Linda Chismar MSW, LSW
Conyngham,Pennsylvania
Summary
Professional and knowledgeable leader who brings years of valuable experience to your company. Attentive to details with experience in management, supervision and coordinating projects and programs.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Corrections Classification and Program Manager
PA Department Of Corrections
09.2002 - 06.2022
- Oversaw five departments and staff in State Correctional Institution: Inmate Records, Inmate Employment, Substance Use Disorder, Activities, Religious Activities/Chaplaincy/Volunteer Programs. Also supervised three Corrections Counselors/Treatment Specialists, one Social Worker and two Medication Assisted Treatment Program Specialists.
- Developed program schedules, monitored progress, maintained accurate records and prepared reports.
- Administered Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) policy and served as PREA Compliance Manager.
Licensed Social Worker
Northeast Counseling Services
07.1999 - 04.2012
- Provided individual, family and marital therapy as per diem therapist.
- Interviewed adolescent and adult clients to assess situations, limitations and needs.
- Provided Employee Assistance Program counseling services for various organizations.
- Formulated treatment plan strategies with clients.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Collaborated with Clinical Director, Psychiatrist, Probation Officers and others.
Corrections Unit Manager
PA Department Of Corrections
04.1998 - 09.2002
- Managed housing unit of 260 male inmates in State Correctional Institution.
- Supervised Unit Team of Correctional Officers, Corrections Counselors and Clerk Typist.
- Communicated daily with inmates and staff and ensured policy and procedures were followed.
- Ensured inmates' casework and reports were completed accurately and submitted in timely manner.
Drug and Alcohol Counselor
Serento Gardens Alcoholism And Drug Services
10.1998 - 12.1999
- Assessed clients using PCPC forms, made referrals for recommended level of care and developed goal-oriented psychoeducational plans using Cognitive Behavioral Interventions and Motivational Interviewing techniques based on history and diagnosis.
- Provided support to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Completed required documentation for case files in accordance with guidelines.
Corrections Counselor
PA Department Of Corrections
12.1994 - 04.1998
- Provided casework and counseling services to caseload of 135 inmates in State Correctional Institution as member of Unit Team.
- Performed duties in accordance with policies and standards.
- Collaborated with institutional staff and conducted psycho-educational groups with inmates.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA05.1998
Bachelor of Social Work -
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, PA12.1995
Skills
- Experience in Mental Health and Addictions
- Assessment Skills
- Program and Policy Compliance
- Critical Thinking and Decision- Making
Affiliations
- National Association of Social Workers
Timeline
Corrections Classification and Program Manager
PA Department Of Corrections
09.2002 - 06.2022
Licensed Social Worker
Northeast Counseling Services
07.1999 - 04.2012
Drug and Alcohol Counselor
Serento Gardens Alcoholism And Drug Services
10.1998 - 12.1999
Corrections Unit Manager
PA Department Of Corrections
04.1998 - 09.2002
Corrections Counselor
PA Department Of Corrections
12.1994 - 04.1998
Master of Social Work -
Temple University
Bachelor of Social Work -
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania