Aja Palmer
Summary
Dynamic leader with solid background in talent acquisition, labor and employee relations compliance, and performance management. Skilled human resources professional who has a strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Strong financial acumen with demonstrated success in budget development and adherence. Accomplished in analyzing company and stakeholders needs and developing solutions to meet personnel objectives. Known for reliability, strategic thinking, and effective communication. Accomplished in conflict management and collaborating with various departments to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Human Resources Specialist-Labor and Employee Relations
DoD, DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE
10.2020 - Current
- Applies Human Resource theories, principles, laws, rules, regulations and procedures, such as Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), covering employee and labor relations, sufficient to identify interrelated problems, draw conclusions and recommend appropriate courses of action
- Conducts research and performs analysis on regulations, policies, rules, and/or case law to ensure guidance related to employee conduct, performance, discipline, leave, hours of work, telework, working conditions, or labor problems are procedurally sound
- Delivered valuable coaching and mentoring to junior HR team members, fostering their professional growth and enhancing overall departmental performance.
- Coordinates advice from other functional offices; Office of General Counsel (OGC) Office of Equal Opportunity Programs (OEOP)
- Serves as a conduit for management officials and employees by answering questions and interpreting the Master Collective Bargaining Agreement (MCBA) and DFAS policies
- Provides advice, recommendations, and strategies to management officials on ways to approach crucial conversations and paths (disciplinary or performance) they can pursue to address employee relations situations
- Provides timely and accurate advice and recommendations to management officials regarding a range of labor and employee relations matters, grievances and appeals rights
- Provides advice and assistance to management officials regarding the development of employee performance plans, evaluations, critical elements, and standards
- Prepares non-disciplinary, proposed disciplinary, and decided disciplinary actions such as letters of counseling/warning, performance improvement plans (PIPs), restrictions, reprimands, suspensions, removals and terminations in accordance with legal, regulatory and contractual requirements
- Reviews and edits non-disciplinary, proposed disciplinary, and decided disciplinary employment actions in accordance with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements
- Develops and delivers training on labor and employee relations matters, including addressing poor performance via discipline versus performance improvement plans, new supervisor training, and new leave policies
- Maintains compliance with procedural and regulatory requirements
- Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency by conducting thorough audits and identifying areas for improvement.
- Developed strong relationships between management and staff members through open communication channels, leading to improved collaboration across all departments.
- Managed complex employee relations issues, conducting thorough investigations and applying appropriate disciplinary measures when necessary.
- Maximized performance management outcomes by designing and implementing tailored training programs specific to individual employee needs.
- Created and delivered HR training sessions to staff, managers and executives.
Human Resources Assistant-Labor and Employee Relations GS-203-6/03
DoD, DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE
01.2020 - 10.2020
- Led and supported the DFAS Length of Service Award Program, including running LOS reports, monitoring inventory, and preparing and delivering awards promptly according to established procedures
- Supported the Unemployment Claim Program by appropriately and accurately verifying claims, obtaining and processing form931/931(A) wage and separation data, returning the form to the requested state unemployment office within parameters and directing unemployment appeal claims to OGC (Office of General Counsel)
- Ensured case files were consistently maintained in accordance with regulations
- Provided labor and employee relations (LER) management officials with administrative and technical support in obtaining desired results, contributing to the completion of the mission and safeguarding of internal controls compliance
- Served as the LER Records Manager/POC; effectively partnered with DFAS Records Project Manager to ensure files comply with instructions and regulations for retiring and destruction
- Performed MER checks for adverse actions on candidate selections for current and/or former employees
- Ran LER closed case reports promptly for customer surveys and collected survey results for internal LER review
- Efficiently managed personnel files, maintaining confidentiality while keeping records up-to-date and organized.
Civilian Pay Technician GS-544-6/02
DoD, DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE
06.2018 - 01.2020
- Provided customer support through research and analysis of debts in determining proper pay authorization action
- Researched complex pay transactions to determine the necessary corrective actions
- Evaluated an assortment of reports from internal and external sources and provided feedback on findings to leadership and/or customers
- Researched and interpreted an extensive body of regulations, instructions, and guidelines to ensure the efficient and accurate execution of civilian payroll support
- Provided on-the-job training to new employees in accordance with established procedures and practices
- Monitored submission of documents and performed audits on documents and procedures to maintain the integrity of the personnel/payroll system
- Analyzed problems to determine an appropriate course of action in correcting deficiencies such as systemic problems with the payroll systems, communication, and/or training
- Streamlined data entry processes to improve accuracy rates in civilian pay systems.
