Maricela Guzman
1001 71st Street, Darien,IL
Summary
Accomplished Regional Equal Employment Manager at the Social Security Administration, with over 18 years of experience in fostering a fair and compliant workplace. Expertise in implementing EEO and ADA programs and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Proficient in cultivating a respectful, inclusive environment through policy development, conflict resolution, and clear communication. Strong ability to build collaborative relationships at all organizational levels. Led initiatives that boosted team performance, increased employee engagement, and improved dispute resolution outcomes.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Equal Employment Manager
Social Security Adminstration
02.2019 - 03.2025
- Interpreted EEO and Reasonable Accommodation policies and regulations to regional leadership.
- Provided training and served as a resource for managers and supervisors on employment practices in line with SSA's EEO policies and the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act ensuring a fair and non-discriminatory workplace.
- Project Manager for the Alternate Dispute Resolution program, facilitating pre-mediation calls to ensure seamless mediation processes.
- Supported leadership in negotiating and finalizing settlement agreements.
- Supported employee advisory council groups and initiatives focused on underrepresented groups, enhancing workplace engagement.
- National management lead for Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), adhering to regulation timelines.
- Managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented a mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Served as a mentor in the National SSA Mentoring program advising, guiding, and providing resources for career advancement.
EEO Team Leader
Social Security Adminstration
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Fostered open and professional relationships with team members, enabling the swift resolution of issues and promoting a collaborative work environment.
- Coordinated and managed Anti-Discrimination and Reasonable Accommodation (RA) training for the workforce across a six-state region, overseeing all aspects including budgeting, travel logistics, and the development and delivery of staff presentations.
- Developed comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for multiple workflows, significantly improving efficiency, consistency, and overall performance across operations.
- Served as Project Manager for a region-wide Sexual Harassment Training initiative in partnership with the Office of General Counsel (OGC), playing a key role in the development of a comprehensive training manual for leadership aimed at preventing harassment and fostering a respectful work environment.
EEO Specialist
Social Security Administration
09.2005 - 12.2012
- Trained EEO Counselor, conducted informal EEO counseling working to negotiate resolutions and avoid formal complaints and arbitrations, saving the agency resources.
- Gathered facts through interviews with aggrieved individuals and Responsible Management Officials to identify potential resolutions.
- Advised individuals on the formal complaint process, explaining courses of action and filing procedures.
- Assisted EEO Investigators by securing timely and accurate collection of documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory timeframes.
- Developed and implemented new databases and spreadsheets designed to streamline the tracking of RA and EEO reports, greatly reducing the time spent searching for information and enhancing overall staff efficiency.
Social Security Bilingual Benefit Specialist
Social Security Administration
07.2002 - 08.2005
- Interviewed beneficiaries and assessed, analyzed, and adjudicated benefits under the Social Security Act.
- Provided training and technical guidance to peers, enhancing team performance and knowledge.
- Acted as a liaison between the public and federal, state, or local agencies, ensuring effective communication and resolution of issues.
- Informed claimants and their representatives about their legal rights and reporting responsibilities.
- Served as mentor to new trainee, reviewing work, providing guidance, and shared resources to support mentee's learning and development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL12-2001
Skills
- EEO and ADA Compliance Management
- Workplace Inclusion Strategies
- Policy Development and Implementation
- Conflict Resolution and Mediation Coordinator
- Training and Development
- Employee Engagement Strategies
- Strategic Planning & Leadership
- Recruiting and interviewing
- Coaching and mentoring
- Strong interpersonal communication
- Budget Management
- Performance Assessment
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Certification
Equal Employment Opportunity Certified Counselor
Timeline
Regional Equal Employment Manager
Social Security Adminstration
02.2019 - 03.2025
EEO Team Leader
Social Security Adminstration
01.2013 - 01.2019
EEO Specialist
Social Security Administration
09.2005 - 12.2012
Social Security Bilingual Benefit Specialist
Social Security Administration
07.2002 - 08.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Illinois At Chicago
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