Youth and Milieu Stabilization Specialist

Lawrence Hall•Chicago, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

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. Our Therapeutic Day School serves CPS-referred youth ages 5 – 22 with emotional, intellectual, or learning challenges. We provide personalized, IEP-driven instruction paired with therapeutic arts to promote skill mastery and engagement. With a 90%+ graduation rate and multiple awards, we prepare students for academic and career success. About the Role We are seeking a Youth and Milieu Stabilization Specialist to support youth in our Therapeutic Day School (TDS) and Child and Family Treatment Center (CFTC). This role helps create a safe, healing, and restorative environment for youth by supporting classroom and residential teams, responding to crisis situations, and coaching staff in trauma-informed de-escalation strategies. The specialist plays a key role in preventing crises, helping youth return safely to baseline, and promoting restorative practices that build coping skills and resilience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred and two years of experience working with youth in a therapeutic day school or residential treatment setting; or High School Diploma/GED and at least three years of relevant experience.
Current Para Professional License from the Illinois State Board of Education
Strong mediation, conflict management, and restorative justice skills.
Ability to work effectively with youth, families, and colleagues in a diverse environment.
Valid Illinois driver's license, access to a vehicle, and proof of insurance.
Ability to use verbal interventions and, when necessary, physical restraint with youth ages 6–
No history of child abuse or neglect.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of childhood trauma and trauma-informed care.
Experience working with youth and families affected by traumatic stress.
Understanding of youth development and strengths-based approaches

Responsibilities

Respond to youth crises and support stabilization efforts
Provide immediate support to school and milieu staff when youth are in crisis and help youth return safely to baseline.
Create a therapeutic and restorative environment
Work collaboratively with school and residential teams to build a healing-centered milieu and classroom culture.
Coach staff in trauma-informed de-escalation
Model effective TCI skills, support peers in avoiding conflict cycles, and reinforce restorative justice practices.
Support student treatment and education goals
Assist with implementation of IEPs and treatment plans and participate in treatment team meetings.
Document services and quality improvement activities
Complete timely documentation, review incident reports, conduct debriefings, and help identify opportunities for improvement.
Provide additional program support
Assist with ratio coverage, youth transportation, and community shadowing as needed.

Benefits

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