Ashira Garcia
Hollister,CA
Summary
Highly motivated and multi-talented professional seeking a Health & Welfare Consultant II Benefits Specialist position at Sutter Health, Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Exceptional analytical research and organizational skills enable efficient planning, decision-making, and task completion. Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal regulations with a focus on maintaining employee confidentiality. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Business Apps, HR payroll Software, Zendesk, and Quickbooks.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Benefits Specialist
Santa Cruz City Schools
03.2019 - Current
- Provided eligible employees, domestic partners, retirees and surviving spouses with benefits; coordinated all benefit activities with other operating units of the District
- Checked employees' benefits enrollment for accuracy and inputted all data into Escape and Carrier portals,
- Technical resource for personnel concerning employee benefits information, insurance plans, enrollment options, eligibility, coverage and claims
- Responded to inquiries regarding; ERISA, Insurance Resource Council, DOL, S125, COBRA, and ACA.
- Provided technical information concerning related policies, procedures, guidelines, rules and regulations
- Interpreted and explained benefit plan designs, changes, policies and procedures to District Superintendents, governing board, and employees.
- Liaison for Union negotiations.
- Researched and provided detailed recommendations for cost-effective benefit programs; developed operating procedures for effective processing and controlling of benefit programs
- Gathered and maintained data for employee benefit usage and costs; analyzed informational and budget data; reconciled monthly premium invoices from insurance providers and administrators; prepared related reports as requested; acted as liaison with insurance carriers, administrators and others to resolve issues
- Ensured contract compliance for employee services;
- Drafted and designed benefit informational brochures; developed and conducted benefit information programs such as new employee orientation, and retiree benefit plan updates.
- Compiled information and maintained a variety of records and reports related to employee information, benefits, rates, retirements, terminations, insurance plans, contracts, payments, and other assigned duties; established and maintained a digital database; retained historical reference of benefit accounts
- Gathered, compiled data and prepared reports and insurance eligibility lists; responded to questionnaires, surveys and requests for information;
- Monitored legislative and legal changes in the area of health benefits; ensured compliance; participated in available training to meet new industry standards
- Communicated with personnel, insurance providers, brokers and various other outside agencies to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns regarding benefits plans.
- Trained new team members in policies and procedures and offered insight into best ways to manage job tasks and duties.
IT Department Coordinator
Crossfit, Inc.
07.2018 - 02.2019
- Coordinated implementation projects for multiple teams and departments with a focus on the Zendesk IT ticketing platform.
- Reduced process bottlenecks by training and coaching employees on practices, procedures, and performance strategies.
- Managed all assets and IT equipment for the organization.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Performed statistical analyses to gather data for operational and forecast team needs.
- Developed and managed department budget to monitor financial performance and minimize expenses.
- Handled all company-wide procurement needs for approximately 150 employees.
- Scheduled & organized meetings and maintained calendars for department directors.
- Prepared meeting minutes and memorandums for all meetings and conferences.
- Created monthly expense reports for the IT Department.
- Designed training guides for Zendesk application.
Office Manager
Oak Grove Educators Association
08.2012 - 03.2017
- Created an organized environment for union members to conduct business seamlessly.
- Managed over 500 union membership and annual dues.
- Filed annual non-profit income tax filings.
- Prepared Union meeting minutes and monthly budget reports
- Payroll Tax accounting.
- Streamlined daily operations, resulting in increased office productivity and accuracy of files.
- Performed all accounts receivable duties; prepared statements and invoices, processed payments, reconciled expenses to general ledger, researched chargebacks, and responded to customer inquiries regarding accounts.
- Created multiple membership databases to streamline accounting practices which allowed stakeholders to review accurate financial records.
- Improved Aged Receivables by creating a system of electronic files and spreadsheets to accurately track receivables and follow up on open accounts to eliminate the need for collection action.
- Managed and updated all company databases and accounting files.
- Audited expense reports and financial statements.
- Created and managed budgets for all aspects of the business.
- Compiled monthly business recommendation reports for stakeholders.
Office Manager
City Towing
06.2003 - 08.2010
- Ensured staffing levels were met for round the clock dispatching.
- Established a data entry system and created training manuals to support informed and accurate accounting for 50 employees.
- Hired and interviewed all potential employees.
- Answered and directed 50-150 phone calls daily.
- Dispatched tows to drivers.
- Resolved customer complaints.
- Accounts receivable.
- Managed and trained all dispatchers.
- Designed training guides for all employees.
- Provided customer service.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking.
- Reconciled invoices.
- Created and managed filing systems for confidential documents.
- Processed Health benefits enrollment, terminations and changes.
- Audited monthly invoices from all benefits carriers.
- Prepared and reconciled accounts payable invoices for payment.
- Scheduled & organized meetings and maintained calendars for management team.
Education
B.A. in Community Studies -
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA05.2018
Associate of Arts in Humanities -
De Anza College
Cupertino, CA05.2015
Skills
- Health & Welfare Plan Administration
- Employee benefits laws
- Policy Interpretation
- Regulatory monitoring
- Benefits Explanation and Interpretation
- Written and oral communication
- Human Resources Management
- ADP Workforce Now
- ESCAPE - HR Management
- New employee enrollment & orientations
Certification
- Payroll Tax Filing - State of California
- Certified Trainer - Office Administration
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Timeline
Benefits Specialist
Santa Cruz City Schools
03.2019 - Current
IT Department Coordinator
Crossfit, Inc.
07.2018 - 02.2019
Office Manager
Oak Grove Educators Association
08.2012 - 03.2017
Office Manager
City Towing
06.2003 - 08.2010
B.A. in Community Studies -
University of California Santa Cruz
Associate of Arts in Humanities -
De Anza College
- Payroll Tax Filing - State of California
- Certified Trainer - Office Administration
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
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