Therapist - Foster Care

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 provide critical mental health services to youth and families, supporting healing, recovery, and resilience. You'll deliver individual, group, and family therapy, provide parent coaching, and respond to crises to stabilize placements. Your work directly impacts the lives of young people, helping them navigate challenges while fostering safe, supportive environments.

In this field-based, hands-on role, you'll travel to homes, schools, and community settings across Chicago to ensure consistent, trauma-informed care. You will collaborate with caregivers, families, and multidisciplinary teams to support youth in meeting treatment goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual, group, and family therapy to youth in foster care and their families


• Develop and regularly update mental health assessments and treatment plans with supervision


• Engage caregivers, parents, and families to support healing and positive outcomes


• Participate in clinical staffings, case reviews, and psychotropic medication monitoring


• Support youth during crises, including emergency interventions and placement stabilization


• Maintain timely, accurate documentation according to Medicaid, DCFS, and agency standards

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

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.