Workforce Development Supervisor

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 CARE (Children and Residential Experiences) 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 Workforce Development Supervisor leads a team of Workforce Development professionals who help youth build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to achieve educational and employment success. This position oversees workforce development services, supervises Case Workers and Employment Mentors, and ensures participants receive high-quality, trauma-informed support. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader, skilled relationship builder, and passionate advocate for youth development and career readiness.

• Supervise, coach, and support Workforce Development staff through regular supervision, performance feedback, training, and professional development.
• Oversee participant recruitment, assessment, career readiness programming, employment placement, retention services, and educational support activities.
• Build and maintain partnerships with employers, educational institutions, referral sources, and community organizations to create opportunities for youth.
• Maintain program quality, compliance, documentation, reporting, and funding requirements while monitoring participant outcomes.
• Promote and model trauma-informed practices, including implementation of the 5 S's framework, therapeutic de-escalation strategies, and fidelity to trauma-focused interventions.
• Conduct community-based engagement including home visits, worksite visits, employer outreach, and participant support to ensure successful employment and educational outcomes.

• High School Diploma or equivalent and five (5) years of experience in workforce development, youth services, human services, employment services, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum one (1) year of leadership, mentoring, training, or supervisory experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organization, documentation, and time management skills.
• Experience working with youth, families, employers, community partners, and referral sources.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to work effectively within a culturally diverse environment using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet Lawrence Hall driving requirements.
• Access to reliable transportation and proof of insurance.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background clearances, including DCFS requirements.
• No history of child abuse or neglect.

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Workforce Development, or a related field.
• Previous supervisory experience within workforce development, youth services, or human services programs.
• Experience working with youth impacted by trauma, traumatic stress, foster care involvement, or DCFS systems.
• Knowledge of adolescent development, positive youth development, and strength-based service models.
• Experience building employer partnerships, business relationships, or employment opportunities for youth.

• Work Location: 71st Street Campus (South Shore) - 1818 E 71st St, Chicago, IL 60649, USA
• Travel/Driving: Frequent local travel required for participant recruitment, home visits, worksite visits, employer engagement, and community outreach. Personal vehicle use required.
• Schedule: Full-time position requiring flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed. Participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation is required.
• Physical Requirements: Requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, driving, and computer use. Ability to travel throughout the community regularly.
• Work Environment: Combination of office, community, employment sites, educational institutions, and participant…