Holistic Defense Case Manager

Lawndale Christian Legal Center•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC) was founded to provide a unique form of community holistic defense representation grounded in restorative justice values to minors and emerging adults (25 and under) in the North Lawndale area caught in the criminal justice system. LCLC’s highly relational, community-led model of representation is performed by an interdisciplinary team of attorneys, case managers, outreach workers, circle-keepers, and community partners. In addition to providing full criminal defense representation, LCLC’s community holistic defense team identifies and meets the legal and social needs of our clients at every phase of the criminal justice system: from diversion, arrest, through trial, and the completion of any period of probation, supervision, and parole. In early 2025, LCLC opened a new $22 million facility named the Dr. Dennis Deer Community Justice Center. In this new facility, LCLC owns and operate a three-story office building plus twenty units of studio-style housing (hereinafter “Deer Housing”) for emerging adult men, 18-25 years old, who are or have been represented by our community holistic defense team. The community holistic defense team will identify emerging adult men at high-risk of going to prison and negotiate for them to stay in one of the twenty units of Deer Housing as an alternative to incarceration. By serving justice-involved minors and emerging adults holistically in their community, LCLC is leading the transformation of the traditional criminal justice system by building out age-appropriate interventions and new best practices grounded in repair and restoration that are more effective, cost less, and result in greater public safety for all. Our holistic, community-led model of restorative justice is a template for creating a justice system that better serves Cook County and the nation. More information on LCLC can be found at www.lclc.net [http://www.lclc.net/]. LCLC’s Holistic Case Manager is passionate about working closely with youth and emerging adults who are involved in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. The Case Manager will work closely with a team of attorneys and outreach workers in order to provide restorative, wrap-around services tailored to the clients’ unique situations. The Case Manager will develop individual action plans with clients to connect with educational institutions, promote positive, pro-social attitudes and behaviors, meet personal goals, and maintain court compliance while decreasing engagement in violent behavior.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling or other related fields.
1+ years’ experience in case management for youth or emerging adults involved in the juvenile or criminal justice system or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
Knowledge of human behavior for the assessment and signs and symptoms of trauma and mental health, substance abuse disorders. Specific knowledge necessary for working with justice involved youth and young adults.
Self-starter who is passionate about supporting underserved, at-risk youth.
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse staff, clients and community.
Ability to collaborate on an interdisciplinary team and work independently.
Able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Time management skills and ability to manage priorities and workflow.
Passion for, understanding of, and commitment to LCLC’s vision and mission.
Current driver’s license, good driving record, evidence of insurability, and reliable access to a vehicle.
Ability to travel to meetings in the community, including home and school visits.
Willingness to transport clients.

Nice To Haves

Master of Social Work, Counseling or related field preferred.
Willingness to live in North Lawndale preferred.
Minorities and veterans encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Maintain a caseload of 17-20 juveniles and/or emerging adults, involved in the juvenile or criminal justice system.
Complete the holistic intake with assigned attorney, outreach worker, and circle keeper (if applicable).
Obtain necessary releases of information.
Conduct assessments pertaining to client’s needs, mental health and overall well-being including the impact on previous/ongoing traumatic experiences.
Build rapport and work towards developing a supportive and trusting relationship.
Complete a Self-Sufficiency Matrix and develop an individualized service plan with each client indicating short- and long-term goals and steps needed to obtain those goals.
Coordinate and link client to services based on prioritized needs.
Meet with clients at regular consistent intervals or frequency that is consistent with their needs and service goals.
Monitor progress of each client on their individual service plan.
Communicate regularly with LCLC staff- legal, social, and outreach- in developing a network of support for the clients.
Support clients at their court appearances, provide necessary reports and provide letters of advocacy as part of their defense when requested.
Keep detailed case notes and records of all interactions, including the clients, family members and service providers, in required databases.
Establish supportive relationships with families, schools, employers, probation officers, and community service partners.
Visit or correspond with in-custody clients as needed.
Complete necessary reports for funders.
Attend all trainings as required for agency and professional development.
Other duties as assigned