Recreation Specialist

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 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.

Our Creative Therapies team uses recreation, expressive therapies, and healing-centered approaches to support the emotional, social, developmental, and behavioral growth of youth. Through structured programming, community engagement, and therapeutic activities, we help young people build resilience, strengthen relationships, and develop lifelong wellness skills.

About the Role

As a Recreation Specialist, you will provide trauma-informed therapeutic recreation services to youth ages 6-21, helping them develop social, emotional, physical, and life skills through engaging recreational activities and community experiences. This role includes conducting assessments, facilitating individual and group recreation programming, coaching sports, and connecting youth to community-based recreational opportunities.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is energetic, relationship-focused, and passionate about using recreation and wellness as tools for healing, growth, and recovery.

What You'll Do

• Conduct therapeutic recreation assessments and develop recreation interventions that support youth developmental, emotional, and clinical goals.
• Facilitate individual and group recreation programming, community events, and experiential activities using trauma-informed and healing-centered approaches.
• Coach sports and recreational activities while promoting teamwork, skill development, confidence, and healthy lifestyles.
• Connect youth with community recreation resources, programs, and opportunities that support long-term engagement and wellness.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including assessments, service notes, and Medicaid billing requirements, while participating in program planning and quality improvement initiatives.
• Build positive relationships with youth, families, caregivers, and team members while supporting a safe, respectful, and culturally responsive environment.

Who We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field.
• Valid Illinois driver's license, clean driving record, reliable transportation or access to a vehicle, and proof of automobile insurance.
• Ability to effectively utilize verbal and physical intervention skills with youth ages 6-21.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and drug screenings.
• No history of child abuse or neglect.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, SharePoint, Word, and Excel.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation with a specialization in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.
• Certifications in coaching, Water Safety Instruction, CPR, First Aid, or child care.
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and experience working with youth and families impacted by traumatic stress.
• Understanding of youth development, adolescent development, and Positive Youth Development approaches.
• Experience facilitating recreation, sports, wellness, or therapeutic programming for youth.

Position Requirements & Work Environment

• Work Location: Primarily onsite within Lawrence Hall programs and community-based recreation settings.
• Travel/Driving: Regular travel required for community activities, events, recreational outings, and program-related transportation needs.
• Schedule: Typically Monday-Friday during after-school hours and evenings, with occasional weekends and holidays based on program needs.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to actively engage in recreational activities; kneel, stand, walk, and move without assistance; and safely supervise youth in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Work Environment: Combination of indoor and outdoor recreation settings operating in various weather conditions.
• Other Position Requirements: Must complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and restraint training, maintain certification through required recertification processes, and effectively implement intervention strategies when necessary. Due to the nature of the work, exposure to secondary trauma and behavioral crises may occur.

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: $50,000-$55,000 annually. Compensation is based on a set salary rate and may vary based on 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) for Medical and Dependent Care.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits for 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 application 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.