Jessica Karam, MSW

Jessica Karam, MSW has extensive work experience in the social work field, with a focus on supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health issues. Jessica has been employed at Home Forward since 2014, where they have held various roles including Program Manager for permanent supportive housing and Program Supervisor for Permanent Supportive Housing. In these positions, they provide services, assessments, and interventions to ensure housing stability for low-income adults and families, while also advocating for resident needs. Jessica began their career at Home Forward as a Resident Services Coordinator, initially hired on a time-limited contract after completing a graduate-level internship, later transitioning to a full-time role after completing their MSW.

Prior to their work with Home Forward, Jessica worked as a Graduate Intern at JOIN: connecting the street to a home from 2015 to 2016. During this time, they conducted organizational assessments, financial analysis, and made policy recommendations for the organization. Jessica also provided supervision and support to TIVNU volunteers and analyzed equity data to identify disparities and make recommendations for improvement.

Before their graduate studies, Jessica worked at Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare as a Skills Trainer from 2013 to 2015. In this role, they provided therapeutic interventions and counseling to residents with severe and persistent mental illness, facilitated individual and group training in living skills, and ensured effective recovery-centered services were provided.

Prior to that, they served as a Board Member at NAMI from 2010 to 2013. As a board member, Jessica was responsible for making budgetary and programmatic decisions for NAMI Knoxville events and services. Jessica also facilitated support groups for family members and individuals diagnosed with mental health issues.

Jessica's earlier experience includes working as a Recovery Team Leader at Helen Ross McNabb Center from 2009 to 2013. In this role, they oversaw the operations of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation program, developed weekly schedules of classes and events, and performed monthly treatment plan updates.

Overall, Jessica Karam, MSW has a diverse background in social work, with a strong focus on supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.

Jessica Karam, MSW has a diverse education history in the field of social work. Jessica first attended Laurel Ridge Community College from 2000 to 2003, where they earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. Following that, they pursued their Bachelor's degree in Psychology at James Madison University from 2004 to 2006. Later, Jessica completed their Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree at Portland State University from 2014 to 2016.

In addition to their formal education, Jessica has obtained several certifications. In 2010, they became a Wellness Recovery Action Plan Facilitator through Peninsula Behavioral Health. Jessica also completed two online courses through Coursera: "Principles of Obesity Economics" in November 2012 and "Nutrition for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention" in March 2013.

These educational experiences have equipped Jessica Karam with a strong foundation in social work and related fields.