Jose Alberto Cruz Chevez received his B.A. from Cornell University and earned his MSW, MBA, and PhD from Rutgers University. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), clinical supervisor, educator, and behavioral health trainer whose work integrates liberation-based, systemic, and trauma-informed approaches to healing.
Following his postgraduate training at The Institute for Family Services (IFS), Dr. Chevez helped establish Progresando en Comunidad, an initiative developed to address the strengths, challenges, and mental health needs of Latinx communities. He has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, immigration-related stressors, tobacco dependence, and opioid use disorder. His work is grounded in culturally responsive practice, advocacy, and community engagement.
Dr. Chevez is a member of the therapeutic team at The Institute for Family Services and serves as a Lecturer, Senior Program Coordinator, Practicum Liaison, and Off-Site Practicum Instructor at the Rutgers University School of Social Work. By integrating clinical practice, workforce development, and social work education, he helps prepare the next generation of social workers.
As a member of the Liberation-Based Healing Conference planning team, Dr. Chevez contributes to conference development, outreach, and educational programming. He also served as a panel moderator, helping facilitate conversations that promote relational accountability, cultural dignity, and collective healing through liberation-based practice.