CHIEF OF TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICES

State of Illinois • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chief of Trauma-Informed Practices leads the development, implementation, and oversight of trauma-informed care initiatives across the Department to promote a culture of safety, trust, and staff wellness. This position ensures the integration of trauma-informed principles into daily operations within facilities and aftercare programs, including oversight of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and related frameworks. The incumbent collaborates with executive leadership and facility teams to align practices with agency goals, supports staff through training and guidance, and provides full-line supervision of assigned personnel. This role is critical to advancing a consistent, supportive environment that promotes youth rehabilitation and employee well-being. This position is ideal for a leader committed to juvenile justice reform and the implementation of evidence-based practices within a dynamic environment. If this is you, Apply.

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or closely related field.
• Requires four (4) years of professional experience working in a juvenile justice or correctional or youth serving setting, including direct involvement in trauma-informed care or workforce support.  A master's degree in the listed fields may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Requires two (2) years of experience in the application of trauma-informed care principles and de-escalation techniques (TBRI and CPI preferred).
• Requires the ability to pass an IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

Nice To Haves

• Prefers a master's degree in social work counseling, psychology, or closely related field.
• Prefers two (2) years of leadership experience such as leading initiatives, coordinating projects, or serving as a team lead or subject matter expert.
• Prefers two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience leading group activities or discussions with adults, such as workshops, support groups, educational sessions, or community programs.
• Prefers strong organizational and project management skills.
• Prefers excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Prefers proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Leads policy development and implementation of trauma-informed practices across the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) to foster a culture of safety, trust, and staff wellness.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Leads cross-functional collaboration to advance trauma-informed care through strategic communication, oversight, and environmental alignment across IDJJ facilities and aftercare.
• Provides leadership, supervision, and oversight to ensure consistent implementation, coaching, and evaluation of trauma-informed care practices and staff support initiatives across IDJJ.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees