Dynamic and results-driven Program Specialist with over 15 years of business administration experience and an MBA in Organizational Leadership from Tiffin University, aiming to leverage my expertise in HR operations management and process optimization to drive operational excellence and enhance employee engagement. Proficient in analyzing and implementing effective programmatic and technical processes to drive project success. Dedicated to fostering effective leadership by creating a positive employee experience through excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and a belief in team continuity and inclusiveness.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Specialist
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
11.2009 - Current
Company Overview: The Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals Headquarters Division of Financial and Administrative Management
Program Deficiencies- Applies Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodologies to improve program deficiencies, implement improved program standards, streamline workflows, and ensure employees have access to program resources and tools, eliminating wasteful processes while increasing program execution and optimization.
Program Management-Directly manages administrative programs, improving functionality and implementation of new program changes, successfully solving difficult and complex inquiries and challenges while improving program efficiencies. Complete yearly and quarterly internal program reviews to monitor program efficiencies and identify opportunities to improve program processes.
HRIS Support and Guidance-Provide technical and program policy guidance on HRIT systems (i.e., pay, time and attendance, and employee electronic filing systems). Assist HR by reviewing and analyzing position descriptions, ensuring new employees are onboarded with the appropriate background investigation, while increasing optimization in the onboarding process, with a 1-2% error rate compared to a previous error rate of 30% or more. Prepare a variety of recurring reports used for extensive knowledge of past and future requirements and performance data.
Relationship Building and Communication-Establish and maintain ongoing communication and relationships with internal and external contacts, such as executive leadership, management officials, and departmental staff, to achieve program objectives, through trust, transparency, and accountability, enhancing collaboration in strategic planning, resulting in successful program and project outcomes.
Project Leadership and Development-Leads projects and programs and a team of administrative staff from program development through completion. Set clear deadlines and programmatic goals, resolve conflicts, and identify the necessary information and steps to achieve program optimization. Presents high-level updates on projects and program progression utilizing both written and oral presentations, highlighting key points, and addressing complex concerns, resulting in informed decisions by leadership and stakeholders.
Policy Development-Develops and issues programmatic policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Administrative Directives, and Procedural Guidebooks to ensure consistent and standardized workflow applications across all programs.
Facilitate Training and Program Guidance-Create and disseminate routine supplemental communication, including policy reminders, FAQs, and desk guides. Administers training presentations and seminars to enhance employees’ understanding and compliance. Leads monthly conference calls and roundtable discussions while facilitating programmatic and technical training, along with new employee orientation, to ensure seamless onboarding.
System Automation-Use various office automation systems that involve one or more functions, such as advanced software functions to create and update databases and spreadsheets. Knowledgeable of specialized software to produce reports from mainframe applications that support various office needs, and establishes procedures. Works jointly with Program Specialist (IT) teams in the creation of program SharePoint sub-sites and shared program network folders.
Time and Attendance and Payroll Manager-Successfully developed and implemented a comprehensive Time and Attendance Program for the newly created HR Center to support 13 offices. Act as the liaison between management, work force relations, and employees with special leave requests (e.g., the Family Medical Leave ACT, Advanced Leave, and Continuation of Pay). Advise senior management and Human Resources of personnel actions affecting employees’ pay or leave (e.g., time off awards, separation actions, and promotions). Created and maintained an organized filing system for all leave and payroll records, improving operational transparency and accessibility of information.
Budget Support-Collaborate with the budget team to identify and resolve discrepancies, reconcile monthly billing, and assist in annual budget forecasting, ensuring financial accuracy and efficiency. Conducts comprehensive market analysis and cost justification to facilitate informed decisions and optimize resource allocations.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Organizational Leadership
Tiffin University
Tiffin, Ohio
05.2015
Bachelor of Business Administration - Organizational Management
Tiffin University
Tiffin, Ohio
05.2011
Associate of Paralegal Studies with Applied Business - undefined
The Academy of Court Reporting
Cleveland, Ohio
06.2006
Skills
Management and Leadership Expertise-Comprehensive knowledge of management theories, functions, and processes; Proven ability to guide teams in diverse settings
Adaptability: Quick to adapt to environmental and programmatic changes, ensuring operational continuity
Operational Improvement-Skilled in identifying and implementing processes that drive sustainability and efficiency
Communication and Collaboration-Proficient in engaging diverse audiences and fostering cross-functional teamwork
Project Management-Ability to manage multiple programs and projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion
HR Systems Proficiency- Knowledgeable in HR, payroll, time and attendance, and employee benefit systems
Analytical Skills: Proven analytical, quantitative, and critical thinking abilities
Technical Proficient: Proficient in cloud-based platforms (eg, Adobe, Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, and Webex)
Accomplishments
Cost Center Program Audit- Independently completed a cost center program audit, achieving a total savings of $125,000 over five years through improved procedural efficiency.
Time and Attendance Workgroup Creation- Established and led a Time and Attendance Workgroup that reduced discrepancies by 50% within three months, significantly mitigating payroll errors.
Personnel Identity Verification Transition Project-Co-led the successful transition of the Personnel Identity Verification Lifecycle Maintenance program from Headquarters to field staff. Developed a Personnel Security Transition Action Plan that included a training program to enhance staff readiness during the transition.
New Employee Onboarding Project: Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement efficient HR processes and procedures for the massive onboarding of over 500 new employees within two years, as for the newly established Human Resource Center, to include the addition of 6 new field offices.
Timeline
Program Specialist
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
11.2009 - Current
Bachelor of Business Administration - Organizational Management
Tiffin University
Associate of Paralegal Studies with Applied Business - undefined
The Academy of Court Reporting
Master of Business Administration - Organizational Leadership
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