LGBTQ Site Coordinator (Lakewood)

About Lawrence Hall

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.

Lakewood Home is a Transitional Living Program (TLP) that provides queer youth ages 14-17 the support they need to transition into independent living after many have faced neglect or rejection from family members over their identities.

About the Role

The LGBTQ Site Coordinator is responsible for the daily management, safety, and overall programming of the LGBTQ Lakewood Group Home within the Affirming Care Department. This position oversees site staff and directly supervises the LGBTQ Child Welfare Specialist, ensuring all residents receive affirming, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate care aligned with regulatory standards and agency values. The LGBTQ Site Coordinator fosters a youth-guided, strengths-based environment that promotes independent living skills, healing, and safety, and serves as a liaison across internal teams and external service providers.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about affirming LGBTQ youth and creating a safe, supportive environment where young people can heal, grow, and thrive. The ideal candidate is a strong, compassionate leader who enjoys mentoring staff, coordinating services, and fostering a trauma-informed, youth-guided program that promotes safety, independence, and well-being.

What You'll Do:

• Lead daily routines through the milieu schedule that build independent living skills and healing from trauma (e.g., hygiene, appointments, budgeting, employment, transportation, psycho-education and other therapeutic groups).
• Supervise LGBTQ Child Welfare Specialist and other site employees; provide regular supervision, coaching, performance feedback, and schedule coordination.
• Promote adherence to Lawrence Hall and IDCFS LGBTQ-affirming policies; provide guidance and training to staff to ensure safe, inclusive practices.
• Establish and maintain a therapeutic milieu using the six CARE Principles: Relationship Bases, Trauma Informed, Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Competence Centered and Ecologically Oriented.
• Support staff in trauma-informed de-escalation techniques (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention) and model positive behavior.
• Maintain compliance with agency, Medicaid and DCFS documentation requirements; review client documentation for quality and accuracy.

Who We're Looking For:

Required:

• Master's degree in human service field with at least three (3) years of post-degree, supervisory experience
• Valid Illinois Driver's license and personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
• No history of child abuse or neglect and ability to pass background and drug screen

Preferred:

• Experience in providing direct care to the LGBTQ+ population as an ally or lived experience
• Knowledge of childhood trauma, adolescent development, and strength-based approaches, with experience working with youth and families impacted by trauma or stress

POSITION REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a full-time, onsite position located at the Lakewood LGBTQ Site. Flexible availability, including weekends and holidays, is required.

The role includes transporting youth in agency vehicles, regularly navigating two to four flights of stairs, lifting up to 50 pounds, and using verbal or protective interventions when necessary. Training and ongoing certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention will be provided.

You must obtain Child Welfare Employee Licensure upon hire or at next available Foundation training, including successful completion of CERAP and CANS as well as complete Teen Parenting Service Network Specialty Training within one year.

An ideal candidate will be a member of the LGBTQIA+ community who can assist in affirming LGBTQIA+ youth and staff through effective role modeling and advocacy.

We encourage individuals with lived experience to apply.

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: $62,000 - $67,000/year. Compensation is based on a set base 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.

CLASSIFICATION

Time Off Schedule: Schedule C

Department: Affirming Care

Reports to: Vice President of Affirming Care

Supervises: LGBTQ Life Skills Educators, LGBTQ Child Welfare Specialist