General Manager and Opening Support Coach
SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Sky Zone Opening Support Coach
- Provided consultancy support to franchise owners communicating proper operations, staffing, guest service, conflict resolution, marketing, and employee retention
- Supported new Franchisees by assisting in developing all aspects of their business, including payroll, finance operations, labor and employee relations, and accounts payable & receivable
- Traveled extensively throughout the U.S
- And successfully opened four new locations while managing a local Sky Zone Franchise
- Consulted and advised franchise owners in analyzing and identifying cost reductions increasing revenue
- Assisted franchisee owners in developing a risk management plan that identifies strategies to sustain in more volatile market
- Developed training for managers and team members in proper customer service, point-of-sale software operation, revenue accountability, reporting requirements, staffing, and key performance indicators
- Sky Zone General Manager
- Successfully opened the Mishawaka Sky Zone franchise and made it the most profitable in the region within three months to the tune of $200K per month in sales
- Developed and achieved marketing goals to spread awareness of Sky Zone
- Managed Human Resources operations through the drafting of labor and employee relations documents, performance improvement plans, termination notices, letters of counseling
- Managed customer (internal and external) service issues with discretion, tact, and professionalism
- Investigated, reviewed, and responded to sexual harassment and discrimination claims presented
- Implemented corporate policies, business processes, standards, and procedures
- Prepared nightly cash/sales reports and deposits
- Opened & closed facility
- Analyzed and interpreted monthly financial reports to advise franchisees on the course of action to take to reduce costs and increase profitability
- Prepared monthly cost analysis reports and forecasting projections
- Monitored price points of vendors for purchasing the most cost-effective food inventory
- Hired, trained, and led a team of100+ employees in all areas of customer service, sales, cash register, and special events
- Identified creative ways to reduce labor costs through scheduling while continuing to motivate and increase employee performance
- Generated new business through effective business development and community relations
- Worked closely with local media outlets and marketing representatives
- Built relationships through community and charitable outreach
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure better pricing, reducing operational costs while maintaining product quality.
Nursing Assistant, Cardiac Unit
ELKHART GENERAL HOSPITAL
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Contributed to the assessment of patients by collecting data
- Provided personal care according to organizational standards, and policies
- Assisted staff in identifying physical, psychosocial, age-specific, and cultural considerations of each patient
- Implemented plan of care developed by providers
- Documented results per established policy, procedure and scope of practice guidelines
- Trained new Nursing Assistants
Administrative Assistant/Office Manager
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF SOUTH BEND
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Built and managed maintenance schedule for repairs
- Researched costs for office supplies, equipment, and furniture to ensure efficient, economical, and continuous operation
- Developed, planned, and implemented special event(s) logistics
- Provided oversight and support of procurement, material and supplies, and contract administration
- Solicited and executed contract documents
- Performed ongoing evaluation of office operations to ensure that administrative support functions were efficient and cost effective
- Consulted with senior staff to identify problems to develop improvements in the maintenance of quality standards
- Established and nurtured effective relationships with employees, clients, and stakeholders in supporting the goals and objectives of HASB
- Prepared and proofread outgoing correspondence
- Handled sensitive information with good judgment and discretion
- Served as Housing Authority of South Bend (HASB) Information Resource; referred inquiries from the public to the appropriate department source
- Identified and/or resolved complaints and problems when appropriate
- Maintained Record Retention to support Housing Authority requirements
Lead Income Revenue Slot Auditor
RESORTS CASINO & HOTEL
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Managed all slot machine-related internal controls, regulatory requirements, and other standard operating procedures
- Performed a series of audits that identified any erroneous slot system data
- Used expertise in calculations and audits to validate the integrity of the slot system data analysis and made necessary adjustments
- Conducted periodic reviews of various procedural actions to ensure adherence to gaming and compliance regulations
- Reported income control violations and discrepancies and recommended corrective courses of action
- Prepared slot reports and briefed management and accountants on subtle inferences in the estimated slot win, casino-wide slot hold percentage, and/or final audited numbers
- Supervised and trained staff auditors
- Provided detailed documentation on audit findings, facilitating swift corrective action when necessary.
- Maintained confidentiality, handling sensitive information discreetly throughout all stages of the audit process.
- Followed established auditing processes to meet internal and regulatory requirements.
Education
MBA -
UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS
Ft. Wayne, IN05-2018
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality & Tourism Management
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
West Lafayette, INSkills
- Policy Implementation
- Grievance handling
- Trend Analysis
- Auditing
- Project & Resource Management
- Data Analytics
- Labor & Employee Relations
- FMLA Administration
- Conflict Management
- HRIS Management
- Onboarding Process
- Talent Acquisition
- Employment Law
Certification
- DEFENSE CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ADVISORY SERVICE (DCPAS) Labor Relations Advisor and Employee Relations Advisor Level12023
- LEAN SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT2024
Accomplishments
- Enhanced Structured Just Do It (ESJDI) Process Improvement Project: Standardized recording and tracking return rights for employees on overseas rotations.
- Key contributor in implementing new process for Subject To Report reducing manhours dedicated to reporting by5%
- Key contributor to a new pre-tax process for Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB, XO/JO) significantly improving debt reporting
Affiliations
- Member of the National Honor Society
- Active Member of the National Black Master of Business Administration Association (NBMBAA)
Timeline
Senior Human Resources Specialist-Labor and Employee Relations
DoD, DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE
10.2020 - Current
Human Resources Assistant-Labor and Employee Relations GS-203-6/03
DoD, DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE
01.2020 - 10.2020
Civilian Pay Technician GS-544-6/02
DoD, DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE
06.2018 - 01.2020
General Manager and Opening Support Coach
SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK
01.2015 - 01.2017
Nursing Assistant, Cardiac Unit
ELKHART GENERAL HOSPITAL
01.2013 - 01.2015
Administrative Assistant/Office Manager
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF SOUTH BEND
01.2010 - 01.2013
Lead Income Revenue Slot Auditor
RESORTS CASINO & HOTEL
01.2005 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality & Tourism Management
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- DEFENSE CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ADVISORY SERVICE (DCPAS) Labor Relations Advisor and Employee Relations Advisor Level12023
- LEAN SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT2024
MBA -
UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS
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