Juvenile Justice Advocate

WHO WE ARE:

Annually serving over 1400 youth and families Lawrence Hall is a community-based organization committed to helping Chicagos youth families and communities heal from the adverse effects of childhood trauma. For more than 150 years Lawrence Hall has been delivering high-quality care throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and is a statewide leader in highly effective evidence-based and innovative therapeutic treatment. Their core programs-Child and Family Treatment Center Therapeutic Day School Creative Therapies Foster Care Transitional/Independent Living Program Workforce Development and Community Wellness-have met the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community based but also by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicagos communities.

Under the direct supervision of the Youth and Community Engagement Supervisor. Responsible for youth transportation meal preparation restorative justice implementation and structured recreation and facilitation of social/emotional education groups. Youth Specialist will assist youth in creating individual development plans to support progress in education life skills and employment areas. Responsible for continuous training in best practice. Requires knowledge of trauma exposure knowledge of the 5 S of trauma: Safety Self-Regulation/Soothing Supportive Strengths Self-Care and an understanding of and recognition of the signs of traumatic stress. Frequent utilization of agency vehicle for transport of youth multiple times a day. Effective use of verbal and written communications skills. Mentor must have the flexibility to adjust work schedule to the needs of the program. Ability to work mornings evenings and weekends as scheduled.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Transport youth to and from the Reporting Center or other required appointments on a daily basis
• Represent the youth and agency to external stakeholders with professionalism
• Provide line-of-site supervision for all youth in the program during all program hours
• Provide Introduction and Orientation to new participants
• Develop coordinate and assist youth engagement of enrichment or career exploration activities focused on helping youth make progress toward individual goals
• Develop Individual Achievement Plans with youth
• Coordinate youth services with key stakeholders to support provision of wrap-around services for youth and their families
• Facilitate social/emotional educational groups based on curriculum and service programming
• Ability to develop strong supportive relationships with youth
• Document services attendance and interactions in the appropriate electronic documentation system as outlined in program contracts
• Work collaboratively to coordinate educational/career activities guest speakers field trips etc.
• Collaborates with external service providers to address ongoing needs in recreational groups and workforce development groups
• Provides supplementary services as needed including Coping with Mental Emotional and Learning Disabilities; Lesbian Gay Bisexual and transgender employment services; and financial literacy programming
• Consistently increase knowledge of community resources
• Uses active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect
• Understand that behaviors responses attitudes and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences
• Maintain confidentiality of employees volunteers and program participants to provide a safe environment
• Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve-month period
• Ability to work effectively with program participants and family members employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery
• Maintain personal area and program service areas in a neat and orderly fashion
• Multitask and manage time effectively
• Attend all team meetings and in-service training as required
• Participate in program evaluation as required
• Participate in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities as assigned
• Accurately complete documents as needed
• Effectively communicate with internal programs for referral services (co-enrollment) and/or referring agencies regarding youth needs placement and program services
• Maintain a professional standard when representing the agency or youth
• Engage in continuing education and professional development in an effort to provide best practice
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• A High School diploma with 3 years of related work experience
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) language competency required
• Ability to effectively facilitate group and engage in discussion
• Must be flexible amiable & willing to work as part of a team
• Must be highly organized detail focused have excellent time management and possess strong computer skills
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred
• Knowledge of youth development adolescent issues positive youth development/strength-based approach preferred
• Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
• Valid IL IN or WI Drivers license
• No history of child abuse or neglect
• Ability to pass background and drug screen

Benefits and Perks that Support You

• Time Off Benefits (PTO): Employees receive an average of 17-25 days of PTO including vacation paid leave and sick time in addition to 9 paid holidays.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical dental and vision plans are available for employees spouses/domestic partners and child dependents.
• Wellness Reimbursement: Employees can receive up to $20 per month towards wellness-related subscriptions/memberships.
• Retirement Savings: Our 401(k) plan includes a 100% employer match on contributions up to 3% after one year of service.
• Supplemental Insurance: Coverage options include Critical Illness Accident Insurance and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability for employees and their families.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Full-time employees receive term life insurance equal to twice their salary at no cost.
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax options are available to help cover parking and transit expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A free and confidential resource providing support for personal and work-related challenges.
• Employee Referral Program: Employees can earn up to $1500 for referring successful candidates.
• Tuition & Loan Assistance: Lawrence Hall is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

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