Name: Evan Weiss
Department and Title: Admissions Department – Secaucus Long-term Residential; Assistant Director of Admissions
How long have you been with IH? Approximately 5 years as a paid staff member. Worked as an intern/volunteer in the prevention program, intake, and long-term residential in Newark for 1 year prior to my formal hiring.
How did you get started with IH? I was referred to Integrity House – Newark as a social work intern in my junior year at Seton Hall University. I enjoyed the experience so much that I volunteered in the Newark intake department on a full-time basis throughout the summer before my senior year in college. After transitioning into the adult residential phase for my senior internship, I was offered employment as a Counselor Intern/Van Driver.
What is your educational background? I hold a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ and a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW – with a concentration in social work administration) from the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service in Manhattan. I am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).
In one sentence, what are your responsibilities? I coordinate admissions into the adult residential substance abuse treatment program in Secaucus, working with various referral sources, including all Drug Court programs, county probation departments, the Work-first New Jersey Substance Abuse Initiative, Federal Probation and Federal Pre-trial, and many community-based substance abuse treatment programs throughout New Jersey.
What is your best memory at IH? Working with a dear friend and valued co-worker, Christopher Ferdinand, to plan a surprise Christmas party for all of the Newark residents on Christmas Day several years ago. We hired a D.J. and procured over $1,000-worth of donated food to provide the men and women with an unforgettable Holiday bash!
What do you think is the best thing about IH? The family atmosphere that the staff members work so hard to cultivate on a daily basis.
What do you do for fun? I enjoy learning and practicing various Spanish-language dialects. I also enjoy playing sports, especially basketball and soccer.
What do you want others to know about your position/dept/program? We truly care about the well-being of all individuals seeking treatment at Integrity House; and we go above and beyond our job descriptions to ensure that individuals entering the program are treated with dignity and respect.
