SHARI NIVASCH
Summary
Experienced and compassionate Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 26 years of experience providing counseling services to diverse, multi-age populations. Specialize in supporting victims of crime, high-conflict families, and family members of individuals suffering from mental illness. I have extensive knowledge of the court system and integrate this understanding into the delivery of comprehensive clinical care. Adept at working systemically, fostering therapeutic alliances that promote healing, accountability, and long-term stability for clients navigating complex personal and legal challenges.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
POLICE SOCIAL WORKER/CLINICAL COUNSELOR
Northbrook Police Department
08.2009 - 04.2025
- Delivered culturally competent clinical care across all age groups, specializing in crisis intervention, diagnostics, and short-term therapy.
- Conducted clinical consultations with officers during mental health crisis calls, aiding in the assessment of individuals under consideration for involuntary psychiatric commitment (per Illinois Mental Health Code).
- Helped evaluate mental status, risk of harm, and appropriate intervention steps during welfare checks or crisis response.
- Supported officers in developing de-escalation strategies and coordinated with local hospitals and crisis teams.
- Facilitated dialogue between law enforcement and diverse populations to build trust, increase transparency, and support community-based interventions.
- Provided community crisis intervention, diagnostic evaluations, and emergency response on a 24/7 basis, including field response with the officers.
- Served as a Victim Advocate for crime victims in the Village of Northbrook, offering advocacy and support in criminal, juvenile and mental health court.
- Conducted assessments and provided clinical services to Village of Northbrook employees and their families through the Employee Assistance Program.
- Offered confidential counseling to department personnel experiencing critical incident stress, PTSD, or burnout.
- Provided clinical and professional consultation to the schools, clergy, medical professionals, and local community agencies.
- Coordinated complex multi-agency cases.
- Conducted thorough clinical assessments and referrals, leading to improved access to mental health resources for individuals and families.
- Provided trauma-informed therapy to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and violent crimes.
- Represented the police department in local groups: Community Social Services Meeting, CATCH, Hoarding Task Force, Crisis Response Network for New Trier and Northfield Townships, strengthening partnerships and promoting collaborative mental health strategies.
LEAD VICTIM ADVOCATE/CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Evanston Police Department
04.2008 - 08.2009
- Managed the Victim Services Program; scheduling, case assignments, clinical supervision, prepared VCVA application and compliance reports.
- Assisted the Juvenile Bureau Commander in restructuring the program.
- Responsible for overseeing all victim advocacy functions in addition to primary duties.
VICTIM ADVOCATE
Evanston Police Department
06.1999 - 04.2008
- Coordinated with law enforcement and social services to ensure comprehensive care for victims, enhancing resource availability.
- Provided emotional support and advocacy for victims, fostering trust and encouraging engagement with available resources.
- Evaluated victim needs through comprehensive assessments, ensuring tailored support services that addressed individual circumstances.
- Assisted victims in navigating legal processes, ensuring clear understanding and empowering them to make informed decisions.
- Created and delivered a dating violence prevention program for teens.
- Conducted community education on domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Trained 150+ officers in domestic violence protocols.
- Collaborated with medical personnel at Evanston Hospital on domestic violence response.
Education
Post-Graduate Training Program - Bowen Family System Theory
Family Consultation Center
06.2024
Master of Science - Human Services-Counseling
National Louis University
06.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Illinois Chicago
05.1994
Skills
- Trauma Informed Care
- Crisis Management
- Community Outreach
- Mental Health Advocacy
- Family Therapy
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Emotional Resilience
- Advocacy Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Clinical Assessment
- Trauma Recovery
Certification
- LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR #180-005481. Illinois Department of Professional Regulations
- NATIONAL CERTIFIED COUNSELORS #84907 National Board of Certified Counselors
Timeline
POLICE SOCIAL WORKER/CLINICAL COUNSELOR
Northbrook Police Department
08.2009 - 04.2025
LEAD VICTIM ADVOCATE/CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Evanston Police Department
04.2008 - 08.2009
VICTIM ADVOCATE
Evanston Police Department
06.1999 - 04.2008
Master of Science - Human Services-Counseling
National Louis University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Illinois Chicago
Post-Graduate Training Program - Bowen Family System Theory
Family Consultation Center
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