Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Zakia Safi

Fairfax,VA

Summary

Dedicated and adaptable professional with a strong work ethic and effective communication skills, skilled in managing sensitive security information. Proven track record in securing critical areas and documents, ensuring compliance with U.S. government standards. Proficient in various software applications for data management, with a commitment to supporting organizational goals within a dynamic team environment. Eager to leverage expertise to enhance operational efficiency and contribute to national security initiatives.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Foster Care Referral Placement Specialist

Global Refugee
Baltimore, MD
02.2023 - 03.2025
  • Generated and maintained profiles of minors utilizing Apricot software.
  • Read, analyzed, and interpreted various internal and external documents and reports.
  • Systematically managed the creation and enhancement of ORR profiles via Rads.
  • Handled all communication with foster parents and foster programs.
  • Ensured proper placement of undocumented youth in suitable living environments.
  • Acted as liaison for foster care programs and managed communications.
  • Developed and maintained effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.

Management Analyst II (Communications and Legislative Affairs Division)

CGI Federal – Executive Office for Immigration Review
Falls Church, VA
10.2019 - 10.2023
  • Formulated and updated documentation for library acquisitions via EOIR library systems.
  • Handled media communications at local and national levels.
  • Acted as liaison between the public and immigration information officers.
  • Distributed latest research findings through justice.gov with Drupal and SharePoint.
  • Provided assistance and information to callers through professional phone handling.
  • Employed software systems including OCLC and Voyager to catalog publications.
  • Developed training materials and managed employee onboarding.
  • Managed immigration case updates using specialized case software.
  • Conducted record searches and coordinated with other units on procedural problems involving complex cases.
  • Conducted data analysis, developed reports and presented findings to senior management.
  • Implemented unique methods and methodologies, which helped reduce, and resolve issues.
  • Devised new and improved records management programs to organize and protect data.
  • Conducted interviews with staff members regarding workflow processes.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices.

APA Case Manager

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
Alexandria, VA
02.2022 - 02.2023
  • Oversaw client-centered case management services, incorporating rigorous and standard approaches.
  • Assisted clients in finding employment opportunities and English language resources along with necessary social services.
  • Guided client through the process of finding stable living arrangements.
  • Ensure compliance by keeping client files current according to headquarters' protocols.
  • Enrolled more than 200 school aged children through ACPS and FCPS
  • Organize and file both digital and physical case files with LIRS
  • Facilitated integration programs focused on enhancing cultural understanding and financial knowledge among new Afghan arrivals.
  • Facilitated training sessions addressing communication with USCIS and social security administrations.
  • Apply for social services per family case (EBT, TANF, RCA, Medicaid)
  • Coordinated meetings between clients and legal representatives.
  • In charge of filing and submitting family reunification applications for all LIRS clients
  • Responsible for updating clients and gathering all required information for family reunification
  • Informed clients about steps involved in family reunification.
  • Communicated with legal services providers, social services agencies, and local judicial systems regarding cases.
  • Advised staff members on effective strategies for working with challenging client behaviors.
  • Compiled reports on cases and submitted them to supervisors as required.
  • Provided crisis intervention support for clients in emergency situations.

Volunteer Coordinator

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
Fairfax, VA
08.2021 - 02.2022
  • Facilitated the transition of newly arrived Afghan refugees into local communities in Northern V.A.
  • Delivered guidance on language learning courses and career prospects.
  • Facilitated effective communication for newly settled refugee communities.
  • Managed living space organization for recently relocated Afghan families.
  • Provided support to case managers with handling caseloads.
  • Managed a database of volunteer information.
  • Analyzed volunteer program outcomes to make data-driven decisions for future improvements.
  • Organized training programs for volunteers.

Assistant Manager

Tadashi Shoji
Tysons, VA
06.2018 - 06.2019
  • Developed consistent routines for producing financial documents.
  • Oversaw inventory management processes to attain desired outcomes.
  • Honored with employee of the year for maintaining perfect attendance.
  • Oversaw interactions between employees within the organization and with external partners.
  • Conducted training sessions for newly hired employees.
  • Established processes for monitoring customer satisfaction levels.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Proposed or approved modifications to project plans.
  • Provided guidance and support to junior staff members on daily tasks, projects, and objectives.
  • Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.

Linguist/Security Advisor

WWLR Resources
Bagram, Afghanistan
05.2006 - 06.2011
  • Performed analysis and derived information.
  • Prepared lesson plans focused on developing fluency in target languages.
  • Performed open-source research, translation and interpretation of multiple dialects for threat analysis.
  • Interpreted and translated passages are difficult to understand due to the complex nature of various Pashto and Dari dialects.
  • Delivered translation services for Remote Operations Cryptologic Center, Coalition Forces and Military Intelligence.
  • Captured essential details from audio sources accurately.
  • Facilitated the recovery of assets and information following security incidents.
  • Warned violators of rule infractions and escorted unauthorized persons off premises.
  • Coordinated with law enforcement and emergency responders during security incidents.
  • Conducted periodic audits of user accounts to ensure compliance with organizational policies.
  • Completed required shift logs and reports, highlighting routine activities, suspicious circumstances and critical incidents.
  • Maintained records of security incidents and responses for auditing and improvement purposes.
  • Delivered security awareness training to employees to reduce risk of security breaches.
  • Implemented and managed access control systems to ensure secure entry to facilities.
  • Conducted regular security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and recommend corrective actions.
  • Ran background checks on newly hired employees and job candidates.
  • Monitored building and property entrances and exits to detect intrusions and protect assets.
  • Patrolled crowds during events to preserve order and promote security.
  • Maintained high levels of alertness throughout shifts.
  • Performed security clearance processing for company employees.
  • Reviewed system logs on a regular basis to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Communications, minor in Public Relations

George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
12.2016

High School Diploma -

James Logan High School
Union City, CA
06.2003

Skills

  • Mastery of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook, and Share point)
  • Ability to work with several operating systems, including Windows, and Mac OS X
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Case management
  • Document management
  • Cultural competency
  • Problem solving
  • Training development
  • Regulatory compliance

Languages

Pashto
Professional
Dari
Professional

Certification

  • Held and Maintained TS/SCI CLEARANCE (Full-Scope Polygraph) PR Date: Dec 2009

Timeline

Foster Care Referral Placement Specialist

Global Refugee
02.2023 - 03.2025

APA Case Manager

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
02.2022 - 02.2023

Volunteer Coordinator

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
08.2021 - 02.2022

Management Analyst II (Communications and Legislative Affairs Division)

CGI Federal – Executive Office for Immigration Review
10.2019 - 10.2023

Assistant Manager

Tadashi Shoji
06.2018 - 06.2019

Linguist/Security Advisor

WWLR Resources
05.2006 - 06.2011

Bachelor of Arts - Communications, minor in Public Relations

George Mason University

High School Diploma -

James Logan High School

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Zakia Safi