Abigail Vandegrift

Completed field investigations for possible EBT trafficking, misuse, misrepresentation, and household composition concerns.

Subpoena EBT transactions and surveillance footage from vendors , review EBT transactions and footage to identify suspects and potential fraud activity

Investigated high influx of time-sensitive EBT cloning and skimming replacement referrals to mitigate fraud risk and protect program integrity.

Detected illegal trends and fictitious business activity used to scam benefit recipients through cloning, skimming, and other theft methods.

Detect and report fraudulent trends, patterns and schemes

Calculate benefit overpayments amounts using policy, statutes and substantial evidence to establish claims including complex claims.

Reviewed referrals for possible overissuance of SNAP, cash assistance, school clothing allowance, LIHEAP, and other state and federal benefits.

Submitted concise written memorandum responses for quality control non-compliance, whistleblower, and EBT trafficking/misuse referrals to ensure compliance and accountability.

Carefully evaluate referrals for Intentional Program Violations

Pursue Intentional Program Violations through Administrative Disqualification Hearings or Waiver

Accept written or verbal Fair Hearing requests

Adhere to West Virginia Code 29A-5-1 et seq.

regarding submission of Fair Hearing requests, preparation of record, testimony and relevant exhibits

Submit clear and admissible evidence that supports the validity of the claim.

Prepare clearly labeled exhibits for Administrative Hearings and communicate with the representing Attorneys on all facts and issues related to the appeal process

Interview suspects, witnesses and other entities as part of the investigation process.

Demonstrate a clear understanding of the subject matter and deliver requested information in a professional manner

Detect and deter all types of fraud

Attend in person trainings and regular online seminars to enhance investigative skills and detection related to financial and benefit fraud crime activities

Review financial institution transactions to include other online payments

Verify earned income, unearned income and self-employment

Identify falsely reported income

Post and track payments

Negotiate repayment amounts

Review delinquent claims for referral to Tax Offset Program, Prepare discrepancy reports in the event of a payment error or refund requirement

Submit monthly detailed tracking reports

Special projects as assigned (EBT)

Maintained professional relationships with all colleagues, vendors, Agencies and Law Enforcement

Attend in person trainings and regular online seminars to enhance investigative skills and detection related to financial and benefit fraud crime activities

Family support promoting self-sufficiency, stability and work readiness Work with outside agencies to include Legal Aid, Homeless Coalition, Housing Authorities, Monongalia and Marion Day Report, Fairmont City Public Transportation/Bus, Spokes/Full Circle, Workforce WV, Good News Garage, Social Services, Services in Place

• Identify Employment and volunteer opportunities
• Communicate timely with landlords and housing specialists to assist with preventing evictions and to secure re-location funds
• Detect and eliminate barriers using the Bridge Model Guide
• Refer to appropriate agencies for bonding, expungement, counseling, drug rehabilitation, drug testing, tutoring, skill enhancements, credit counseling and any other problem area that may interfere with employment or custody concerns

Maintained respectful oversight and provided encouragement to foster client engagement and progress

Tracked and verified monthly activities to ensure compliance and support goal achievement

Identified and addressed performance issues to improve client outcomes.

Issue monthly bonus payments to clients for meeting and exceeding requirements

Evaluated available support service funds and allocated resources to address specific client needs and objectives

Verify property, liquid and vehicle assets on a continuous basis to ensure asset limits and program eligibility

Work Closely with Bureau of Child Support Enforcement during new Cash Assistance applications to determine good cause, paternity, and CSI related payment discrepancies

Verify residency by conducting home visits, verify activity by regular site visits

Supervised 8-10 employees in the event of supervisor absence or requested

Creating the Plan of the Day when needed for all employee assignments and task completion expectations

Identify error trends, keep detailed overtime logs and assist supervisors with backlog needs and with verifying overtime hours and tasks completed

Calls offs, scheduling and re-scheduling appointments

Thoroughly review all new worker cases prior to confirmation

Served on the Corrective Action Team from 2018 to 2023

ABAWD/ liaison for Marion and Monongalia Counties, Train staff in other new issue limited counties on ABAWD

Track monthly compliance to ensure accuracy, calculate client hours and participation, verify the validity of submitted volunteer and work requirement employers, vendors and services

Assist with the compilation and distribution of Unit Meeting agenda, take meeting notes, Interview and address questionable information, flags and data exchange alerts

Process verifications timely using appropriate requested income, household expenses, bank statements and correct household composition

Work Lottery, Medicaid, Unemployment and pending reports timely

Trouble shooting, approve overrides for medical and evaluate the need for establishing or removing Snap penalties

Issue, approve and deny manual Snap auxiliary requests as appropriate for Snap Benefits

Client Services complaint resolution, providing detailed responses within the provided deadline to include detailing the actions taken to correct and or resolve the outlined issue(s)

Medicaid eligibility, provide proof of coverage to clients and medical facilities and pharmacies when needed, evaluate backdated Medicaid requests, communicate clearly with approved hospital payee representatives regarding application status, troubleshooting, lapse in Medicaid coverage due to processing errors caused by delay

Utilize all approved verification systems to verify assets, transfer of assets, and explain the asset limits pertaining to Medicaid, Long term Care Medicaid, QMB, SLMB. QIA and the WV Works Program.

Assist clients with job service registration requirements

Adhere to policy requirements, educate clients on eligibility requirements and their appeal rights

Interviewed claimants to determine eligibility for unemployment compensation benefits

Interview claimants on overpayment details to include un-reported job separations discovered and fraud related overpayments

Take detailed fact finding statements for job separations, availability and overpayment decision purposes

Submit required information timely to the Claims Deputy to render a law based determination on job separations involving a voluntary quit or termination

Process new, continued and additional claims

Explain total and partial ( low earnings) claim requirements

Conduct new claim group information sessions

Explain the decision process and appeal rights

Explain base period and alternate base period wage information

Obtain all current and alternate base period wage information

Locate missing or out of state wages to establish accurate weekly benefit amounts

Demonstrate a calm and professional demeanor while taking sensitive statements

Protected PII and confidentiality while handling sensitive information, including assault and harassment details.

Perform cross match audits to ensure payment accuracy

Prepare fraud overpayment cases for supervisors to present in court

Conduct re-employment classes

Facilitated large group sessions for new claims following mass layoffs new claim group sessions following mass layoffs and Federal shutdown

Acknowledged Veterans Preference in all employment and training opportunities at all times for employment, promotions and training programs

Executed referrals for Veterans seeking job service assistance upon request for Veterans seeking DVOP job service assistance

Administer TABE Testing group sessions for special hiring events, apprenticeships and other opportunities to include proctoring large testing groups requiring careful oversight, scoring results, and preparing official TABE Test result documentation

Creating detailed job orders per employer specifications

Perform successful job matching of qualified applicants to satisfy employer vacancies and achieve job placements

Assist clients with MACC System features to include basic resume creation, labor marker information, in demand occupations and job fair location details

Represent WorkForce WV throughout the State while conducting information sessions, and job fairs

Accept payments from clients and employers

Complete Weekly Action reports to highlight positive local activity, weekly job placements, competitive wage opportunities, introducing new employer contacts, showcase partner success stories and present client achievements

Collaborate with local partners at quarterly team meetings to strengthen community resources and improve streamlining processes

Recipient of the "Barbara J." Demary Employee Excellence Award"

Received recognition for delivering positive and effective customer service