Cheatara Williams
Central,LA
Summary
Resilient Disaster Recovery Specialist known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Proficient in risk assessment, emergency response planning, and post-disaster recovery strategies. Exceptional critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability to navigate complex disaster scenarios and implement effective recovery plans. Committed to coordinating with teams and stakeholders using strong communication skills for optimized disaster preparedness and response.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
988 Digital Crisis Counselor
Tetra Tech
05.2023 - Current
- Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to LGBTQ+ youth and adults, using active listening and empathetic communication to de-escalate high-stress situations
- Utilized evidence-based counseling techniques to address a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and suicidal ideation
- Assess risk levels and provide appropriate referrals and resources
- Provided emotional support and guidance to individuals dealing with a variety of life issues, including grief, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma and relationship conflicts.
- Actively participated in outreach activities aimed at increasing public awareness of mental health services available within the community.
- Collected and documented information from clients about concerns and available contextual details.
- Led debriefing sessions for individuals and groups following traumatic events.
- Provided follow-up care, including referral to long-term mental health services and support groups.
Emergency Management/Disaster Recovery Specialist
Tetra Tech
02.2023 - 08.2024
- Coordinated with stakeholders to ensure successful execution of disaster recovery processes.
- Monitored system performance, identified potential risks, and took corrective action when necessary.
- Assisted in the development of strategies for data backup, storage, archiving, and retrieval procedures.
- Created detailed reports outlining progress made towards achieving compliance with industry standards related to disaster recovery planning.
- Performed impact assessments on new projects or initiatives that may affect the organization's ability to recover from a disruptive event.
- Maintained up-to-date records of all disaster recovery activities and documentation.
- Provided technical support during the testing phase of disaster recovery plans.
- Conducted outreach activities to identify and engage disaster survivors that may require assistance.
- Compiled reports on the progress of client cases for management review.
- Verified eligibility criteria for various programs according to established guidelines.
- Monitored client cases throughout the entire disaster recovery process.
Disaster Shelter Manager(Hurricane Ian)
The Workforce Group
09.2022 - 01.2023
- Led the operations of a large-scale disaster shelter, providing emergency housing, food, and medical care to displaced individuals and families
- Managed daily logistics, staff coordination, and resource allocation to ensure the safety and well-being of all shelter residents
- Developed and implemented shelter policies and procedures.
- Assessed the needs of individuals seeking shelter services and provided assistance in obtaining housing, employment, medical care, and other resources.
- Provided case management services to clients including individualized plans for housing stability.
- Conducted outreach activities within the community to increase awareness of available resources.
- Facilitated weekly staff meetings to discuss current cases and develop strategies for client support.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to shelter operations.
- Established relationships with local government agencies to facilitate collaboration on homelessness initiatives.
- Managed the intake process for new residents including conducting interviews, verifying eligibility criteria, and assigning beds accordingly.
- Monitored shelter operations on a daily basis including cleaning schedules, meal times, security protocols.
- Prepared monthly reports summarizing program activities and outcomes.
- Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments or filing paperwork.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
Deputy Program Manager
Tetra Tech
05.2021 - 09.2022
- Directed program operations for HAP and HRP, ensuring efficient processing and management of homeowner applications, from intake to project completion, in alignment with HUD CDBG-DR guidelines
- Oversaw the eligibility review, document collection, and verification processes to ensure compliance and timely resolution of homeowner issues
- Implemented and refined program policies and procedures, ensuring that they met HUD guidelines and supported the smooth progression of disaster recovery projects
- Provided oversight for application processing, including the determination of grant awards and verification of benefits, to facilitate successful project outcomes
Education
Masters of Science - Marriage and Family Counseling
University of Houston
12-2016
Bachelors of Science - Developmental Psychology
University of Houston
08-2014
Skills
- Data-driven strategic planning
- Disaster recovery planning
- Crisis management
- Excellent communication skills
- Client advocacy
- Disaster response
- Suicide Prevention
- Safety Planning
- Behavioral Health
- Documentation skills
- Support Group Facilitation
- Case Management
- Effective Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Organizational Skills
- Crisis Response
- Operations Management
- Emergency Response Coordination
- Resource Management
- Shelter Operations
- Project Management
- Documentation and control
Timeline
988 Digital Crisis Counselor
Tetra Tech
05.2023 - Current
Emergency Management/Disaster Recovery Specialist
Tetra Tech
02.2023 - 08.2024
Disaster Shelter Manager(Hurricane Ian)
The Workforce Group
09.2022 - 01.2023
Deputy Program Manager
Tetra Tech
05.2021 - 09.2022
Masters of Science - Marriage and Family Counseling
University of Houston
Bachelors of Science - Developmental Psychology
University of Houston
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