Hajjar Inshirah
Waukegan,IL
Summary
Dynamic multilingual Social Work Professional with 8+ years of experience driving community-based initiatives, crisis response systems, and policy-informed service delivery. Highly skilled in advancing equity for underserved populations through cross-sector partnerships, program design, and advocacy across diverse urban environments. Known for applying research on immigrant health and social isolation to develop data-driven, inclusive strategies that inform public policy and improve systemic outcomes.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Worker
Lake Behavioral Hospital
10.2025 - Current
- Managed 20–30 high-acuity patient cases weekly, conducting rapid clinical assessments, risk evaluations, and safety planning to stabilize individuals in psychiatric crisis.
- Responded to crisis escalations within 5 minutes on average, utilizing de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed practices, and behavioral interventions that reduced restraints and critical incidents by 25%.
Program Therapist
Clarity Clinic
08.2024 - 10.2025
- Execute 4+ diagnostic evaluations weekly in Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Programs, applying structured clinical tools and improving the accuracy of individualized care strategies
- Guide therapeutic sessions for individuals, families, and groups through evidence-based modalities, generating measurable progress in stabilization and coping capacity
- Integrate efforts with psychiatrists, nurses, and support staff across all stages of care, elevating coordination and strengthening discharge readiness
- Produce detailed clinical documentation within Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Programs, reinforcing compliance requirements and advancing data-driven treatment refinement
Social Work and Community Health Intern
Rush University Medical Center
01.2024 - 08.2024
- Collaborated on planning efforts for Older Americans Month by contributing to committee operations and leading select public programs, amplifying execution and outcome measurement
- Investigated chronic disease trends and synthesized findings into actionable insights, shaping the creation of tailored health interventions and boosting program relevance
- Applied behavioral interviewing techniques and dynamic intake protocols to enroll participants from clinical and neighborhood sources, enhancing outreach effectiveness and service accessibility
- Orchestrated 6 clinically-backed wellness sessions at Rush University Medical Center, drawing over 100 attendees and bolstering diabetes management metrics by 30%
Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Facilitator
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Delivered crisis support to pediatric infectious disease patients through emergency response coordination, driving philanthropic contributions exceeding $2.7M
- Supported promotional and donor engagement efforts by organizing fundraising activities, culminating in a year-end gala event generating $80K for medical programming
Financial Opportunities Intern
Center for Changing Lives
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Conducted onboarding sessions for new participants in the Financial Opportunities Program, heightening program awareness and encouraging early involvement
- Advanced community access to vocational training, literacy development, and housing support by coordinating outreach efforts across underserved urban neighborhoods
- Completed 10+ weekly intake consultations for prospective clients, streamlining enrollment processes and improving service delivery efficiency
Domestic Violence Case Worker
Howard Area Community Center
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Provided crisis intervention to 15 domestic violence survivors weekly using trauma-informed protocols, securing immediate care and reducing acute risk
- Led trauma-informed group sessions and documented service metrics in accordance with policy standards, enabling accurate program audits and compliance reviews
- Evaluated client needs during intake and connected individuals to legal, medical, and housing services, accelerating access to essential support systems
- Structured personalized care plans using evidence-based practices, contributing to measurable progress in recovery and long-term well-being
Client Services Volunteer
Care For Real Food Pantry
06.2021 - 12.2021
- Coordinated large-scale food relief efforts across Northwest neighborhoods by mobilizing donation networks, achieving a $5M fundraising target to address regional hunger
- Leveraged in intercultural awareness and introspective practice to build trust with marginalized populations, fostering meaningful engagement across varied identities
- Initiated joint efforts with community organizations through strategic outreach, expanding service infrastructure, and strengthening access to local resources
Registered Behavioral Technician
KGH Autism Services
11.2018 - 11.2019
- Steered individual and group-based interventions using ABA methodology in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, enhancing consistency in care and measurable client outcomes
- Created tailored lesson plans and behavior interventions for clients aged 3 to 17, increasing goal attainment across emotional, cognitive, and social domains
- Carried out public engagement initiatives through event planning and outreach campaigns, increasing awareness and participation during Autism-focused programming
Victim Services Coordinator
Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center
10.2016 - 11.2018
- Fielded crisis line inquiries to ensure immediate access to resources, stabilizing urgent situations through trauma-informed communication
- Escorted survivors to medical and legal appointments following incidents of sexual violence, securing timely care and judicial support
- Arranged post-crisis services and coordinated care transitions, optimizing continuity across medical, legal, and emotional recovery pathways
Direct Support Manager
Lambs Farm
12.2015 - 11.2018
- Oversaw daily operations of a residential facility serving 12 adults with Autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Dementia, maintaining a safe and structured environment tailored to individual needs
- Coordinated administrative workflows and partnered with vocational service providers, streamlining developmental support and expanding access to employment resources
- Supported residents’ personal care, financial routines, and household upkeep while organizing therapeutic and recreational programming, improving overall well-being and social engagement
Education
Master of Social Work, Master of Public Administration -
Aurora University
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
Northeastern Illinois University
Skills
- Multilingual (English, Conversational Arabic, Intermediate Spanish)
- Program & Project Coordination
- Mixed-Methods Research & Data Analysis
- Policy Evaluation & Development
- Assessment & Referral Systems
- Service Coordination & Resource Mobilization
- Cross-Sector Collaboration
- Community Outreach
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- EHR Software (Epic, HCS, & AMD)
- Microsoft Suite & AI
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Arabic
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Social Worker
Lake Behavioral Hospital
10.2025 - Current
Program Therapist
Clarity Clinic
08.2024 - 10.2025
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
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
Northeastern Illinois University
Master of Social Work, Master of Public Administration -
Aurora University