Catherine McFadden
Jewish Associates Community Living
West Hartford,CT
1
Certification
22
years of professional experience
Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.
Work History
Residential Life Skills Specialist
11 Months- Facilitated development of independent living skills in residents, focusing on personal care, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and household tasks to enhance self-sufficiency.
- Monitored residents’ physical and mental well-being, coordinated medical appointments, and responded to health emergencies using CPR/First Aid protocols.
- Supported residents in developing independent living skills, including personal care, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and household tasks.
- Promoted community integration and independence through social outings, recreational activities, and community-based programs.
- Coordinated social outings, recreational activities, and community-based programs to foster community integration and promote resident independence.
- Guided residents in budgeting, banking, and daily financial transactions, ensuring accuracy in records and documentation within Therap.
Short Term Disability (STD) Claims Specialist
1 Year 2 Months- Adjudicated short-term disability claims by reviewing medical documentation and policy provisions to determine eligibility and liability.
- Managed concurrent STD, FMLA, PFL/PFML, and workplace accommodation cases to ensure timely and accurate claims processing.
- Coordinated with nurse clinicians and vocational rehabilitation professionals to assess functional capacity and support safe return-to-work plans.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, claim records, and pending inventories, supporting efficient operations in a high-volume environment.
- Conducted telephone interviews with claimants, employers, and healthcare providers to gather information, resolve inquiries, and communicate claim decisions.
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations, privacy requirements, and company policies to uphold service quality and integrity.
Youth Development Specialist
6 Years 4 Months- Implemented individualized treatment plans while providing primary care and support to assigned youth.
- Built positive, therapeutic relationships that promoted self-esteem, accountability, and personal growth.
- Taught and supported daily living skills, personal hygiene, and independent living habits.
- Utilized crisis intervention techniques to safely manage behavioral emergencies and maintain a secure environment.
- Planned and participated in recreational, social, and therapeutic activities to encourage engagement and development.
- Provided direct physical care and transportation as required by individualized care plans.
- Collaborated with families, guardians, and external professionals to support the needs and well-being of youth.
Total Absence Management Case Specialist
2 Years- Adjudicated and managed complex leave claims, including FMLA, ADA, PFML, and employer-sponsored leave programs.
- Conducted initial intake and eligibility assessments, gathering required information from employees and HR systems.
- Managed leave cases end-to-end, including recertifications, intermittent leave tracking, and return-to-work documentation.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state regulations and company-specific leave policies and benefit plans.
- Served as a primary point of contact for employees, employers, and medical providers, communicating case decisions and resolving inquiries.
- Consistently met quality, accuracy, productivity, and service-level KPIs while managing a high-volume caseload.
Case Specialist
2 Years 9 Months- Answer inbound high-volume calls and digital queries regarding life, disability, or dental/vision insurance policies.
- Interpret policy provisions, explain complex coverage benefits, and guide users through claims or billing processes with empathy.
- Utilize modern AI-assisted service workflows and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to log interactions, check data, and verify AI-generated call summaries.
- Escalate non-routine, sensitive, or high-priority complaints to specialized departments or supervisors when necessary.
- Maintain strict compliance with privacy, data protection, and industry regulations (such as HIPAA or ERISA where applicable)
Visual Merchandise Coordinator
2 Years- Created high-visibility feature displays showcasing new, brand-name merchandise from daily truck shipments.
- Designed thematic floor presentations and visually coordinated product arrangements with a customer-focused approach, including complementary skincare collections and styled apparel displays.
- Maintained sales floor presentation and inventory, ensuring merchandise was stocked, organized, and presented in a clean, inviting manner.
- Provided customer service and store support, assisting customers, supporting front-end operations during peak periods, and handling price checks and adjustments.
- Followed safety, operational, and loss prevention standards to maintain a secure and compliant store environment.
Visual Display Coordinator & Buyer
6 Years 6 Months- Designed three-dimensional floor presentations, window displays, and mannequin styling aligned with current fashion trends and brand standards.
- Partnered with buying teams and vendors to coordinate seasonal product launches, new merchandise receipts, and the organization and lifecycle management of product samples.
- Analyzed weekly sales and inventory reports to identify top-performing merchandise, optimize product placement, and support department profitability.
- Executed marketing and promotional initiatives, including event graphics, brand-specific boutiques, promotional signage, and pricing updates to ensure accurate and consistent presentation.
- Managed sales floor layouts and visual space planning, using hand and power tools to construct display panels, assemble fixtures, and reconfigure floor plans to improve customer flow and maximize product visibility.
Education
Associate of Arts - Fashion Merchandising in Merchandising
Skills
Resident Support Coordination
Life Skills Development
Customer Service
Problem-solving
Conflict Resolution
Decision-Making
Adaptability
Time management
Task Prioritization
Multitasking
Teamwork and Collaboration
Continuous Improvement
Research
Empathetic Communication
Accomplishments
- CPR, First Aid & AED, Connecticut DDS Medication Administration Certified
Certification
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Klingberg Family Centers, 2019 - 2024, American Red Cross, Klingberg Family Centers, 2019 - 2020, 2021 - 2022, 2023 - 2024
Timeline
Residential Life Skills Specialist
Jewish Associates Community Living
11.2025 - CurrentRead More
Short Term Disability (STD) Claims Specialist
Metlife
09.2024 - 11.2025Read More
Total Absence Management Case Specialist
MetLife Inc
09.2019 - 09.2021Read More
Youth Development Specialist
Klingberg Family Center
03.2019 - 07.2025Read More
Case Specialist
MetLife Inc
12.2016 - 09.2019Read More
Visual Merchandise Coordinator
T.J.X. Companies
09.2011 - 09.2013Read More
Visual Display Coordinator & Buyer
Macy's
03.2005 - 09.2011Read More
Bauder College
Associate of Arts from Fashion Merchandising in Merchandising
Read More
American Red Cross
American Red Cross Certified in CPR, First Aid & AED — Trained to recognize and respond to medical emergencies, perform CPR, provide first aid, and safely operate an automated external defibrillator (AED).