Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Jaime Zavala

Chicago,IL

Summary

Extensive experience in mental health leadership, focusing on developing patient-centered programs that improve care and well-being. Proven track record in quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and staff development, fostering safe and supportive clinical environments. Committed to enhancing team performance and patient outcomes through compassionate leadership.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Clinical Director

Pilsen Wellness Center
Chicago, Illinois
08.2025 - Current
  • Provided clinical leadership for community-based mental health programs serving diverse populations.
  • Managed and mentored Assistant Clinical Directors to align with organizational goals.
  • Supervised multidisciplinary clinical teams, ensuring effective support and collaboration.
  • Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local mental health regulations and accreditation standards.
  • Developed and evaluated evidence-based clinical protocols tailored to community needs.
  • Conducted clinical case reviews and audits to uphold high standards of care.
  • Collaborated with community partners to enhance referral networks and wraparound services.
  • Led staff training initiatives to promote trauma-informed, culturally competent care.

Outpatient Program / Clinical Supervisor

Pilsen Wellness Center
Chicago, Illinois
06.2015 - 08.2019
  • Supervised clinical operations for therapists, case managers, and interns delivering outpatient mental health services.
  • Ensured compliance with agency policies, Medicaid, insurance requirements, and state and federal regulations.
  • Conducted clinical chart reviews to verify timely, accurate documentation of treatment plans and progress notes.
  • Facilitated team meetings and clinical consultations to enhance staff development and service effectiveness.
  • Monitored productivity metrics for clinical staff, addressing barriers to improve service delivery.
  • Supported onboarding and training initiatives focused on culturally competent and evidence-based practices.
  • Assisted in program evaluation and quality assurance for continuous improvement efforts.
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals to provide integrated, holistic client care.

Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychotherapist

Pilsen Wellness Center
Chicago, Illinois
08.2012 - 06.2015
  • Delivered individual, family, and group psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults using trauma-informed approaches.
  • Conducted comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and formulated diagnoses per DSM-5 criteria.
  • Developed person-centered treatment plans aligned with client goals to foster engagement.
  • Maintained full caseload while ensuring timely documentation of progress notes and treatment plans.
  • Collaborated with families and healthcare providers to advocate for client needs across systems.
  • Provided crisis intervention and safety planning for clients at risk of self-harm.
  • Educated clients on coping strategies and community resources to support wellness.
  • Participated in clinical supervision to enhance professional development and care quality.

School Social Work Intern

Chicago Public Schools CPS
Chicago, Illinois
08.2011 - 06.2012
  • Administered Tier 1 Response to Intervention programs, including Second Step.
  • Executed Tier 2 RtI interventions through counseling at-risk and special education students.
  • Facilitated Tier 3 RtI interventions by referring families to community resources and therapies.
  • Collaborated with school staff, families, and paraprofessionals for student support.
  • Developed Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and social developmental studies using IMPACT.
  • Prepared social assessments for reevaluation conferences to assess continued service eligibility.
  • Created therapeutic groups addressing self-esteem, grief, depression, and coping skills.
  • Provided individual psychotherapy services to elementary and high school students.

Social Work Intern

Hartgrove Hospital
Chicago, Illinois
01.2011 - 08.2011
  • Delivered individual and group psychotherapy services to culturally diverse adolescents aged 14-17 with major psychiatric disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse in both Spanish and English.
  • Collaborated with treatment team, including clinical social workers and psychiatrists, to develop tailored treatment plans.
  • Assisted in conducting intakes and initial assessments for new clients.
  • Provided advocacy services for adult and child clients as required.

Field Research Specialist

Institute for Health Research and Policy
Chicago, Illinois
08.2007 - 08.2011
  • Coordinated and led a team of research assistants to achieve accurate study objectives and protocol adherence.
  • Oversaw administration of structured surveys with adolescent participants across multiple school sites, ensuring ethical compliance and data integrity.
  • Trained research assistants to conduct in-depth interviews regarding electronic diary tools and smoking behaviors.
  • Managed participant tracking systems, monitoring incentive disbursement and maintaining financial documentation for grant compliance.
  • Processed and cleaned quantitative and qualitative data from adolescent and parent participants for analysis.
  • Maintained updated timelines and task schedules to ensure progress toward research goals and reporting deadlines.
  • Prepared detailed summary reports on field observations, participant feedback, and logistical challenges for continuous improvement.
  • Enhanced participant retention by fostering engagement through reminders and rapport-building with adolescents and parents.

Crisis Paraprofessional

UIC InTouch Crisis Hotline
Chicago, Illinois
12.2006 - 12.2008
  • Conducted crisis counseling and intervention for short-term issues.
  • Delivered supportive counseling for individuals facing daily crises.
  • Facilitated referral services for callers requiring ongoing counseling support.

Education

Master of Social Work - Social Work

UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work
Chicago
05-2012

Bachelor of Arts - General Psychology

University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL
05-2007

Skills

  • Clinical program development
  • Staff development and supervision
  • Training and education
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Risk management and policy
  • Quality improvement strategies
  • Strategic leadership in behavioral healthcare
  • Effective communication and emotional intelligence

Certification

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2 (CCTP-II)
  • Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT)
  • Illinois Medicaid Comprehensive Assessment of Needs and Strengths (IM+CANS)

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual

Timeline

Clinical Director

Pilsen Wellness Center
08.2025 - Current

Outpatient Program / Clinical Supervisor

Pilsen Wellness Center
06.2015 - 08.2019

Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychotherapist

Pilsen Wellness Center
08.2012 - 06.2015

School Social Work Intern

Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.2011 - 06.2012

Social Work Intern

Hartgrove Hospital
01.2011 - 08.2011

Field Research Specialist

Institute for Health Research and Policy
08.2007 - 08.2011

Crisis Paraprofessional

UIC InTouch Crisis Hotline
12.2006 - 12.2008

Master of Social Work - Social Work

UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work

Bachelor of Arts - General Psychology

University of Illinois At Chicago

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