Youth & Community Development Case Manager

Lawrence Hall; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Pre-tax Commuter benefits - Parking/Or

Parking/Transit

100% employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D

EAP for counseling

Job summary

Lawrence Hall is seeking a Youth & Community Development Case Manager in Chicago to mentor, advocate, and provide case management for at-risk youth aged 10-26, using trauma-informed, positive youth development approaches.

You will develop goal plans, connect participants to education, employment, and mental health resources, and coordinate services with schools, families, probation officers, and community partners in the Chicago area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in relevant field.
• Experience understanding challenges faced by youth exposed to violence and trauma.
• Knowledge of community resources, positive youth development, and trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities

• Provide mentorship, advocacy, and case management services to youth and young adults.
• Develop goal plans and connect participants to education, employment, mental health, and community resources.
• Facilitate individual and group sessions focused on wellness, leadership, life skills, and healthy decision-making.
• Support youth impacted by trauma, violence, substance use, and justice-system involvement.
• Conduct outreach, recruitment, and community engagement activities.
• Maintain case notes, attendance records, and service documentation.
• Collaborate with schools, families, probation officers, and partners to coordinate services.
• Assist with crisis intervention, de-escalation, and transportation as needed.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Flexibility

Background clearance

Driver clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Youth Development, or related field

HS Diploma/GED with relevant lived/professional experience in social justice or underserved communities

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

As a Youth & Community Development Case Manager, you'll provide mentorship, advocacy, and case management services to at-risk and justice-involved youth and young adults ages 10-26. Using a trauma-informed and positive youth development approach, you'll help participants overcome barriers, access resources, build life skills, and achieve personal, educational, and career goals. As a trusted mentor and advocate, you'll play a key role in supporting long-term wellness, stability, and positive outcomes.

What You'll Do

• Provide mentorship, advocacy, and case management services to youth and young adults.
• Develop goal plans and connect participants to educational, employment, mental health, and community resources.
• Facilitate individual and group sessions focused on wellness, leadership, life skills, and healthy decision-making.
• Support youth impacted by trauma, community violence, substance use, and justice-system involvement.
• Conduct outreach, recruitment, and community engagement activities.
• Maintain case notes, attendance records, and service documentation.
• Collaborate with schools, families, probation officers, and community partners to coordinate services.
• Assist with crisis intervention, de-escalation, and transportation for participants as needed.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Youth Development, or a related field; OR a High School Diploma/GED with relevant lived and/or professional experience related to social justice, the justice system, community-based services, or working within underserved communities.
• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges impacting youth exposed to community violence, justice-system involvement, poverty, trauma, and systemic inequities, and the ability to build trusting relationships that support positive youth development.
• Knowledge of or experience with community-based resources, positive youth development, violence prevention, substance abuse prevention, restorative practices, trauma-informed care, or related supportive services.
• Knowledge of case management strategies, including assessment, goal planning, resource coordination, referrals, and follow-up support.
• Ability to engage youth with empathy, accountability, patience, consistency, and cultural awareness.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to transport youth throughout the Chicago area required.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to work mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.
• Ability to pass background, driver clearance, and drug screen.

Position Requirements & Work Environment

The position is located in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago. Local travel throughout the Chicago area is required. The employee must have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and be willing to provide transportation assistance to youth when necessary.

This position requires flexibility and availability to work mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed. The role requires regular engagement with youth and families in community-based settings and participation in outreach activities, workshops, and community events.

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 range is $42,800 - $47,800/year. Compensation is based on a set base 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 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

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.