 18-21 to successfully transition into adulthood by developing the skills necessary for independent living. Through a combination of supportive housing, life skills education, and individualized coaching, youth learn how to manage finances, maintain housing, build employment skills, and prepare for long-term success.

About the Role

As a Life Skills Educator, you will help youth ages 17½-21 develop the practical and interpersonal skills needed to live independently and confidently. Through instruction, mentorship, and daily support, you will teach life management skills while creating a safe, supportive, and affirming environment that promotes personal growth and self-sufficiency.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys teaching, mentoring, and empowering young adults as they prepare for the next stage of their lives.

What You'll Do

• Teach youth essential home management skills, including cleaning, nutrition, shopping, meal planning, and cooking.
• Support self-care development, including personal grooming, appropriate dress, communication, social skills, and confidence building.
• Help youth develop time management skills, healthy routines, and personal responsibility.
• Transport youth to schools, appointments, employment opportunities, and community resources.
• Participate in staffings, treatment planning meetings, and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Document youth progress, behaviors, and program participation accurately and timely.
• Model trauma-informed care, positive youth development, and strengths-based approaches.
• Foster an inclusive and culturally responsive environment while collaborating with interdisciplinary team members.

Who We're Looking For

Required

• Must be at least 21 years old with an Associate's degree or a minimum of 60 college credit hours in Human Services or a related field; OR
• Must be at least 25 years old with five years of certified experience in social work, youth services, child welfare, or a related human services field.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with older youth in child welfare, residential treatment, youth development, or related settings.
• Valid Illinois driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Strong verbal, written, organizational, and computer skills.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background checks and screenings.

Preferred

• Experience working with transition-aged youth.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and Positive Youth Development practices.
• Experience teaching independent living and life skills programming.
• Experience working in child welfare, foster care, or residential treatment programs.

Position Requirements & Work Environment

• Schedule: Evening shift, typically 3:00 PM-11:00 PM.
• Work Hours: Weekend, holiday, and flexible scheduling required to meet program needs.
• Work Environment: Residential and community-based setting serving older youth and young adults preparing for independent living.
• Travel/Driving: Must be able to safely transport youth to appointments, employment opportunities, schools, and community resources.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to walk stairs, lift up to 50 pounds, assist with client moves and interventions, and maintain constant awareness of youth activities and safety.
• Other Position Requirements: Must be able to respond appropriately to crisis situations and support youth in a structured residential environment.

Compensation and Benefits

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 per hour. Compensation is based on a set hourly rate and may vary based on education and 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) for Medical and Dependent Care.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits for 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.

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.

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.