Youth Advocate; Juvenile Justice Specialist

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 neighborhoods affected by lasting trauma. We foster healing and growth through empowerment, respect, safety, and teamwork.

Our Community Wellness program promotes mentoring, restorative justice, violence prevention, and community events for a safer and healthier South Shore community. We work to address the effects of trauma which can lead to mistrust, disconnection, and violence by building trust, fostering relationships, and creating opportunities for growth.

At Lawrence Hall, we believe every young person deserves a second chance - and a third. If you're someone who shows up, listens deeply, and believes in the potential of every young person, we want you on our team.

As a Youth Advocate (Juvenile Justice Specialist) in Lawrence Hall’s Community Wellness program, you will work with youth referred to our Reporting Center—a community-based alternative to detention for the Cook County Juvenile Court system that focuses on mentorship, skill-building, and restorative justice. You will be a consistent, trusted adult in a young person’s life—helping them stay on track, build skills, and imagine a better future.

You’ll form meaningful relationships, navigate real‑time challenges, and grow professionally through hands‑on work in trauma‑informed care, restorative justice, and youth development. Every day brings opportunities to make a real impact—and to be part of a passionate team breaking cycles of trauma and building hope.

• Drive youth to and from their Reporting Center appointments, court dates, and programs safely and supportively.
• Lead engaging group sessions focused on emotional regulation, life skills, and accountability.
• Help youth set and achieve personal goals through Individual Achievement Plans.
• Collaborate with schools, service providers, and caregivers to ensure coordinated care.
• Serve as a consistent, positive presence in the lives of youth navigating the justice system.
• Accurately document services and interactions in a timely manner.

Required:

• High School diploma and 3+ years related experience.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings/weekends.
• Pass background and drug screening; no history of child abuse or neglect.

Preferred:

• Experience with trauma‑informed care and youth development.

The position is located at our 71st Street campus at 1818 E 71st Street, Chicago, IL 60649. This is a full‑time, non‑exempt position requiring flexibility to work mornings, evenings, and weekends as scheduled. Frequent use of agency vehicles is required for transporting youth throughout the day.

• Hourly rate: $20.10/hour - $22.50/hour, based on 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Non‑Exempt.

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.