Juvenile Justice Specialist

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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…