Shunna L. Williams
Summary
ADA investigator with proven track record at Chicago Public Schools, specializing in ADA compliance and mediation negotiations. Develops policies and conducts staff training to improve departmental efficiency. Conducts investigative interviews and maintains case documentation to support successful outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Applicant Services Program Specialist
Department of Homeland Security/FEMA
09.2017 - Current
- Coordinated with community partners to expand disaster relief support efforts.
- Guided disaster survivors through housing, transportation, and financial aid resources via community organizations.
- Delivered FEMA applicant services support by managing disaster assistance case inquiries and document follow-up needs.
- Validated applicant records for accuracy, completeness, and program eligibility review.
- Communicated Department of Homeland Security and FEMA procedures to applicants and stakeholders.
- Processed applicant registrations and resolved complex case questions through virtual support channels.
- Managed staff of 7 reservists, completed deployment performance evaluations, and provided in-the-moment training to support disaster relief operations.
Americans with Disabilities Act/Compliance ADA Investigator
Chicago Public Schools
05.2020 - 10.2024
- Managerial Responsibilities.
- Led ADA investigations to ensure compliance with regulations, providing subject matter expertise to guide organizational practices.
- Developed and implemented ADA compliance strategies, policies, and procedures to enhance organizational adherence to regulations.
- Utilized mediation and negotiation skills to resolve ADA requests, collaborated with intra-agency departments for ADA resources, and issued Determination Letters to support employees in maintaining essential job functions.
- Led collaboration with internal stakeholders on federal and state statutes related to non-ADA accommodations.
- Supervised and trained staff to ensure success of the department and allocated staff to meet department needs.
- Created job aids to provide guidance for staff training.
- Met with Executive Director and management team weekly to provide staffing and department needs and support plan department goals.
- (Full Time/40 hours/Hybrid Remote)
Senior Rehabilitation Counselor/Staff Development Specialist
State of Illinois/ Department of Rehabilitation Services
02.2012 - 11.2017
- Coordinated and facilitated biennial resource/employment empowerment forum with Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities at Navy Pier, engaging over 200 individuals to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities. I researched, developed, and nurtured partnerships with various non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, political alliances, and local city and state governments to ensure that people with disabilities had a voice in change to achieve employment opportunities.
- Delivered counseling, guidance, information and referrals, mental restoration, job readiness training, support services, and job placement assistance to disabled Veterans seeking employment.
- Worked full time for 40 hours per week in a professional capacity.
Independent Contractor
Delta T
01.2000 - 05.2003
- Child Welfare Supervisor
- (Full Time/40 hours)
- Monitored and supervised team of 4-7 case managers, ensuring compliance with child welfare standards.
- Reviewed case service plans and assisted with court proceedings to support positive outcomes for children and families.
- Completed employee appraisals and reviewed case managers' files for quality assurance, enhancing service delivery.
Child Welfare Protection Investigator/Child Welfare Specialist
State of Illinois: Department of Children and Family Services
02.1994 - 11.2000
- Directed child abuse and neglect investigations for Illinois DCFS cases.
- Managed full-time investigations of abuse and neglect allegations involving minors in Illinois.
- Evaluated and documented evidence to support child safety and welfare throughout investigations.
- Conducted interviews with children, parents, caregivers, and collateral contacts during investigative reviews.
- Completed home visits and safety assessments for assigned family situations.
- Developed child and family service plans and delivered testimony in juvenile court.
Education
PhD - Trauma Psychology (Ebola Epidemic/Qualitative Research)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
07-2017
Master's Degree - Counseling and Training & Development
Roosevelt University
05-2006
Bachelor's in science - Child, Parent, & Community Services (Child Psychology)
Iowa State University
12-1992
Skills
- Policy analysis
- Mediation and negotiation
- Investigative interviewing
- Case documentation
- Staff supervision
- Determination letter preparation
Timeline
Americans with Disabilities Act/Compliance ADA Investigator
Chicago Public Schools
05.2020 - 10.2024
Applicant Services Program Specialist
Department of Homeland Security/FEMA
09.2017 - Current
Senior Rehabilitation Counselor/Staff Development Specialist
State of Illinois/ Department of Rehabilitation Services
02.2012 - 11.2017
Independent Contractor
Delta T
01.2000 - 05.2003
Child Welfare Protection Investigator/Child Welfare Specialist
State of Illinois: Department of Children and Family Services
02.1994 - 11.2000
PhD - Trauma Psychology (Ebola Epidemic/Qualitative Research)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Master's Degree - Counseling and Training & Development
Roosevelt University
Bachelor's in science - Child, Parent, & Community Services (Child Psychology)
Iowa State University