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Life Skills Educator

Lawrence Hall

Chicago (IL)

On-site

USD 55,000 - 85,000

Full time

12 days ago

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Job summary

An established community-based organization seeks a dedicated LGBTQ Life Skills Educator to empower young individuals through essential life skills training. This role focuses on fostering independence and self-sufficiency in LGBTQ youth, ensuring they acquire vital household management, self-care, and time management skills. The ideal candidate will thrive in a culturally diverse environment, embodying core values of respect, empowerment, safety, and teamwork. Join a team committed to healing and support, making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people navigating their paths to success.

Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) with Employer Match

Paid Time Off

Wellness Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Assistance

Commuter Benefits

Life Insurance

Referral Program

Qualifications

Experience working with youth in a child welfare setting.
Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Provide life skills training to LGBTQ youth aged 17 ½ to 20.
Document client behaviors and actions using a computer.
Transport clients to community resources and schools.

Skills

Client Behavior Management

Communication Skills

Cultural Sensitivity

Time Management

Life Skills Training

Education

Bachelor's Degree Preferred

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Basic Computer Skills

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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:

Home Management - instructs clients in basic household management - how to clean, proper nutrition, shopping, meal planning and cooking.
Self Care - Help clients improve self-image by teaching appropriate skills related to grooming, dress habits and social skills.
Time Management - Help clients organize and develop a routine - facilitate completion of daily responsibilities.
Participate in staffing with team and clients for assessment, treatment planning and review.
Transport clients in agency vehicle to various community resources, schools, etc.
Participates in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities as assigned.
Ability to work effectively with clients and staff in a culturally diverse environment
Other duties as assigned that support clients, teams and LHYS services.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires the ability to perform keen observation of clients by seeing, hearing an verbally communicating with coworkers and clients.
Must be able to walk up and down between two to four flights of stairs without assistance several times during the course of an 8-hour shift.
Lifting maximum of 50lbs.
Assist in client moves.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Client Behavior Management
Awareness and understanding of a client's reactions
Understands client's mental health needs
Setting boundaries and using fair, consistent, and clear expectations
Sensitivity, awareness, and understanding of client's needs, problems, interests, skills, deficiencies, and idiosyncrasies
Observe, understand, and use group dynamics
Handle disruptive behaviors in a calm, professional manner
Utilize TCI de-escalation techniques when client becomes escalated
Follow the site schedule
Imagine how an action will affect the future of a situation
Recognize and react to various situations quickly and respond accordingly
Help clients become aware of their behavior
Client Relationship Building
Give full attention and understanding to points being made by clients; asks questions when appropriate and does not interrupt
Creates engaging activities for the clients to participate in and develop relationships
Serve as an effective role model
Use trustworthy, supportive, and child focused techniques
Teach and model the adult role such as honesty, individual initiative, integrity, responsibility, respect for others, respect for property, and respect of authority
Teach and model courtesy, manners, public behavior, meeting people, and reliability in school an job situations
Respect and work effectively with individuals of diverse culture, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds
Site Activities
Develops team building activities
Documents all services
Facilitates community support services
Communication and Documentation
Records daily documentation of clients behaviors and actions
Talk to clients and co-workers to convey information so that others understand
Write clearly and succinctly to ensure the appropriate message is conveyed
Communicate pertinent information, such as crisis and safety issues
Consistently sign in and out of communication and vehicle logs
Follow up when information is unclear; ask questions
Complete all required paperwork accurately and on time
Effectively utilize agency provided computer to record client documentation

Professional Development

Strive to learn new skills and improve current skill set through participation in in-service training and seminars
Assess performance of self to identify areas of improvement or corrective action
Recognize own strengths and weaknesses to identify individual development and career plans
Utilize supervision as an opportunity for growth and development; implement feedback and direction from supervisor
Willingly accept new challenges and adapt to change
Proactively seek out additional tasks and responsibilities to complete
Team Work
Read client and staff logs and checks schedule prior to starting shift
Communicate verbally with staff about previous shift
Support and assist team members in crisis situations and participate in TCI
Attend scheduled team meetings
Take initiative to suggest program improvements
Leaves unit in ratio
Professionalism and Work Conduct
Follow policies and procedures to maintain order, including agency's Code of Ethics and Staff Behavior Guidelines
Effectively manage own time to get work documentation and job responsibilities completed
Take responsibility for one's actions, job performance, team dynamics, and client interactions
Report to work, meetings and activities prepared and on time
Accept responsibility for agency property and equipment, such as vehicle use

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Individuals most likely to succeed in this position generally possess the following personal characteristics:
Commitment to complete tasks correctly and on time
Strong sense of duty
Act in accordance with rules, laws, policies, and procedures and expects others to do the same
Commitment to obligations
Somewhat faster than average pace
Steady persistence in a course of action
Task-oriented
High standards of quality and accuracy
Strong follow-through
Lead by example
QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be at least 25 years of age
Bachelor degree preferred or High School diploma or equivalent and 5 years related experience
At least one (1) year experience working with older youth in a child welfare setting
Knowledge of word processing and basic computer functions; intermediate to advanced level of computer skills required
Maintenance of a valid Illinois driver's license and DCFS approval status with no suspensions in effect in the previous three (3) years prior to hire
No history of child abuse or neglect
Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to resident behavior problems that may include physical acting out and requires safe physical management skills
Exposure to residents with complex mental health issues and/or disorders
Exposure to youths with various states of cleanliness and hygiene
There are overnight positions, evening positions and day position at various locations.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Seniority level

Seniority level
Entry level

Employment type

Employment type
Full-time

Job function

Job function
Education and Training
Industries
Individual and Family Services

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Chicago, IL $55,000.00-$85,000.00 11 months ago