Residential Unit Coordinator

Lawrence Hall; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Wellness Reimbursement

Paid time off 17-25 days + 9 holidays

Job summary

Lawrence Hall in Chicago seeks a Residential Youth Unit Coordinator to lead a trauma-informed youth services unit at the Child and Family Treatment Center. You will supervise staff, coordinate treatment plans, and ensure a safe, structured milieu where youth can grow and thrive.

The role requires hands-on leadership, crisis-management skills, and strong communication. Competitive benefits and a full-time on-site schedule are offered at the Francisco campus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED with five years of related experience, or Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field.
• 1+ year hands-on experience working directly with youth ages 8–18 with trauma, behavioral health, or developmental challenges.
• Crisis management and de-escalation techniques with a therapeutic mindset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee unit operations, including staff supervision, treatment coordination, budgets, and supplies.
• Ensure treatment plans are implemented effectively and consistently with trauma-informed approaches.
• Translate treatment plans into daily routines and staff interactions.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and situational judgment during high-stress situations balancing safety and compliance.
• Coach and mentor staff through supervision and feedback.
• Monitor safety protocols, conduct unit rounds, and respond to crises as needed.
• Build trusting relationships with youth, staff, families, and external partners with cultural competence.
• Participate in hiring, staff evaluations, and quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Staff supervision

Leadership

Crisis management

Trauma-informed care

Communication

Organizational skills

Advocacy/empowerment mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

High School Diploma/GED

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 neighborhoods affected by lasting trauma.

Our Child and Family Treatment Center (CFTC) is a 24-hour residential treatment center that provides compassionate care and individualized treatment plans for young people experiencing emotional challenges and complex trauma. We take a family-focused, outcomes-driven approach that helps them find emotional balance, develop coping skills and learn how to form healthy relationships. After joining the program, over 86% of kids are able to successfully return to their families or find new homes to thrive in.

About the Role

Lead a team and shape the daily experience of youth in a trauma-informed environment. As a Residential Youth Unit Coordinator, you'll oversee the day-to-day operations of a unit in the CFTC, ensuring that youth receive high-quality, individualized care. You'll supervise staff, coordinate treatment plans, and maintain a safe, supportive, and structured milieu where youth can grow, learn, and thrive. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys hands-on leadership, mentoring and coaching staff, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Oversee unit operations, including staff supervision, treatment coordination, budgets, and supplies.
• Ensure treatment plans are implemented effectively and consistently, using trauma-informed, youth-centered approaches.
• Ensure youth treatment plans are effectively translated into daily routines and staff interactions.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and situational judgment during high-stress or ambiguous situations, balancing youth safety, staff support, and compliance standards.
• Coach and mentor staff in real-time and through formal supervision, providing guidance, corrective feedback, and reflective support.
• Monitor safety protocols, conduct unit rounds, and respond to crises as needed.
• Build trusting relationships with youth, staff, families, and external partners, demonstrating cultural competence, including support for LGBTQ+ youth and staff.
• Participate in hiring, staff evaluations, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance program outcomes.

Who we're looking for

• At least 25 years of age
• Valid Illinois driver's license
• High School Diploma/GED with five (5) years of related experience, or Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field
• 1+ year of hands-on experience working directly with youth ages 8–18 with trauma, behavioral health, or developmental challenges (experience beyond general childcare/daycare).
• Comfort and knowledge of crisis management and de-escalation techniques with a therapeutic mindset
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• Demonstrates proactive ownership, positive/optimistic attitude, self-awareness, and advocacy/empowerment mindset.

Additional Information

This is a full-time on-site role at our Child and Family Treatment Center, based out of our Francisco campus at 4833 N Francisco Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 for the 2nd shift: 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m., five days per week, including weekends. Flexibility required to maintain youth safety, staff coverage, and on-call availability.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

We care about the well-being of our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Salary: Hourly rate of $21.54-$24/hour, based on experience.
• Overtime opportunities available
• 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) - 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 (CEU) 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.