Juvenile Case Manager - Lawndale Christian Legal Center

Title:

Juvenile Case Manager

Status:

Full-time Exempt

Reports to:

Juvenile Case Management Supervisor

Salary:

Commensurate with experience

Hire Date:

LCLC will close the posting as soon as we find an exceptional candidate

Who We Are

Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC) specializes in providing a unique form of holistic community- based criminal defense representation grounded in restorative justice principles to minors and emerging adults (24 and under) from North Lawndale. This highly relational and innovative model is performed by an interdisciplinary team of attorneys, case managers, outreach workers, and strategic community partners that provide developmentally appropriate supports for minors and emerging adults. The team identifies and meets the various needs of our youth at every phase of the criminal justice system: from diversion, arrest, through trial, and the completion of any period of probation, supervision, or parole, and beyond. By serving justice-involved minors and emerging adults holistically in their community, LCLC is leading the transformation of the traditional criminal justice system and establishing new best practices in community-based holistic interventions grounded in restorative justice that are more effective, cost less, and result in greater public safety for all. We believe our holistic, community-led (approximately 70% of our staff and Board of Directors are from North Lawndale) restorative justice model will transform the criminal justice system and end mass incarceration. More information on LCLC can be found at www.lclc.net.

About North Lawndale

North Lawndale is a vibrant and resilient community and we are proud to be a part of it. Our office is located just next door to the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Apartments and Exhibit Center, built on the site where Dr. King lived for six months during his Chicago Freedom Campaign in 1966. North Lawndale is tightly-knit, and we are gratified by our affiliation with the Lawndale Community Church, an organization that has done so much to bring necessary health and legal services to the community. Unfortunately, following decades of disinvestment, “white flight”, redlining, and other harbingers of systemic poverty and violence, North Lawndale still suffers from high levels of poverty, economic hardship, violence, and over- policing.

In North Lawndale, approximately 850 officers are assigned to the two police districts that patrol 35,000 residents. In addition, a significant percentage of specialized units (which are historically aggressive and abusive) have been ordered to rove in our community. More than 1,500 youth are arrested in North Lawndale yearly, the second highest rate in Chicago. Indiscriminate stops and searches of North Lawndale residents are a daily occurrence; 66% of adults surveyed perceived no legitimate reason for their most recent police stop. A startling 59% of adults in North Lawndale have been arrested, 30% convicted, and 27% jailed.

Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds that our youths encounter within North Lawndale, namely the violence, poverty, and police brutality, they demonstrate hope, resolve, and a drive to make their neighborhood a better place. We are continually inspired by our clients’ resilience and positivity in the face of external challenges. It is both an honor and a privilege to help them walk them away from the criminal justice system and equip them to take control of their future.

Job Description

LCLC’s Juvenile Case Manager is passionate about working closely with youth (ages 17 and under) who are involved in the juvenile justice system. The Case Manager will work closely with a team of attorneys and outreach workers in order to provide restorative, wrap-around services tailored to the youth’s unique situation. The Case Manager will develop an individual action plan with the youth to connect with educational institutions, promote positive, pro-social attitudes and behaviors, meet personal goals, and maintain court compliance while decreasing engagement in violent behavior. The Juvenile Case Manager reports to the Juvenile Case Management Supervisor.

Responsibilities

Maintain a caseload of 15-20 youth ages 17 and under, involved in the juvenile justice system.
Complete the holistic intake with assigned attorneys and outreach workers and obtain necessary releases of information.
Conduct assessments pertaining to youth’s mental health and the impact on previous/ongoing traumatic experiences.
Build rapport and work towards developing a supportive and trusting relationship.
Complete a Self-Sufficiency Matrix and develop an individualized service plan with each youth indicating short- and long-term goals and steps needed to obtain those goals.
Meet on a weekly basis at the office, youth’s school, or home to provide one-on-one mentoring support, complete assessments, make referrals to community partners and services identified through assessments.
Monitor progress of each youth on their individual service plan.
Communicate regularly with LCLC staff- legal, social, and outreach- in developing a network of support for youth.
Support youth at their court appearances, provide necessary reports and provide letters of advocacy as part of their defense when requested.
Keep detailed case notes and records of all interactions, including the youth, family members and service providers, in required databases.
Establish supportive relationships with families, schools, employers, probation officers, and community service partners.
Visit or correspond with in-custody youth as needed.
Complete necessary reports for funders.
Attend all trainings as required for agency and professional development.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Bachelor of Social Work with 3+ years’ experience providing case management for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Master of Social Work preferred.
Self-starter who is passionate about supporting underserved, at-risk youth.
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse staff, clients and community.
Ability to collaborate on an interdisciplinary team and work independently.
Able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Time management skills and ability to manage priorities and workflow.
Passion for, understanding of, and commitment to LCLC’s vision and mission.
Current driver’s license, good driving record, evidence of insurability, and reliable access to a vehicle.
Ability to travel to meetings in the community, including home and school visits.

Application

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references to: Charles Kyle, at ckyle@lclc.net. Include position title in email subject. The position, which is available immediately, will remain open until filled.

Lawndale Christian Legal Center is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and organizational needs. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of those we serve.

North Lawndale residents and minorities encouraged to apply.