Johanne Steigerwald
My name is Johanne Steigerwald and I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. My professional journey spans over 30 years in the drug and alcohol field, with a strong foundation in sociology, social work and behavioral health. My academic background includes an undergraduate degree in sociology and social work from Gwynedd Mercy College, followed by a Master of Science degree in probation, parole and corrections, with a minor in behavioral health.
My career began with the City of Philadelphia as a youth detention counselor, where I worked with at-risk juveniles, providing guidance and support to help them navigate their challenges. Seeking to expand my impact, I transitioned to a role as a Social Worker at the Department of Human Services, where I was responsible for assessing and addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals and families.
As my career progressed, I joined the Philadelphia Prison System as a Social Worker, specifically focusing on providing drug and alcohol services to the inmate population. This experience deepened my understanding of rehabilitation and the critical role of structured support systems in the reformation process. My dedication and expertise led to a promotion as the Job Project Director, where I oversaw re-entry services to assist former inmates in successfully reintegrating into the community.
After retiring from the Philadelphia Prison System, I relocated to South Carolina to continue my work in rehabilitation and social services. I accepted a position with the Vocational Rehabilitation Department as a counselor, helping individuals overcome barriers to employment. In recognition of my leadership and commitment, I was later promoted to the role of Area Case Manager for the Anderson/Oconee Area, where I supervised and guided a team in providing crucial vocational services.
In 2015, I retired from the State of South Carolina, concluding a fulfilling and impactful career. Throughout my journey, I received several prestigious awards and recognitions, including the Juvenile Justice Award for Outstanding Service, Employee of the Year for Social Work at Philadelphia Prisons and the Commissioner's Certificate of Recognition. I was also honored to be appointed to the Mayor's Committee to oversee all re-entry services for prisons and probation. Additionally, I was the recipient of the Employee of the Year Supervisor Award for the Jobs Project and the Linda Allen Award for Community Service from the South Carolina Probation and Parole Association.
My lifelong commitment to service, rehabilitation and community engagement has shaped my professional legacy and I am proud of the contributions I have made to the fields of social work, corrections and behavioral health.
My career began with the City of Philadelphia as a youth detention counselor, where I worked with at-risk juveniles, providing guidance and support to help them navigate their challenges. Seeking to expand my impact, I transitioned to a role as a Social Worker at the Department of Human Services, where I was responsible for assessing and addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals and families.
As my career progressed, I joined the Philadelphia Prison System as a Social Worker, specifically focusing on providing drug and alcohol services to the inmate population. This experience deepened my understanding of rehabilitation and the critical role of structured support systems in the reformation process. My dedication and expertise led to a promotion as the Job Project Director, where I oversaw re-entry services to assist former inmates in successfully reintegrating into the community.
After retiring from the Philadelphia Prison System, I relocated to South Carolina to continue my work in rehabilitation and social services. I accepted a position with the Vocational Rehabilitation Department as a counselor, helping individuals overcome barriers to employment. In recognition of my leadership and commitment, I was later promoted to the role of Area Case Manager for the Anderson/Oconee Area, where I supervised and guided a team in providing crucial vocational services.
In 2015, I retired from the State of South Carolina, concluding a fulfilling and impactful career. Throughout my journey, I received several prestigious awards and recognitions, including the Juvenile Justice Award for Outstanding Service, Employee of the Year for Social Work at Philadelphia Prisons and the Commissioner's Certificate of Recognition. I was also honored to be appointed to the Mayor's Committee to oversee all re-entry services for prisons and probation. Additionally, I was the recipient of the Employee of the Year Supervisor Award for the Jobs Project and the Linda Allen Award for Community Service from the South Carolina Probation and Parole Association.
My lifelong commitment to service, rehabilitation and community engagement has shaped my professional legacy and I am proud of the contributions I have made to the fields of social work, corrections and behavioral health.