CHRISTOPHER MCNAMARA
Chippewa Falls
Summary
Dependable and passionate social services professional with a proven track record of delivering comprehensive support, advocacy, and resources to individuals and families. Recognized for developing client-centered care plans that effectively address emotional, mental, and social needs while fostering positive outcomes and enhancing community well-being. Expertise in community outreach, program development, case management, and crisis intervention, coupled with a collaborative approach and adaptability to evolving challenges. Committed to maintaining high ethical standards while managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and a willingness to embrace additional responsibilities to achieve team objectives.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Worker - General Population
Wisconsin Department of Corrections
05.2025 - Current
- Assessed client needs and developed individualized treatment plans to support rehabilitation and reintegration.
- Monitored client progress, adjusting interventions based on behavioral responses and changing circumstances.
- Provided crisis intervention services, employing de-escalation techniques to manage high-stress situations effectively.
- Developed community partnerships to facilitate resource access and promote public awareness of social issues.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery and ensure comprehensive care for clients.
- Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
- Devised and implemented community-based programs to promote mental health awareness.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to provide effective interventions for clients.
Employment Services Specialist
Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility
02.2025 - 05.2025
- Conducted career counseling sessions for individuals seeking employment opportunities.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance client support services and address barriers to employment.
- Implemented workshops focused on skill development, workplace readiness, and effective communication techniques.
- Planned and promoted career planning presentations, work experience programs and career workshops.
- Developed and maintained effective working relationships with employers and job seekers.
- Developed relationships with local employers to promote job placement opportunities for program participants.
Ongoing Social Worker - Child Protective Services
Chippewa County
12.2023 - 01.2025
- Manage client caseload, ensuring consistent support and advocacy for child safety.
- Conduct initial client evaluations to identify needs and strengths.
- Advocated for clients in court by delivering testimony and providing necessary updates.
- Maintain detailed case records, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Assess and analyze threats to child safety, ensuring effective interventions.
- Assisted new employees during training sessions.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and develop tailored intervention plans.
- Supported clients in navigating service access and defending their rights, contributing to improved well-being and quality of life.
Initial Assessment Worker - Child Protective Services
Chippewa County
08.2021 - 12.2023
- Developed comprehensive safety assessments for child protection cases while managing complex caseloads, implementing evidence-based intervention strategies.
- Coordinated with multiple agencies to secure essential services for at-risk children, ensuring thorough documentation and timely follow-up.
- Built strong partnerships with community organizations to enhance support networks for families, while maintaining detailed case documentation.
- Led critical safety evaluations and risk assessments, providing expert testimony in court proceedings to advocate for child welfare.
- Implemented systematic tracking protocols for case progression, ensuring compliance with child protection standards and regulatory requirements.
Youth Enterprise for Success Case Manager
Lutheran Social Services of WI & Upper MI
10.2020 - 08.2021
- Investigate maltreatment cases, ensuring child safety and family support.
- Assess family conditions, identifying risks to child safety.
- Analyze threats to child safety, implementing protective measures.
- Guide families to community resources, enhancing protective capacities.
- Determine necessary services for safe child environments
Day Treatment Case Manager
The Hills Youth and Family Services
12.2019 - 08.2020
- Managed treatment plans for 12 youth, enhancing program success through community outreach.
- Led mental health group sessions, fostering measurable improvements in client well-being
- Collaborated on program expansion, achieving significant community engagement growth.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client strengths and areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver holistic care solutions for at-risk youth.
- Mentored junior staff in case management best practices, fostering professional development within the team.
- Developed partnerships with local agencies to provide broader range of services for clients, broadening their support network.
Day Treatment Program Assistant
The Hills Youth and Family Services
02.2015 - 12.2019
- Coordinated program logistics and scheduling to enhance service delivery efficiency.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive documentation for program activities and outcomes.
- Facilitated communication between staff, clients, and community partners to ensure effective collaboration.
- Streamlined administrative processes to reduce response times and improve service quality.
- Monitored program budgets to track expenses and highlight areas for financial optimization.
Residential Treatment Unit Supervisor
The Hills Youth and Family Services
09.2012 - 01.2015
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and standards.
- Mentored staff, fostering professional development and enhancing team performance.
- Led crisis intervention strategies, maintaining a safe environment for clients and staff alike.
- Recognized as an effective leader who consistently met or exceeded departmental goals and objectives through strategic planning and execution.
Semi-Independent Living Counselor
The Hills Youth and Family Services
09.2005 - 09.2012
- Developed personalized support plans for clients to enhance independent living skills.
- Facilitated group workshops focused on life skills, fostering community engagement and personal growth.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate resources and services for client needs.
- Built strong relationships with community partners to expand available resources for supporting client journeys toward independence.
Education
BACHELOR OF ARTS - BA - SOCIOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-SUPERIOR
Wisconsin2004
SOCIAL WORK CERTIFICATE - Social Work
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STOUT
Wisconsin2024
Skills
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Trained
- Trauma Informed Care Trained
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Conflict resolution methods
- Proficient in conducting motivational interviews
- Personal development coaching
- Compassionate
- Attention to detail
Affiliations
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- National Association of Mandated Reporters
Timeline
Social Worker - General Population
Wisconsin Department of Corrections
05.2025 - Current
Employment Services Specialist
Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility
02.2025 - 05.2025
Ongoing Social Worker - Child Protective Services
Chippewa County
12.2023 - 01.2025
Initial Assessment Worker - Child Protective Services
Chippewa County
08.2021 - 12.2023
Youth Enterprise for Success Case Manager
Lutheran Social Services of WI & Upper MI
10.2020 - 08.2021
Day Treatment Case Manager
The Hills Youth and Family Services
12.2019 - 08.2020
Day Treatment Program Assistant
The Hills Youth and Family Services
02.2015 - 12.2019
Residential Treatment Unit Supervisor
The Hills Youth and Family Services
09.2012 - 01.2015
Semi-Independent Living Counselor
The Hills Youth and Family Services
09.2005 - 09.2012
BACHELOR OF ARTS - BA - SOCIOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-SUPERIOR
SOCIAL WORK CERTIFICATE - Social Work
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STOUT
License
Wisconsin Social Work License, 14429-120, Wisconsin State Board