MARGUERITE D. CICHON
South Hadley,Massachusetts
Summary
Compassionate, energetic, generalist social worker committed to the empowerment of people of all diversities through support, encouragement, education, opportunity, and the discovery of personal goals.
Experienced Clinical Specialist with background in both hospital and private practice settings. Strengths include patient education, data analysis, and implementation of treatment plans. Proven ability to successfully liaise between medical teams and patients, ensuring clear communication and optimal healthcare outcomes. Committed to continuous professional development in field.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Psychiatric Clinical Specialist
Metlife Disability
Bloomfield, CT
02.2006 - 01.2021
- Investigate psychiatric disability claims and complete a psychiatric assessment with a determination on claims settlement within authorized guidelines
Psychiatric Clinician
Valley Psychiatric Service, Inc.
Springfield, MA
09.2001 - 01.2009
- Complete diagnostic assessments and treatment plans on mental health clients, individual and family psychotherapy
- Crisis management
Substance Abuse Counselor/Case Manager
Community Substance Abuse Center
Chicopee, MA
02.2003 - 01.2006
- Process intakes, assess needs, develop treatment plans, work with community services to coordinate care of patients, counseling and discharge planning
Crisis Counselor
Mt. Tom Mental Health Center
Holyoke, MA
06.2001 - 01.2003
- Assess and diagnose patients, refer for clinical disposition
- Crisis stabilization counseling and phone triage
- Work as a liaison with insurance companies community support programs and police for care and treatment
Front End Manager
Waldbaum’s Food Mart
South Hadley, MA
01.1979 - 01.2003
- Supervise service clerks, maintain customer service, oversee operation of registers and evaluate needs when problem solving
Volunteer Coordinator/Asst. Community Educator
Womanshelter/Companeras
Holyoke, MA
01.1999 - 01.2002
- Responsible for recruitment, scheduling, training, and supervising 50+ volunteers and interns
- Coordinate performance reviews and develop policies for volunteers
- Conduct community presentations on issues of domestic violence
Career Counselor Intern
Ludlow, MA
09.1998 - 12.1998
- Counseled inmates in vocational services and job development, facilitated groups, taught pre-employment training
Education
M.S.W. -
Springfield College
Springfield, MA05.2001
B.S.W. -
Our Lady of Elms College
Chicopee, MA05.1999
Skills
- Advanced skills in counseling
- Conflicts and mediation
- Outstanding ability to work with community and professional groups
- Strength in creative problem solving
- Excellent communication and written skills
- Years of supervisory experience
- Training experience
- Experienced in public speaking
References
- Carmen Nieves, Community Educator, Womanshelter/Companeras, (413) 538-9717
- Kirk Woodring, MSW, LICSW, Director of Crisis Team, Mt. Tom Mental Health Center, (413) 536-2251
Volunteer Experience
Womanshelter/Companeras, Holyoke, MA, Crisis counselor, 01/95 - 12/00, Providing advocacy, intervention, shelter, and education to battered women and children., Member of Board of Directors, 01/97 - 12/99, Committee Member, 01/96 - 12/02, Board Development, Community Education, Volunteer Resource, Service, Certified mediator, 01/98 - 12/00, Project Rebound, Center for Human Development, Springfield, MA
Awards
- National Scholastic Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Sigma
- National Catholic College Society, Kappa Gamma Pi
- The O’Connor/Joyce Social Work Student of the Year Award
Timeline
Psychiatric Clinical Specialist
Metlife Disability
02.2006 - 01.2021
Substance Abuse Counselor/Case Manager
Community Substance Abuse Center
02.2003 - 01.2006
Psychiatric Clinician
Valley Psychiatric Service, Inc.
09.2001 - 01.2009
Crisis Counselor
Mt. Tom Mental Health Center
06.2001 - 01.2003
Volunteer Coordinator/Asst. Community Educator
Womanshelter/Companeras
01.1999 - 01.2002
Career Counselor Intern
09.1998 - 12.1998
Front End Manager
Waldbaum’s Food Mart
01.1979 - 01.2003
M.S.W. -
Springfield College
B.S.W. -
Our Lady of Elms College