Aisha Davis
Flossmoor,IL
Summary
Accomplished child welfare and human services leader with over 20 years of experience driving policy implementation, program oversight, and quality assurance across federal and nonprofit sectors. Proven expertise in federal compliance, team leadership, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative problem solving. Recognized for strategic thinking, risk management, and championing initiatives that enhance the well-being of children and families.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Child & Family Program Specialist
United States Department of Health & Human Service
07.2020 - Current
- Company Overview: The Children’s Bureau (CB) is a federal agency within the Administration for Children and Families. Its main goal is to improve the safety, permanency, and well-being of children in foster care through leadership, and support for necessary services, and productive partnerships with states, tribes, and communities. CB provides leadership in addressing and preventing child abuse and neglect.
- Deliver strategic guidance and technical assistance to states and tribes on federal law, policy, and program regulation, specifically Titles IV – E and IV – B of the Social Security Act and the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of data and qualitative information regarding child welfare policy and practice, outcomes for children and families, and state and tribal agency functioning.
- Spearhead and contribute to the planning, reviewing, and monitoring of State and Tribal Child and Family Services programs, including Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adoption, Family Support and Preservation, and Independent Living to ensure compliance with regulations and attainment of national goals and objectives.
- Direct and support states' program improvement measures and implementation activities arising from the Child and Family Service Reviews' outcomes.
- Mediate and resolve compliance and programmatic issues.
- Prepared for and led federal Title IV – E Eligibility Reviews.
- Partner with grantees to develop corrective action plans and provide ongoing support to strengthen program capacity and outcomes.
- Support agencies and tribes in aligning programs with federal child welfare laws, including Title IV – E and IV – B of the Social Security Act.
- Provide technical assistance to states and tribes on federal law and regulations.
Executive Director
Child Link, Inc.
08.2011 - 07.2020
- Company Overview: Child Link, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non – profit organization that provides Foster Care, Adoption, Family Support Preservation, Transitional Living, Independent Living, and Counseling Services through contractual agreements with the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (IDCFS).
- Managed and led in the development and implementation of 5 foster care program plans.
- Oversaw Quality Assurance process through the supervision of 5 Supervisors and 35 Case Managers.
- Ensured compliance with Child Link’s program plan, operations and grants following applicable laws and regulations.
- Monitored performance-based outcomes monthly to ensure compliance for 325 clients.
- Implemented Internal Quality Improvement Plan & Measures.
- Synthesized qualitative and quantitative data for the state of Illinois and Child Link, Inc. using qualitative & quantitative processes regarding child welfare policy and practice.
- Evaluated trends and made recommendations for improvement.
- Delivered expert testimony in legal proceedings.
- Advocated for unaccompanied minors.
- Provided real-time technical assistance to children, families and employees on emergency issues.
- Provided recommendations to IDCFS on local, state and regional improvement areas.
- Set strategic objectives and timelines to assist employees in enhancing leadership skills while reducing retention.
- Led weekly Risk Management Meetings and co-lead Quarterly Board Meetings.
- Co-chair for IDCFS’ Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) Program Improvement Plan (PIP) Committee.
- CFSR Reviewer for IDCFS.
Program Supervisor
Child Link, Inc.
08.2009 - 08.2011
- Managed a team of child welfare specialists and the day-to-day operations of a Transitional Living Program.
- Oversaw evaluations and made critical decisions in child welfare cases.
- Directed performance reviews and training of new employees.
- Maintained compliance with state, federal and local mandates.
- Ensured the physical, emotional and medical needs of all residents were met.
- Contributed to development of program specific plans to enhance the well – being of all residents.
- Quality Improvement Team Lead.
Counselor
Connections for Abused Women & their Children (CAWC)
09.2008 - 08.2009
- Company Overview: Connections for Abused Women & their Children, is a 501 (c) 3 non – profit organization committed to end domestic violence by providing shelter for women and children, counseling, and advocacy.
- Performed detailed intake assessments, which included psychosocial assessments and motivational interviewing.
- Counseled women that experienced domestic violence through an integrative therapeutic approach.
- Created and updated treatment plans, progress reports, and discharge plans.
- Facilitated domestic violence groups in drug treatment & community-based settings.
- Internship
Quality Assurance Administrator, Senior Child Welfare Specialist
Child Link, Inc.
08.2006 - 08.2009
- Participated in the development and implementation of Child Link’s Long – Term Plan.
- Oversaw peer QA process for Child Welfare Specialists.
- Completed Adoption Subsidies, Home Conversion Assessments and Investigatory Reports.
Child Welfare Specialist
Cabrini Green Youth & Family Services
07.2004 - 08.2006
- Designed and executed case plans in partnership with families, service providers, and other identified stakeholders.
- Delivered holistic case management, including appropriate referrals to community – based service providers.
- Collaborated with birth families, foster families, and adoptive families to promote permanency for children.
- Prepared documentation and provided court testimony, including providing written court reports, testifying, and coordinating with legal professionals.
- Monitor the well – being on children in foster care placements through regular home visits, on – going assessments, and team meetings.
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Counseling
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
01.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign
01.2004
Skills
- Skill development
- Performance assessments
- Program management
- Problem-solving
- Maintaining client records
- Client and family interviews
- Case management
- Youth advocacy
- Client needs assessments
- Client advocacy
Timeline
Child & Family Program Specialist
United States Department of Health & Human Service
07.2020 - Current
Executive Director
Child Link, Inc.
08.2011 - 07.2020
Program Supervisor
Child Link, Inc.
08.2009 - 08.2011
Counselor
Connections for Abused Women & their Children (CAWC)
09.2008 - 08.2009
Quality Assurance Administrator, Senior Child Welfare Specialist
Child Link, Inc.
08.2006 - 08.2009
Child Welfare Specialist
Cabrini Green Youth & Family Services
07.2004 - 08.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign
Master of Arts - Clinical Counseling
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
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