Therapist - Foster Care

Lawrence Hall; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Pre-tax Commuter benefits

EAP and life insurance

CEUs and loan forgiveness support

Job summary

Lawrence Hall in Chicago seeks a licensed clinical professional to provide emergency intervention, placement stabilization, and ongoing support during family crises and placement disruptions. You will collaborate with DCFS and community resources while maintaining flexibility in scheduling and documenting care.

This role requires a Master’s in Social Work or related field with LSW/LPC upon hire, plus current IL licensure within 3 months.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work or related field with LSW or LPC upon hire.
• Must be fully licensed within 3 months after hire.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s license and ability to pass background and drug screen.
• No history of child abuse or neglect.
• Preferred: LCSW or LCPC and knowledge of trauma in youth and families.

Responsibilities

• Carries a selected caseload of foster care youth and families using individual, group and family modalities.
• Knowledge of child development and trauma exposure, signs and symptoms.
• Facilitates clinical staffing meetings to provide treatment team consultation.
• Documents contact with youth and families per Medicaid Part 132, agency and DCFS standards.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, SharePoint, Word, Excel).

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work or related Human Service field

LSW or LPC license upon hire

LCSW or LCPC preferred

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 is committed to helping young people build resilience, strengthen connections, and achieve long-term success through trauma-informed, community-based support.

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.

About the Role

Reports directly to the Clinical Manager or designated supervisor. Provides emergency clinical intervention, placement stabilization and ongoing support during family crises and placement disruptions. Utilization of good verbal and written communication with employees, referring agencies, community resources and youth/families. Maintains flexibility to adjust work schedule according to the needs of the program.

What You’ll Do

• Carries a selected caseload of foster care youth, biological families involved with DCFS and families as assigned, focusing on the use of individual, group and family treatment modalities
• Requires knowledge of typical child and adolescent development and an understanding of trauma exposure and traumatic stress signs and symptoms.
• Facilitates clinical staffing meetings to provide consultation for treatment team members
• Documents contact with youth and families (clinical documentation requirements) according to Medicaid Part 132, agency, and DCFS standards
• Other duties as assigned
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, SharePoint, Word, Excel)

Position Requirements & Work Environment

This position is based out of our Stewart Campus (400 W. 76th Street, Chicago, IL 60620); however, it requires providing in-home therapy services and frequent travel throughout the Chicagoland area to meet with youth and their families in their homes and communities. This is not a traditional 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. role, and candidates must be willing to maintain a flexible schedule that accommodates the needs and availability of clients.

The role requires flexibility to adjust work schedules according to program needs, as well as participation in an on-call rotation to support cases in crisis. Provides individual, group, and family therapy as assigned, including in-home therapy, and transportation of youth using an agency or personal vehicle. Physical intervention skills require the ability to kneel and return to a standing position without assistance.

Who We’re Looking For

Required:

• Master’s degree in Social Work or related Human Service field with LSW or LPC* upon hire and one year of related experience.
  • *Must be fully licensed within 3 months after hire.
• Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
• Valid Illinois Driver’s license
• No history of child abuse or neglect
• Ability to pass background and drug screen

Preferred:

• LCSW or LCPC preferred and required upon eligibility
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strength-based approach

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:

• Salary: $57,550 - $62,550/year. Compensation is based on a set base salary rate plus additional compensation for 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) - 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 (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 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.