Marilyn Pitchford
Chicago,IL
Summary
Program Management Experienced program and talent management professional, skilled in recruitment and training diverse workforces. Motivating team leaders, with hands-on work, coaching teams, and mentoring program participants. Adept in program management and process improvement leading to enhanced compliance and participant impacts. Strategic thought partner skilled in developing and implementing community organizing strategies and collaborative initiatives to reduce the impact of community violence on individuals, families, and communities throughout Chicago Illinois.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Associate Director of Workforce, Program Manager
Heartland Human Care Services
Chicago, IL
11.2018 - Current
- Manage daily operation of community violence prevention initiative known as Rapid Employment and Development Initiative (READI) located in the communities of Austin and West Garfield serving 70 program participants and managing 23 direct reports
- Collaborate with community based READI providers to evaluate and implement best practices for program participants and staff to reduce levels of gun violence in targeted Chicago communities
- Manage implementation of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Professional Development strategies for program participants Responsible for procuring and management of resource to support inventory of supplies and equipment for staff and participants, fleet management, participant support, subsidized participant employment strategies, participant and staff payroll, and staff IT needs
- Recruit, onboard, evaluate, and train supervises, providing leadership weekly team meetings, one-on one supervision, and facilitation of staff professional development strategies
- Assist with the development of program participants employer development strategies to support participant program subsidized transitional employment experiences leading to participant unsubsidized employment placement
- Develops and maintains key relationships with community organizations to support accomplishments of READI community building goals.
Program Manager
Institute for Nonviolence Chicago – Metropolitan Family Services
Chicago, IL
03.2016 - 11.2018
- Served an integral role in the inception and longevity of the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago which started in the Austin community and is currently serving areas around the city
- Supported a team of 15 street and school outreach workers through training, check-in, and follow-up, and periodic performance evaluations
- Developed, planned, and implemented peace initiatives for community engagement which mobilized 100 residents in the Austin Community
- Maintained a broad network of about 25 community partners to stay knowledgeable of conditions, active conflicts, and resources for the population served.
Mental Health Associate
Riveredge Hospital
Forest Park, IL
03.2015 - 11.2018
- Assisted in the direct care and management of patients as prescribed by the physician, therapist, and the treatment team
- Provided age specific supervision, safety and crisis management appropriate to the developmental level and specific treatment needs of both the individual patient and the unit as a whole – an average of 15 to 25 patients
Program Manager
Cure Violence, University of Illinois, Chicago: School of Public Health
Chicago, IL
01.2001 - 01.2015
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive violence prevention/intervention community plan that was used as a template for other CeaseFire program sites
- Managed and coordinated administrative support functions (e.g., purchasing, personnel, budgeting, finance, and information systems support) for the division’s central and field offices
- Assisted in the preparation of grant applications, program performance reports, and training plans
- Developed relationships with local service providers and program partners to identify and provide services to extremely high-risk neighborhood residents – further collaborating on community peace events
- Served in leadership positions on community-wide coalitions addressing violence, housing and related issues.
Supervisor
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Supervised a team of 12 outreach workers and violence interrupters to ensure compliance with CeaseFire implementation guideline
- Facilitated program site meetings to engage plan for preventing retaliation and ensuring safety after shootings or homicides in target area
- Planned the Outreach Workers day-to-day and week-to-week activities
Outreach Worker
01.2001 - 01.2007
- Worked with over 100 high-risk participants and their families – assessed skills and evaluated their ability to obtain and retain employment; made appropriate referrals to DHS programs, state services or local private services
- Mediated over 400 low and high-risk conflicts which resulted in reduction of retaliation, arrest, and overall shootings within the community
Education
Workforce Professional Credential -
Chicago Jobs Council
Certificate of Completion - undefined
Northeastern Illinois University
Master of Arts - Inner City Studies
Bachelor of Arts Board of Governors Degree - undefined
Northeastern Illinois University
Associates of Arts Degree - undefined
Harry S. Truman City College
Skills
Program leadership
undefinedCertification
Program Management Trauma Informed Care Staff Professional Development
Additional Information
- PROFESSIONAL AWARDS , CeasFire Leadership Award 2010 Award in recognition of Dedicated Service as an Outreach Worker 01/2003 Award in recognition of Dedicated Service in Community Involvement in 11th District from the Chicago Police Department 11/2004 Served as the Vice Chairperson on the Humboldt Park Safety committee
Timeline
Associate Director of Workforce, Program Manager
Heartland Human Care Services
11.2018 - Current
Program Manager
Institute for Nonviolence Chicago – Metropolitan Family Services
03.2016 - 11.2018
Mental Health Associate
Riveredge Hospital
03.2015 - 11.2018
Supervisor
01.2007 - 01.2010
Program Manager
Cure Violence, University of Illinois, Chicago: School of Public Health
01.2001 - 01.2015
Outreach Worker
01.2001 - 01.2007
Workforce Professional Credential -
Chicago Jobs Council
Certificate of Completion - undefined
Northeastern Illinois University
Master of Arts - Inner City Studies
Bachelor of Arts Board of Governors Degree - undefined
Northeastern Illinois University
Associates of Arts Degree - undefined
Harry S. Truman City College
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