Staff Development

WHO WE ARE:

Annually serving over 1,400 youth and families, Lawrence Hall is a community-based organization committed to helping Chicago's youth, families, and communities heal from the adverse effects of childhood trauma. For more than 150 years, Lawrence Hall has been delivering high-quality care throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and is a statewide leader in highly effective, evidence-based, and innovative therapeutic treatment. Their core programs - Child and Family Treatment Center, Therapeutic Day School, Creative Therapies, Foster Care, Transitional/Independent Living Program, Workforce Development, and Community Wellness - have met the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community-based but also by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicago's communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS SUMMARY:

The Staff Development and Training Specialist plays a critical role in leading training, development of training, and executing agency-wide learning initiatives. Effectively utilizes verbal and written communication. Conducts mandatory trainings for employees. Carries out job responsibilities through clear and direct communication with employees. Requires a basic understanding of the youth/customers served by LH and participation in basic trauma training with the ability to utilize that training when interacting with youth/customers of the agency. Provides point of contact training and coaching to program and support staff, manages administrative tasks, and record keeping. The position requires the flexibility to adjust hours in order to provide coaching/training to staff on a variety of shifts. Frequently travels between agency sites in a personal vehicle. Specialist must have the ability to demonstrate appropriate verbal and physical intervention techniques. Physical intervention requires the ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance. Reports directly to the VP of Staff Development and Training.

Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon four core values: Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. These values are deeply embedded within our organization's philosophy of trauma-informed care and directly influence every position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Acquire and maintain certification to train staff in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, CPR/First Aid, trauma, and additional trainings as needed.
2. Facilitate agency-wide training including in-service trainings on a variety of topics applicable to the population.
3. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and make improvements as necessary.
4. Stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in employee development and training.
5. Collaborate with department heads to ensure training programs align with organizational goals.
6. Provide coaching and support to employees to enhance their skill sets.
7. Support strategic initiatives, including COA reaccreditation, IACET, IDFPR, peer record review, client & stakeholder satisfaction surveys, Unusual Incident Reporting, specific workgroups/committees, etc. to action plan for areas of improvement and training.
8. Provide ongoing communication, guidance, and support to internal and external instructors and facilitators.
9. Assist in curriculum development and programs delivered agency-wide.
10. Participate in individual, team, and agency goal setting and achievement.
11. Effectively deliver and present information.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.
13. Enhance agency initiatives (CARES model, Think Trauma).
14. Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Use of abdominal and lower back muscles continuously over time to support others.
2. Ability to pass TCI certification and physical requirements.
3. Ability to stand from kneeling position without assistance.

CORE COMPETENCIES: RESPECT, EMPOWER, SAFETY, TEAMWORK

RESPECT: Relationship Building and Trust

1. Teach trustworthy, supportive, and child-focused techniques.
2. Teach and model the adult role such as honesty, individual initiative, integrity, responsibility, respect for others.
3. Respect and work effectively with individuals of diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.

EMPOWERMENT: Professional Development

1. Strive to learn new skills and improve current skill set through participation in in-service trainings and seminars.
2. Recognize own strengths and weaknesses to identify individual development and career plans.
3. Utilize supervision as an opportunity for growth and development; implement feedback and direction from supervisor.
4. Willingly accept new challenges and adapt to change.
5. Proactively seek out additional tasks and responsibilities to complete.

SAFETY: Professionalism and Work Conduct

1. Follow policies and procedures, including the agency's Code of Ethics and Staff Behavior Guidelines.
2. Understand past and current trauma for everyone in the system.
3. Report to work, meetings, and activities prepared and on time.
4. Maintain confidentiality at all times.
5. Accept responsibility for agency property and equipment.
6. Providing accommodations and coaching for staff members.
7. Certification in TCI behavior management techniques and the ability to train staff to certification in TCI.

TEAMWORK: Communication and Documentation

1. Write clearly and succinctly to ensure the appropriate message is conveyed.
2. Communicate pertinent information, such as crisis and safety issues.
3. Complete all required paperwork accurately and on time.
4. Effectively present and execute trainings in-class settings and via remote platforms.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

1. Office located at 4833 N Francisco Street, Chicago.
2. Reliable personal vehicle to travel to different Lawrence Hall Sites (South Shore & Greater Grand Crossing).
3. Office-first hybrid model.
4. Minimum of the first 90 days 100% in office for onboarding and training requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be 21 years of age.
2. Bachelor's degree plus five (5) years of experience working in child welfare/residential treatment.
3. Maintenance of a valid Illinois driver's license and DCFS approval status with no suspensions in effect in the previous three (3) years prior to hire.
4. No history of child abuse or neglect.
5. Ability to pass DCFS Background Check and drug screen.
6. Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
7. Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and drive for results.
8. Skilled in Microsoft Suite, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
9. Excellent communication and presentation skills.
10. Strong organizational and project management abilities.
11. Proficiency in using Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other training software.
12. Ability to analyze data and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs.
13. Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred.
14. Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strength-based approach preferred.
15. Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance.
16. Valid Illinois Driver's license.

Highlighted benefits

1. Provides full-time employees 2 times their salary in term life insurance for no additional cost.
2. Reimburses your gym memberships up to $20 per month to aid on your overall fitness and health.
3. Offers 100% match up to 3% on your retirement savings after 1 year of service.
4. All employees start off with an average of 17-25 days of PTO.
5. Employee Referral Program gives employees an opportunity to receive up to $1500 for referring candidates.
6. 9 paid holidays off.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not meet all listed qualifications. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Non-exempt .

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V