Juvenile Justice 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 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 Juvenile Justice Specialist supports youth involved in the juvenile justice system through transportation services, restorative justice programming, social/emotional learning, and individualized support planning. This role works closely with participants, families, schools, courts, and community partners to help youth build skills, achieve personal goals, and successfully engage in their communities. The ideal candidate is relationship-focused, adaptable, and passionate about supporting positive outcomes for justice-involved youth.

What You'll Do

• Transport youth safely to appointments, educational activities, court hearings, and community-based programs.
• Facilitate restorative justice, life skills, and social/emotional learning groups using trauma-informed and healing-centered approaches.
• Develop and monitor Individual Achievement Plans that support educational, employment, and personal development goals.
• Connect youth and families with community resources and coordinate referrals to ensure access to appropriate supports and services.
• Collaborate with schools, courts, service providers, and community partners to provide comprehensive wraparound services.
• Maintain timely and accurate program documentation, participant records, and compliance reporting requirements.

Who We're Looking For

Required:

• High School Diploma and a minimum of three (3) years of related experience supporting youth, families, or community-based programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to facilitate groups and engage youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Valid driver's license issued in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin.
• No driving suspensions within the past three (3) years.
• No more than one moving violation within a twelve (12) month period.
• Ability to safely transport participants in personal or company vehicles without barriers.
• Access to a reliable personal vehicle for youth transportation.
• Valid auto insurance in your name with minimum liability limits of $25,000/$50,000/$20,000.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including mornings, evenings, and weekends as program needs require.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain documentation, manage multiple priorities, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• No history of child abuse or neglect.
• Ability to successfully pass required background checks and drug screening.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of childhood trauma and experience utilizing trauma-informed care practices.
• Experience working with justice-involved youth and families.
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, and strength-based approaches.
• Experience facilitating educational, life skills, restorative justice, or social/emotional learning groups.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work Location: Fully onsite at Lawrence Hall's 71st Street Campus in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood.
• Travel/Driving: Frequent local travel throughout the Chicago metropolitan area to transport youth and attend appointments, court hearings, community activities, and other program-related functions.
• Schedule: Full-time position requiring flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and other hours as assigned to meet program needs.
• Work Environment: Work is performed in office, community, school, court, and recreational settings and may occur indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Other Position Requirements: Must complete and maintain required training, certifications, background checks, and other agency requirements. Regular use of computers, mobile technology, and electronic documentation systems is required.

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 $20.10 per hour. Compensation is based on a set base hourly 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 Non-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.