Latasha Sewell
Manager
Carteret,NJ
Summary
Experienced with managing center operations and ensuring efficient workflow. Utilizes strategic planning and team leadership to optimize performance and service quality. Track record of enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency through problem-solving and process improvements.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Disaster Recovery Center Manager
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
08.2025 - Current
- Directed daily functions of emergency response center to enhance operational efficiency and resource management.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on disaster response protocols and safety procedures.
- Collaborated in formulating comprehensive operational plans to enhance center's capability in responding to emergencies.
- Tracked inventory levels of supplies and equipment to ensure seamless operations.
First Line Supervisor
Department of Homeland Security- FEMA
04.2021 - Current
- Directed and managed teams of emergency management specialists during disaster response operations.
- Facilitated comprehensive planning and coordination of relief efforts, ensuring effective utilization of resources.
- Engaged with local state and federal agencies to foster collaborative initiatives.
- Facilitated effective communication in compliance with DHS and FEMA policies and procedures.
- Executed critical tasks under pressure during emergencies and presidentially declared disasters to support community safety and recovery efforts.
Coach and Evaluator
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
11.2019 - Current
- Delivered comprehensive instructions and guidance to prepare trainees for meeting specific performance qualification standards.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments and validations of position task book tasks to confirm successful execution.
- Facilitated on-the-job training sessions to enhance employee skills and performance.
- Executed impartial evaluations of unassisted task completion and performance metrics.
- Assessed and recorded trainee capabilities, ensuring thorough documentation of proficiency through structured evaluations.
Recertification Advisor - Direct Housing
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Supported applicants of DR4724-Hawaii impacted by Lahaina wildfire through guidance and resources.
- Conducted recertification interviews and supported applicants in attaining permanent housing plan goals via biweekly or monthly face-to-face consultations.
- Performed safety inspections on direct lease units to verify functionality of all safety devices.
- Facilitated applicant referrals to state, local, federal, and volunteer agencies to address unmet needs.
- Executed timely input of notes in Outlook Homes and NEMIS to ensure accurate documentation of recertification visits.
- Facilitated recertification training to enhance the skills of less experienced advisors.
First Line Supervisor - License-In
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
05.2024 - 06.2024
- Oversaw operations of a four-member crew on DR4724-Hawaii to provide support for applicants impacted by the Lahaina wildfire.
- Led training sessions for staff on conducting license-in move-out inspections and ensuring accurate documentation using Outlook Homes and NEMIS.
- Facilitated daily meetings to update staff and equip teams with essential resources and tools for effective duty fulfillment.
- Executed accurate and timely processing of completed license-in by scanning and uploading documents to shared drive.
- Monitored adherence to agency policies and procedures to uphold organizational standards.
First Line Supervisor - Direct Housing
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
05.2023 - 10.2023
- Directed operations for two FEMA group sites concurrently in DR4611-Louisiana to ensure effective disaster response.
- Managed a team of seven responders to facilitate support for applicants affected by Hurricane Ida.
- Coordinated daily staff meetings, providing essential updates and training to improve staff competency in emergency management protocols.
- Delegated tasks to staff members to ensure project deadlines were met.
- Evaluated performance metrics to enhance accountability and ensure team efforts supported FEMA's objective of delivering prompt assistance during emergencies.
- Collaborated with senior leadership, park staff, and security to address and resolve onsite issues and concerns.
- Supported staff in executing recertifications and managing license-in and move-out inspections to maintain operational standards.
Recertification Advisor - Direct Housing
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
07.2022 - 12.2022
- Guided applicants of DR4611-Louisiana through application procedures to ensure timely access to disaster relief resources.
- Engaged with applicants through phone outreach to arrange in-person interviews, reviewing eligibility for FEMA's temporary housing assistance and guiding them towards permanent housing solutions.
- Identified unmet needs of applicants during recertification visits at direct lease units and FEMA's manufactured housing units, providing reliable referrals to state government and volunteer agencies.
- Performed detailed inspections of units to ensure operational safety and maintenance standards were met.
- Scanned and faxed finalized recertifications to FEMA, ensuring compliance with processing protocols.
First Line Supervisor - License-In
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Directed a team of five crew members to support applicants impacted by Hurricane Ida.
- Delegated license-in appointments to team members, ensuring efficient processing of applicants for temporary direct lease units, FEMA's manufactured housing units, or travel trailers.
- Facilitated appointment coordination for team members conducting move-out inspections of direct lease units, FEMA manufactured housing units, and travel trailers.
- Validated and confirmed completion of license-in and move-out inspection notes in Outlook Homes and NEMIS.
- Facilitated submission of completed license-in and move-out inspections to senior leadership and FEMA's National Processing Service Center for efficient processing.
Applicant Services Program Specialist - Crew Lead
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
09.2020 - 10.2021
- Assisted individuals affected by presidentially declared disasters DR4559-Louisiana, DR4520-Wisconsin, DR4610-California, and DR4618-Pennsylvania.
- Provided support in navigating application processes. Connected applicants with available resources.
- Supported disaster recovery operations by assisting survivors with FEMA registration to ensure timely assistance.
- Facilitated discussions with applicants through outbound and inbound calls to clarify assistance processes and disaster assistance programs.
- Facilitated applicant referrals to federal, state, and local agencies, as well as volunteer organizations and faith-based groups.
- Guided applicants through registration procedures at COVID vaccination center, ensuring smooth and accurate data entry.
Applicant Services Program Specialist
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
08.2017 - 11.2019
- Facilitated assistance for individuals affected by major disasters across multiple states, including Florida, North Carolina, California, Oklahoma, and Texas.
- Assisted applicants in understanding application processes. Connected individuals with relevant resources for support.
