Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Hajjar Inshirah

Hajjar Inshirah

Chicago,IL

Summary

With over eight years of experience in social work, I have a deep commitment to improving community well-being and providing compassionate support to diverse populations. Throughout my career, I gained extensive hands-on experience in crisis intervention, program development, and client advocacy across various settings. I worked closely with vulnerable groups, including domestic violence survivors, individuals facing food insecurity, and patients with chronic health conditions. My research on immigrant health and social isolation has also made a tangible impact. These experiences closely align with the mission and values at Rush University Medical Center. Committed professional in mental health, known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Skilled in cognitive-behavioral therapy, crisis intervention, and psychological assessment. Excels at communication, active listening, and empathy, ensuring client-centered care in diverse settings.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Therapist

LifeStance Health
Chicago, IL
01.2025 - Current
  • Utilized a variety of techniques such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness practices during sessions.
  • Created documentation including assessment notes, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries and referrals.
  • Attended trainings and workshops related to current trends in the mental health field.

Social Work and Community Health Intern

Rush University Medical Center
01.2024 - 08.2024
  • Utilized motivational interviewing skills and continuous patient-centered assessment to recruit approximately 100 patients from Rush and community referrals to facilitate evidence-based group workshops
  • Served as part of an event planning committee for Older Americans Month, and took lead on multiple community-facing programs and practiced skills in program and event planning, as well as evaluation
  • Conducted research on relevant health issues, informing program development and implementation strategies.
  • Facilitated 6 different group sessions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle choices, diabetes management, fall prevention, and wellness recovery, resulting in improved self-management among participants.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Facilitator

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital
01.2023 - 01.2024
  • Utilized crisis and emergency management skills to support children and adolescents receiving treatment at the Special Infectious Diseases Clinic, donating over $2.7M
  • Participated in social media and fundraising initiatives by planning and executing several activities, including an end-of-year gala that raised over $80,000
  • Fostered family and interdisciplinary involvement in patients' educational journey by hosting informational meetings about available resources and programs
  • Served on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Education Committee and provided ongoing feedback to approximately 250 students on their progress towards individual goals as outlined in their IEPs or 504 plans.

Financial Opportunities Intern

Center for Changing Lives
01.2022 - 01.2023
  • Facilitated orientation for new members in the Financial Opportunities Program
  • Led program outreach initiatives for individuals facing poverty in the Southside and Westside neighborhoods, including vocational and literacy classes, housing
  • Conducted approximately 10 intake appointments for new clients weekly
  • Engaged in motivational interviewing, assessed progress towards goals, and gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.

Domestic Violence Case Worker

Howard Area Community Center
08.2021 - 01.2022
  • Advocated for and provided crisis intervention to approximately 15 domestic violence survivors weekly
  • Implemented individualized care plans tailored to client needs
  • Conducted intake assessments and made referrals to legal, medical, and housing sources
  • Facilitated support groups for survivors to promote empowerment and recovery.

Client Services Volunteer

Care for Real Food Pantry
06.2021 - 12.2021
  • Organized food donations for thousands of individuals facing food insecurity in the Northwest neighborhoods, reaching a goal of $5M raised
  • Utilized cultural sensitivity and self-reflection to effectively engage with clients from diverse backgrounds particularly from underserved and underrepresented communities
  • Collaborated with local agencies to establish and strengthen partnerships.

Registered Behavioral Technician

KGH Autism Services
11.2018 - 11.2019
  • Conducted individual and group therapy sessions utilizing the applied behavior analysis (ABA) model
  • Developed behavior modification and lesson plans tailored for clients aged 3 to 17
  • Planned, organized, and executed community outreach events, including Autism Awareness Month initiatives
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to integrate therapeutic strategies.

Victim Services Coordinator

Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center
10.2016 - 11.2018
  • Managed support line phone calls to provide immediate assistance for survivors
  • Accompanied survivors to hospital and court following incidents of sexual abuse
  • Conducted individual research including completion of 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training
  • Coordinated follow-up care and support services for survivors.

Direct Support Manager

Lambs Farm
12.2015 - 11.2018
  • Supervised a group home for 12 adults with various developmental disabilities, including Autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Dementia
  • Managed administrative tasks and served as a liaison with vocational programs to support residents' development
  • Assisted with personal hygiene, financial management, and general housekeeping to ensure residents' well-being
  • Coordinated and facilitated recreational and therapeutic activities to enhance residents' quality of life.

Education

Masters of Social Work and Master of Public Administration -

Aurora University
Aurora, IL
08.2024

Bachelors of Social Work -

Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL
12.2022

Skills

  • Crisis intervention
  • Treatment planning
  • Data analysis
  • Policy writing
  • Program evaluation
  • Community outreach

Certification

  • Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Rush Generations - 2024-2025
  • A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls (MOB), Rush Generations - 2024-2025
  • Chronic Disease Self Management Program (CDSMP), Rush Generations - 2023-2024

Languages

Arabic
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Limited

Timeline

Therapist

LifeStance Health
01.2025 - Current

Social Work and Community Health Intern

Rush University Medical Center
01.2024 - 08.2024

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Facilitator

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital
01.2023 - 01.2024

Financial Opportunities Intern

Center for Changing Lives
01.2022 - 01.2023

Domestic Violence Case Worker

Howard Area Community Center
08.2021 - 01.2022

Client Services Volunteer

Care for Real Food Pantry
06.2021 - 12.2021

Registered Behavioral Technician

KGH Autism Services
11.2018 - 11.2019

Victim Services Coordinator

Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center
10.2016 - 11.2018

Direct Support Manager

Lambs Farm
12.2015 - 11.2018

Masters of Social Work and Master of Public Administration -

Aurora University

Bachelors of Social Work -

Northeastern Illinois University
Hajjar Inshirah