Lisa N. Williams, MSW
St. Louis,MO
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate social work professional with more than 30 years of experience in child welfare, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and clinical practice. Extensive background in child protection investigations, emergency room social work, quality assurance, and statewide training of child welfare professionals. Recognized for expertise in safeguarding children, supporting families, mentoring professionals, and developing prevention-focused, educational resources grounded in real-world practice.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Trauma Specialist / Therapist
Fathers and Families Support Center
St. Louis, MO
06.2024 - Current
- Provide individual and group therapy to fathers, promoting responsible parenting and emotional well-being
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and develop Individual Treatment Plans (ITPs)
- Administer GAD-7, PHQ-9, and ACE assessments
- Utilize trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches to support long-term behavioral change
Trauma Social Worker
St. Louis Children’s Hospital (Emergency Room)
St. Louis, MO
03.2024 - 05.2024
- Delivered crisis intervention and psychosocial support to pediatric patients and families
- Conducted comprehensive assessments for medical and psychiatric emergencies
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure holistic, family-centered care
Child Welfare Staff Development Coordinator IV / Foundations Trainer
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS)
Illinois
10.2023 - 03.2024
- Designed and facilitated statewide child welfare training programs
- Developed curricula focused on child safety, permanency, and well-being
- Provided performance-based training and professional development support
- Office of Learning & Professional Development
Management Operations Analyst II (Quality Assurance)
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS)
Illinois
06.2016 - 10.2023
- Conducted in-depth reviews of high-risk abuse and neglect cases
- Identified systemic challenges and provided policy recommendations
- Supported staff and leadership through data analysis and quality improvement initiatives
Advanced Child Protection Investigator
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS)
Illinois
07.2000 - 06.2016
- Led complex child abuse and neglect investigations
- Provided court testimony and collaborated with law enforcement
- Trained and mentored investigators statewide
Child Welfare Specialist II (Intact & Placement Services)
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS)
Illinois
01.1994 - 01.2000
- Delivered intensive casework services to high-risk families
- Developed safety plans and coordinated foster care placements
Child Abuse/Neglect Investigator II
Missouri Division of Family Services
Missouri
01.1992 - 01.1993
Youth Specialist II
Missouri Division of Youth Services
Missouri
01.1990 - 01.1992
- Developed and implemented treatment programs for juvenile offenders
- Conducted counseling, crisis intervention, and court-related services
Education
Master of Social Work - MSW
Washington University
St. Louis, MO05-2003
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Sociology
Lincoln University
Jefferson City, MO06-1989
Skills
- Trauma-Informed Therapy (Individual & Group)
- Child Welfare Investigations & Court Testimony
- Emergency Room Crisis Intervention
- Clinical Assessment (GAD-7, PHQ-9, ACEs)
- Customer relations
- Expert problem solving
- Analytical thinking
- Documentation management
Affiliations
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
Certification
- Trauma-Informed Care & Mental Health Support
- Crisis Intervention & Conflict Resolution
- Advanced Child Protection & Forensic Interviewing
- Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention
- Cultural Competence, Racial Equity & Inclusion
- Legal & Ethical Practices in Social Work
- Drug & Alcohol Assessment
- Confidentiality & HIPAA Compliance
- LGBTQI+ Youth in Care
- Medical Aspects of Child Physical & Sexual Abuse
Publications & Authorship
- Williams, Lisa N., Author & Publisher Founder, Safety & Respect Publishing
- Good Touch Bad Touch: A Journey of Safety and Respect Author of a trauma-informed children’s book that teaches body safety, boundaries, and personal autonomy using developmentally appropriate, affirming language. Designed to support caregivers, educators, and professionals in early prevention and safety education.
- What Human Traffickers Don’t Want You to Know: A Teen’s Guide to Outsmarting Predators Author of a teen-focused prevention guide addressing grooming tactics, exploitation risks, and real-world safety strategies. Content is grounded in decades of frontline child welfare, investigative, and trauma-informed experience.
- Develops educational resources for children, teens, parents, educators, and professionals that integrate child protection principles with practical, prevention-based strategies.
- Mission: Empowering Pages… Empowering Young Minds One Page at a Time.
Timeline
Trauma Specialist / Therapist
Fathers and Families Support Center
06.2024 - Current
Trauma Social Worker
St. Louis Children’s Hospital (Emergency Room)
03.2024 - 05.2024
Child Welfare Staff Development Coordinator IV / Foundations Trainer
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS)
10.2023 - 03.2024
Management Operations Analyst II (Quality Assurance)
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS)
06.2016 - 10.2023
Advanced Child Protection Investigator
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS)
07.2000 - 06.2016
Child Welfare Specialist II (Intact & Placement Services)
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS)
01.1994 - 01.2000
Child Abuse/Neglect Investigator II
Missouri Division of Family Services
01.1992 - 01.1993
Youth Specialist II
Missouri Division of Youth Services
01.1990 - 01.1992
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Sociology
Lincoln University
Master of Social Work - MSW
Washington University