Therapeutic Recreation Worker

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.

JOB SUMMARY

The Therapeutic Recreation Worker plans, implements, and evaluates therapeutic recreation programming for agency youth ages 6 to 21. Reporting to the Manager of Creative Therapies, this position promotes positive youth development through individual and group activities, sports, and community engagement. Responsible for transporting youth to various activities. This role requires a trauma-informed approach aligned with Lawrence Hall's core values of Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork, and requires the ability to effectively use both verbal and physical intervention skills with individuals six (6) through twenty-one (21) years of age.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assessment & Program Development

• Completes individual assessments on youth from assigned units within two weeks of admission using established departmental procedures.
• Plans and implements comprehensive therapeutic recreation interventions that address developmental and clinical needs.
• Maintains involvement in departmental planning from both a comprehensive and program-specific perspective, including needs assessments, team meetings, and departmental meetings.
• Implements specific programs, special events, and other activities as outlined in program descriptions to meet the needs of youth across all Lawrence Hall programs.
• Evaluates specific programs per departmental policy.

Direct Youth Engagement

• Facilitates group and individual therapeutic recreation sessions.
• Coaches sports such as basketball, track, volleyball, and swimming, along with an array of other therapeutic activities.
• Links youth with community recreation resources, activities, and teams.
• Observes youth participating in therapeutic recreation activities and ensures safety and engagement.
• Responds to problem behaviors using methods established by departmental and agency policies.
• Establishes and maintains professional relationships with youth.
• Understands that behaviors, responses, attitudes, and emotions are often survival skills developed in response to trauma.
• Demonstrates trauma-informed strategies that support healing, recovery, and resist re-traumatization.

Collaboration & Communication

• Engages caregivers, parents, family members, and others by sharing strengths and challenges experienced by program participants.
• Uses active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement activities as assigned.

Documentation & Compliance

• Completes formal documentation per departmental policies, including Medicaid billing for services provided.
• Maintains confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to ensure a safe environment.
• Attends at least two trainings related to trauma-informed care within a twelve-month period.

Professionalism & Development

• Maintains membership in professional organizations in related fields and keeps current credential(s) in appropriate/relevant disciplines.
• Maintains professional involvement and stays up to date with best practices.
• Participates in relevant training and certification, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) with restraint training and mandatory recertification every six months.
• Applies TCI and other training consistently in daily work.
• Adapt work schedules as needed to meet agency needs and perform other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule:

Primarily weekday afternoon and evening hours, with some weekends and holidays based on programming needs. Flexibility is required.

Work Environment:

Involves indoor and outdoor activities, physical engagement with youth, and travel to community locations. Must be able to kneel and stand without assistance. Moderate to high risk of injury or secondary trauma.

All employees are required to complete and maintain certifications in all trainings relevant to their role. This position specifically mandates the completion of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) with restraint training. Subsequent recertification is required every six months. Successful completion of these training courses is essential, but equally important is the consistent application of these skills in daily work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation with a specialization in Therapeutic Recreation
• A clean driving record, valid Illinois driver's license, personal vehicle or access to a personal vehicle, and proof of auto insurance.

• No history of child abuse or neglect & ability to pass background and drug screen.

• Ability to use verbal and physical intervention skills with individuals ages 6-21

Preferred:

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
• Certification in Coaching, Water Safety Instruction, CPR, First Aid, Child Care
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and experience working with youth and families exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress
• Understanding of youth development, adolescent issues, and a strength-based, positive youth development approach

COMPENSATION:

Compensation is determined by a set base salary for each position, with additional compensation considered based on relevant education and experience.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt.

Benefits and Perks that Support You

• Time Off Benefits (PTO): Employees receive an average of 17-25 days of PTO, including vacation, paid leave, and sick time, in addition to 9 paid holidays.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans are available for employees, spouses/domestic partners, and child dependents.
• Wellness Reimbursement: Employees can receive up to $20 per month towards wellness-related subscriptions/memberships.
• Retirement Savings: Our 401(k) plan includes a 100% employer match on contributions up to 3% after one year of service.
• Supplemental Insurance: Coverage options include Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability for employees and their families.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Full-time employees receive term life insurance equal to twice their salary at no cost.
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax options are available to help cover parking and transit expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A free and confidential resource providing support for personal and work-related challenges.
• Employee Referral Program: Employees can earn up to $1,500 for referring successful candidates.
• Tuition & Loan Assistance: Lawrence Hall is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

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. 

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

All offers of employment at Lawrence Hall are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check in accordance with DCFS policy, including:

• Criminal history check via fingerprints of persons age 18 and over that are submitted to the Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for comparison to their criminal history records or the National Crime Information Database (NCID) when applicable for prospective foster and adoptive parents


• Check of the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System/Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (CANTS/SACWIS) and other state child protection systems, and the National Registry to determine whether an individual is currently alleged or has been indicated as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect


• Check of the Illinois and National Sex Offender Registries

Salary : $39,000 - $67,000