Workforce Development Supervisor

Lawrence Hall; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

401(k) with employer match

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Wellness Reimbursement

Job summary

Lawrence Hall is seeking a Workforce Development Supervisor to lead a team serving youth and families in Chicago. You will supervise staff, manage recruitment and employment placement, and ensure trauma-informed, outcome-driven service delivery.

Join a trauma-informed, community-based program with strong partnerships to expand educational and career opportunities for youth, while meeting funding and reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and five years of related experience.
• Minimum one year of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organization, and time management.
• Experience working with youth, families, employers, and community partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet Lawrence Hall driving requirements.
• Access to reliable transportation and proof of insurance.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background clearances, including DCFS requirements.
• No history of child abuse or neglect.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Workforce Development staff through regular supervision, performance feedback, training, and development.
• Oversee participant recruitment, assessment, career readiness programming, employment placement, retention, and education support.
• Build and maintain partnerships with employers, educational institutions, referral sources, and community organizations.
• Maintain program quality, compliance, documentation, reporting, and funding requirements.
• Promote trauma-informed practices, including 5 S's framework and fidelity to trauma-focused interventions.
• Conduct community-based engagement including home visits, worksite visits, and employer outreach.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Relationship building

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's Degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic documentation systems

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 CARE (Children and Residential Experiences) 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

The Workforce Development Supervisor leads a team of Workforce Development professionals who help youth build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to achieve educational and employment success. This position oversees workforce development services, supervises Case Workers and Employment Mentors, and ensures participants receive high-quality, trauma-informed support. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader, skilled relationship builder, and passionate advocate for youth development and career readiness.

What You'll Do

• Supervise, coach, and support Workforce Development staff through regular supervision, performance feedback, training, and professional development.
• Oversee participant recruitment, assessment, career readiness programming, employment placement, retention services, and educational support activities.
• Build and maintain partnerships with employers, educational institutions, referral sources, and community organizations to create opportunities for youth.
• Maintain program quality, compliance, documentation, reporting, and funding requirements while monitoring participant outcomes.
• Promote and model trauma-informed practices, including implementation of the 5 S's framework, therapeutic de-escalation strategies, and fidelity to trauma-focused interventions.
• Conduct community-based engagement including home visits, worksite visits, employer outreach, and participant support to ensure successful employment and educational outcomes.

Who We're Looking For

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent and five (5) years of experience in workforce development, youth services, human services, employment services, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum one (1) year of leadership, mentoring, training, or supervisory experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organization, documentation, and time management skills.
• Experience working with youth, families, employers, community partners, and referral sources.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to work effectively within a culturally diverse environment using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet Lawrence Hall driving requirements.
• Access to reliable transportation and proof of insurance.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background clearances, including DCFS requirements.
• No history of child abuse or neglect.

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Workforce Development, or a related field.
• Previous supervisory experience within workforce development, youth services, or human services programs.
• Experience working with youth impacted by trauma, traumatic stress, foster care involvement, or DCFS systems.
• Knowledge of adolescent development, positive youth development, and strength-based service models.
• Experience building employer partnerships, business relationships, or employment opportunities for youth.

Position Requirements & Work Environment

• Work Location: 71st Street Campus (South Shore) - 1818 E 71st St, Chicago, IL 60649, USA
• Travel/Driving: Frequent local travel required for participant recruitment, home visits, worksite visits, employer engagement, and community outreach. Personal vehicle use required.
• Schedule: Full-time position requiring flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed. Participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation is required.
• Physical Requirements: Requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, driving, and computer use. Ability to travel throughout the community regularly.
• Work Environment: Combination of office, community, employment sites, educational institutions, and participant homes.
• Other Position Requirements: Must maintain confidentiality, complete required training, comply with agency policies and funding requirements, and effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced 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:

• Salary: $70,300 - $75,300/year. Compensation is based on a set base [hourly or 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)
• 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.