Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Essence Williams

Virginia Beach,VA

Summary

Highly experienced in driving strategic initiatives within the human services sector. Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams, fostering partnerships, and managing large-scale social service programs to improve community welfare. Strong grasp of policy development and program management coupled with a genuine passion for promoting social equity. Previous roles have resulted in enhanced operational efficiency, improved service delivery, and increased community engagement.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Documentation Technician

Community Direct Services, Inc.
Virginia Beach, VA
09.2024 - Current
  • Store, manage, and track company documents.
  • Scan, organize, and maintain documents, adhering to CDS's document lifecycle procedures.
  • Receive and process In-Home, Sponsor Residential, Companion, and Respite notes from Support Specialist.
  • Responsible for managing companies documents while also ensuring their accuracy, quality, and integrity.
  • Training new Support Specialist on how to properly use Therap and how to write notes that align with their clients ISP.
  • Work closely with Case Coordinator and assist with task like Quarterly Reports, Pop Up Evaluations, and entering ISP's into Therap.

Finance Manager

Southern Auto Group
Virginia Beach , VA
11.2023 - 09.2024
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing consumer lending practices.
  • Developed and implemented effective strategies for improving customer satisfaction with auto financing services.
  • Worked closely with other departments within the organization such as sales, marketing, and accounting to ensure efficient operations.
  • Reviewed documents such as contracts, titles, and insurance policies before approving loans.
  • Analyzed customer credit reports, determined risk factors, and made recommendations for loan approval and denial.
  • Participated in planning meetings focused on setting goals for department objectives and initiatives.
  • Reviewed loan agreements to verify completeness and accuracy according to applicable policies.
  • Reviewed client documentation and contracts for discrepancies and mistakes.
  • Collaborated with company teams to expedite loan approval processes.

Delivery Coordinator Manager

Southern Autogroup
Chesapeake, VA
08.2020 - 11.2023
  • Facilitated exceptional sales and performance results by focusing on continuous improvement approaches and capitalizing on emerging market opportunities.
  • Managed shifts in absence of store manager to deliver excellent customer service while promoting sales.
  • Assisted clients with upgrades and additional options for the vehicles they purchased, as well as ordered, scheduled and communicated with clients to ensure timely delivery and installation.
  • Created schedules for our Detail and Prep departments daily for upcoming client appointments and facilitated in getting the vehicles to the correct person(s) and departments to have the work completed in a timely manner.
  • Worked closely with our vendors and suppliers to help reduce costs for the business and to ensure the client's needs were met.
  • Assisted with training and onboarding of Delivery Coordinators hired at all locations within the company. I consistently travel and work at all of our locations to ensure all employees are on the same page and they feel comfortable with their selling and product knowledge.
  • Upheld company's high standards for business via leading by example and encouraging team members to adhere to corporate policies.
  • Completed daily sales reports and analyzed metrics to identify trends in the auto market, and communicated with our banks and lenders to ensure all paperwork necessary was in each deal and correctly signed and filled out before submitting for approval.

Crisis Intervention Specialist

YWCA South Hampton Roads
Norfolk, VA
06.2019 - 08.2020
  • Provided crisis intervention services to individuals in need of emotional support and guidance.
  • Responded quickly and effectively when emergency situations arose; managed high stress environments with professionalism.
  • Offered crisis counseling services via telephone or online chat platforms when necessary.
  • Evaluated client needs and provided appropriate referrals to community agencies or mental health professionals.
  • Coordinated transportation for clients who lacked access to reliable public transportation options.
  • Supported clients through difficult times by providing a safe space where they could express themselves without fear of judgement or criticism.
  • Maintained accurate records of all case notes, progress reports, and other documentation related to client care.
  • Developed safety plans to minimize crisis risk and intervene with specific procedures.
  • Applied abilities in techniques like active listening and collaborative problem-solving to make positive impact.

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Senior Store Manager

General Nutrition Center, GNC
Norfolk, VA
05.2019 - 08.2020
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
  • Established membership loyalty implementing rewards program to drive client retention.
  • Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
  • Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
  • Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
  • Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
  • Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
  • Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Human Services

Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
12.2019

High School Diploma -

Green Run High School
Virginia Beach, VA
06.2012

Skills

  • Scheduling and Coordinating
  • Excellent Written and Verbal Communication
  • Engaging with Diverse Customers
  • Product Knowledge
  • Building Customer Relationships and Loyalty
  • Attention to Detail
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Team Leadership
  • Regulatory Compliance Understanding
  • Time Management Proficiency
  • Interpersonal Relationships
  • Document management
  • Crisis intervention
  • Crisis Assessment
  • Resource Navigation

Timeline

Documentation Technician

Community Direct Services, Inc.
09.2024 - Current

Finance Manager

Southern Auto Group
11.2023 - 09.2024

Delivery Coordinator Manager

Southern Autogroup
08.2020 - 11.2023

Crisis Intervention Specialist

YWCA South Hampton Roads
06.2019 - 08.2020

Senior Store Manager

General Nutrition Center, GNC
05.2019 - 08.2020

Bachelor of Science - Human Services

Old Dominion University

High School Diploma -

Green Run High School