- Assisted survivors in completing FEMA registration to expedite access to essential disaster relief services.
- Engaged with applicants through proactive and responsive calls to provide clarity on assistance processes and disaster relief programs.
- Coordinated applicant referrals to a network of federal, state, and local agencies, in addition to volunteer organizations and faith-based groups, ensuring comprehensive assistance.
Customer Service
Towne Park Valet
10.2015 - 01.2018
- Facilitated collaboration across departments to enhance seamless customer service delivery.
- Executed accurate and timely processing of valet tickets.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by promptly addressing concerns and ensuring complete satisfaction.
- Facilitated customer satisfaction through timely and professional responses to inquiries.
- Strengthened store image by consistently providing exceptional service and building rapport with customers.
Loss Prevention Officer
Walmart
06.2010 - 01.2014
- Monitored store premises in Laurel, MD and Piscataway, NJ to deter theft and ensure safety protocols were followed.
- Conducted regular surveillance using CCTV systems to identify suspicious behavior.
- Collaborated with law enforcement during investigations of theft incidents.
- Performed store audits and enforced safety, health, and security rules.
Supervisor
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc
01.2008 - 04.2010
- Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations and operational standards.
- Reviewed prepared tax returns for accuracy before submitting to the IRS.
- Led team meetings to communicate goals, expectations, and performance feedback effectively.
- Developed training programs for new staff, enhancing onboarding efficiency and team productivity.
Teacher's Assistant
Hollywood Kiddie Quarters
05.2001 - 10.2002
- Assisted lead teacher in developing lesson plans and instructional materials.
- Facilitated small group activities to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Supported classroom management by maintaining a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with educators to adapt curriculum for diverse learning needs.
Nursing Assistant
Luther Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
08.1994 - 07.1995
- Provided compassionate patient care, assisting with daily living activities and personal hygiene.
- Monitored vital signs, ensuring accurate documentation and timely reporting to nursing staff.
- Assisted in mobility support, enhancing patient comfort and safety during transfers.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to implement care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
Education
Certificate - Homeland Security
Smart Horizon
Pompano Beach, FLSome College - Criminal Justice
Everest University
Orange Park, FLSome College - Medical Insurance Billing And Coding
Everest University
Jacksonville, FLCertificate - Basic Income Tax 1,2,3
Jackson Hewitt
Jacksonville, FLCertificate - Food Industry And Hotel Hospitality
Career Work
Newark, NJCertificate - Business Office Administration
Newark Business Institute
Newark, NJCertificate - Cyber Security, Packet Tracer, And IOT
Cisco Networking Academy
Laurel, MDCertficate - Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Word Expert
Microsoft Imagine Academy
Laurel, MDSkills
- Operations management
- Staff leadership
- Interdepartmental collaboration
- Facility management
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- Flexible
- Multicultural
- Interpersonal abilities
- Staff hiring
- Sensitivity awareness
- Analytical skills
Accomplishments
Completed DHS-FEMA training in
- IS-0038 Fraud Awareness Prevention
- IS-907 Active Shooter
- IS-0035 FEMA Safety
- IS-0021.24 Civil Rights
- IS-0100 Incident Command
- IS-0200 Incident Command
- IS-0700 National Incident Management System
- IS-1300 Continuity of Operations
- IS-0037.24 Managerial Safety and Health
- IS00806: Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services
- IS0650: Building Partnership with Tribal Government
- IS0556: Damage Assessment for Public works
- IS0505: Religious and Cultural Literacy and Competency in Disasters
- IS0241: Decision Making and Problem Solving
- IS0366: Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters
- IS0020.24: Diversity Awareness
- 7070 Disaster Recovery Center Manager
- IS- 22.b - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action
- IS-00403 - Introduction to Individual Assistance
- IS - 00822 - Fundamental of Management and Support
- IS-0241.b Decision Making and Problem Solving
- IS-01150 Human Trafficking Awareness
- Registration Intake, C3MP, Helpline, Desktop Inspection,
Case Processing, Case Management, DMARTS, Collectors. - Anthrax Awareness and 911.
Certification
- Driver's License
- TSA TWIC Card
- SORA
Timeline
Disaster Recovery Center Manager
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
08.2025 - Current
Recertification Advisor - Direct Housing
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
06.2024 - 08.2024
First Line Supervisor - License-In
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
05.2024 - 06.2024
First Line Supervisor - Direct Housing
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
05.2023 - 10.2023
Recertification Advisor - Direct Housing
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
07.2022 - 12.2022
First Line Supervisor - License-In
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
01.2022 - 07.2022
First Line Supervisor
Department of Homeland Security- FEMA
04.2021 - Current
Applicant Services Program Specialist - Crew Lead
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
09.2020 - 10.2021
Coach and Evaluator
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
11.2019 - Current
Applicant Services Program Specialist
Department of Homeland Security-FEMA
08.2017 - 11.2019
Customer Service
Towne Park Valet
10.2015 - 01.2018
Loss Prevention Officer
Walmart
06.2010 - 01.2014
Supervisor
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc
01.2008 - 04.2010
Teacher's Assistant
Hollywood Kiddie Quarters
05.2001 - 10.2002
Nursing Assistant
Luther Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
08.1994 - 07.1995
Certificate - Homeland Security
Smart Horizon
Some College - Criminal Justice
Everest University
Some College - Medical Insurance Billing And Coding
Everest University
Certificate - Basic Income Tax 1,2,3
Jackson Hewitt
Certificate - Food Industry And Hotel Hospitality
Career Work
Certificate - Business Office Administration
Newark Business Institute
Certificate - Cyber Security, Packet Tracer, And IOT
Cisco Networking Academy
Certficate - Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Word Expert
Microsoft Imagine Academy