Who we are

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. We foster healing and growth through empowerment, respect, safety, and teamwork.

Our Foster Care program supports DCFS-referred youth ages 0-21, helping them connect with safe homes and achieve educational, vocational, and permanency goals.

About the Role

As a Foster Care Therapist, you will deliver individual, group, and family therapy, provide parent coaching, and respond to crises to stabilize placements. You will collaborate with caregivers, families, and multidisciplinary teams to support youth in meeting treatment goals. 

In this role, you aren't just a clinician - you are an assertive advocate who is able to build trust with kids who may have no initial interest in the process. You will meet youth in their territory - homes, schools, and community settings across Chicago, to reinvent what therapy looks like for youth who have been let down by the system before. You will work with "involuntary" families who didn't ask for your help, measuring success by your ability to stay regulated and committed through months of "testing" and rejection.

Whether it is telling a parent what they need to hear or recommending a difficult placement change to the court, you will serve as the steady, trauma-informed presence these families deserve. 

Key Responsibilities

• Non-Traditional Clinical Engagement: Deliver individual, group, and family therapy in community-based settings, using creative strategies to engage youth and families who are distrustful of the system.
• High-Stakes Advocacy: Make critical, evidence-based recommendations regarding placement and permanency, standing firm in the youth's best interest even when decisions are unpopular with other stakeholders.
• Placement Stabilization: Respond to crises with immediate interventions and provide parent coaching to caregivers to ensure a healing and stable home environment.
• Long-Term Relationship Building: Maintain a persistent clinical perspective, staying regulated and checking personal biases to build rapport over months of engagement.
• Clinical Compliance: Develop mental health assessments and treatment plans while maintaining timely, bulletproof documentation according to Medicaid and DCFS standards.
• Collaborative Care: Participate in multidisciplinary staffings, case reviews, and psychotropic medication monitoring to ensure a holistic approach to the youth's well-being.

Who we're looking for

Required:

• Master's degree in Social Work or related human services field with LSW or LPC upon hire
• Minimum 1 year of experience providing clinical services to youth and families
• Valid Illinois driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance
• Ability to pass background and drug screens

Preferred:

• LCSW or LCPC preferred/required upon eligibility
• Experience working with youth or families affected by trauma
• Knowledge of foster care, DCFS standards, and strength-based practices

Additional Information

Our work is community-based and happens where our families are. You will be in the field, you will be in homes that are in crisis, and you will work within a child welfare system that moves slowly. We provide deep training and a supportive team - and we are looking for people with the grit and emotional resilience to thrive in a non-traditional environment.

This position is based out of our Stewart campus (400 W 76th Street, Chicago, IL 60620). Monday-Friday, with flexible hours and on-call responsibilities. Field-based work with frequent travel across Chicago-area foster homes. Participation in training and supervision meetings as scheduled

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

We care about the well-being of our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Salary: $57,550-$62,000/year, based on experience.
• Average of 17-25 days PTO + 9 holidays
• 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

How to Apply

Submit your resume here. We look forward to learning more about you!

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Following job offer acceptance, all new hires are required to complete a background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Individuals who have lived outside of Illinois may also be subject to out-of-state checks, which can take up to eight weeks to process. While these checks are pending, candidates should continue completing all other pre-boarding requirements. Employment may begin once all pre-boarding steps are complete and DCFS clearance has been received.