Residential Therapist

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
The Therapist provides individual, family, and group therapy services to youth and families receiving services through the Child and Family Treatment Center (CFTC). This role supports assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and ongoing clinical care while collaborating with multidisciplinary team members to help youth and families achieve positive outcomes. The ideal candidate is compassionate, organized, and committed to trauma-informed, healing-centered practices.

What You'll Do

• Provide individual, family, and group therapy services using trauma-informed and evidence-based treatment approaches.
• Complete assessments, develop and implement treatment plans, monitor client progress, and support discharge planning.
• Collaborate with treatment team members, caregivers, community partners, referral sources, and internal stakeholders to coordinate care.
• Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and required records in compliance with Medicaid, licensing, and agency standards.
• Provide crisis intervention services and participate in an on-call rotation to support youth and families as needed.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, clinical consultations, psychiatric hospitalizations, medication reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.

Who We're Looking For

Required:

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related human services field.
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) upon hire.
• Ability to obtain LCSW or LCPC licensure upon eligibility.
• Knowledge of clinical assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and behavioral health services.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with youth, families, community partners, and treatment team members.
• Valid Illinois driver's license.
• Personal vehicle or access to reliable transportation and proof of automobile insurance.
• No history of child abuse or neglect.
• Ability to pass background and drug screening.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of childhood trauma and experience working with youth and families impacted by trauma or traumatic stress.
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, and strength-based approaches.
• Experience providing therapy services within residential treatment, child welfare, behavioral health, or human services settings.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work Location: Child and Family Treatment Center (CFTC), with responsibilities occurring in office, residential, community, and home-based settings.
• Travel/Driving: Local travel required to serve youth and families, attend meetings, and access community resources. Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance required.
• Schedule: Full-time position requiring flexibility to meet program and client needs, including participation in an on-call rotation and occasional evening services.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to implement approved verbal and physical interventions, including kneeling and returning to a standing position without assistance.
• Work Environment: Office, residential, community, and home-based environments. Frequent interaction with youth, families, and community partners.
• Other Position Requirements: Frequent use of computers and electronic health record systems. Exposure to crisis situations and secondary trauma may occur. Successful completion of required background screening and ongoing training requirements.

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: Starting at $57,550/year. Compensation is based on a set 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

How to Apply
Submit your resume here. We look forward to learning more about you!

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.