Mental Health Professional

Safe Families; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A child service organization in Chicago seeks a Child Care Worker to facilitate group activities for youth aged 6-17. You will monitor clients’ safety, assist with education and homework, and provide informal counseling. Candidates must have relevant experience and a degree in human services or related fields. A valid Illinois driver’s license is preferred. This role requires teamwork, effective communication, and a commitment to nurturing youth in a structured living environment.

Qualifications

• Candidate must be at least 21 years old.
• Experience in mental health or human services preferred.
• Valid Illinois driver's license is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate group activities for youth aged 6-17.
• Monitor clients to ensure safety.
• Assist with homework and education support.
• Document mental health services provided.

Skills

Experience with at-risk youth

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services or similar

Job description

Responsibilities

The residential program at LYDIA services youth ages 6-17; many of whom are involved with the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS). The youth reside at LYDIA and are provided a structured living environment in addition to treatment that focuses on skill‑building, regulation, and the trauma/neglect they endured. The opening is for a child care worker to facilitate group activities for our youth. Role includes: enhancing clients’ daily living skills; monitoring clients at all times to ensure safety; participation in training; assisting clients in growing emotionally and socially through informal counseling and facilitating skill‑building groups; encouraging clients in education by monitoring and assisting with homework, teacher communication, school behavior, and special school activities; planning, supervising, and participating with clients in recreational activities; documenting mental health services provided.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements The Candidate must be at least 21 years old and must have either a Bachelor’s degree in human services, a Bachelors in any field with 2 year supervised human services experience or 5 years supervised experience in mental health or human services, valid Illinois driver’s license (preferred).

In addition, the candidate must have experience with at-risk/challenging youth; open to supervision and able to work as part of a team; role model appropriately; nurture, teach, and structure the daily living setting; and willing to support the mission of LYDIA