Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Dayna Whitaker

Twin City

Summary

Settlement Specialist at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm with expertise in negotiation and client communication. Skilled in financial analysis and QuickBooks, consistently achieving optimal outcomes for clients. Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities enhance case management and client satisfaction.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Settlement Specialist

Merritt & Merritt Law Firm
Statesboro
01.2024 - Current
  • I was recently promoted to this position. I do state research daily. I contact all medical providers as well as clients. I also contact Medicare Medicaid so that I can get final tens. I make reductions daily so that we can get the most back for our client. I draw up settlement sheets, contact the client to go over the settlement sheet and then we also directly deposit their funds into their account where I also send correspondence back to the client letting them know that their funds will be available within the next couple days, I also do data entry into the file as well as making sure that everything is up-to-date for the file so that it can be closed.
  • I have also been working with litigation as well helping with liens and medical providers before the case settles.
  • Other task I do as well: QuickBooks - paying out of settlement to providers and lien holders
  • Answering phones and helping clients with questions or directing them to their case manager
  • My case is the system I have been using for work, I also do intakes and have gone to do intakes face to face as well. I have cases that are in bankruptcy, and I have had to correspond with attorneys to have motions filed for counsel as well as for settlement hearings
  • Mailing payments to providers on a weekly basis.
  • Maintained and updated records of all settlements and related activities.
  • Received and routed incoming calls and correspondence to promote timely communication.
  • Liaised with clients and handled day-to-day contact regarding scheduling of meetings and issue resolution procedures.
  • Negotiated repayment with medical and loan providers for clients.

  • Stayed calm and professional in situations and resolved conflicts to customer satisfaction.
  • Authored settlement agreement documents containing resolutions and obtained signatures from both parties to finalize agreements.
  • Readied settlement paperwork for signature.

Case Manager

Merritt & Merritt Law Firm
Statesboro
01.2024 - Current
  • Data entry, contacting clients and uploading all Information into a portal, contacting insurance companies and medical providers for documentation pertaining to the case drafting up demands to send out for settlement on a case
  • Coordinated transportation services for clients who lacked access to reliable transportation.
  • Collaborated with healthcare providers, lawyers, employers and other stakeholders involved in a client's case.
  • Collaborated with other service providers to ensure continuity of care for clients.
  • Maintained accurate case records and documentation according to agency guidelines.
  • Monitored client progress through regular follow-up contacts.
  • Compiled reports on cases and submitted them to supervisors as required.
  • Provided referrals to appropriate health care providers or other community resources.
  • Advocated for clients by obtaining information regarding treatment options and clinical status.
  • Participated in regular team meetings and in-house training sessions to boost group effectiveness.
  • Maintained logs and electronic client records following department and agency policies for effective monitoring.
  • Maintained up-to-date case records with case activity status.
  • Adhered to ethical principles and standards to protect clients' confidential information.
  • Developed trusting relationships with social services, health care providers and governmental agencies.
  • Transitioned clients to different providers based on progress or needs.
  • Negotiated with insurance companies and other payers to secure coverage for client services.

Human Resources Specialist

Griner Investment, Inc
Metter
06.2023 - 01.2024
  • Managed applicant tracking system to ensure accurate records of applicants and employees are maintained.
  • Conducted investigations into workplace complaints or grievances raised by employees.
  • Created training materials for new hires and provided orientation sessions.
  • Assisted in developing policies and procedures for the Human Resources Department.
  • Coordinated benefits administration activities such as enrollments, changes, terminations and transfers.
  • Reviewed job descriptions, identified necessary changes and updated accordingly.
  • Maintained confidential personnel files in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Prepared reports related to HR activities such as turnover rate analysis, absenteeism rate.
  • Drafted offer letters and employment contracts according to company guidelines.
  • Established and maintained trusted relationships around organization to optimize business and employee experience.
  • Worked cross-functionally to optimize efficiency and execute on HR business processes.
  • Assisted candidates with application processes by answering questions about application, performing background checks, providing I-9 forms and handling drug screening paperwork. As well as E-Verify on all employees for background checks.

Claims Adjuster

Geico
Lakeland
01.2018 - 04.2023
  • Data entry new claims first notice of loss updating existing claims call center work on diary work on I net claims
  • I recently started back at Geico in January 2022 and have been there for 9 months I left due to husband passing away in November 2020, Promoted November 2022 to TCR1- no handling unresolved, coverage issues, comp neg, liability disputes, and no BI on policy claims

Scheduler/manager

Amedisys Home Care
Lakeland
04.2011 - 04.2014
  • Answered phones, scheduled patients, ordered medical and office supplies, copied and faxed orders to doctors’ offices, filed patient paperwork, worked with manager on hr reports and finance reports, and was promoted to manager for the winter haven office
  • Communicated schedule changes effectively throughout the organization when necessary.
  • Maintained accurate records of all tasks completed by the team.
  • Performed data entry into computer systems for tracking purposes.
  • Scheduled and confirmed appointments.
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
  • Handled incoming calls and directed callers to appropriate department or employee.
  • Stocked inventory and ordered office and kitchen supplies.
  • Scheduled service and changed and ordered toner to keep printers and copiers functioning.
  • Answered phones and routed voicemails to respective employees.
  • Reserved and managed meeting room availability.
  • Offered reception coverage to relieve staff during absences or breaks.
  • Broke down boxes for garbage and recycling.
  • Maintained front desk to provide positive first impression.
  • Monitored office services mailbox for business support needs and requests.
  • Greeted guests and vendors to assist in navigating space.
  • Provided HR administrative assistance to management team.
  • Received and distributed mail, letters and packages.
  • Assisted with set up for social events and food deliveries.
  • Assisted organizational efforts by filing, entering data and answering phones.
  • Scheduled interviews for potential candidates and conducted reference checks prior to hire.
  • Maintained up-to-date records of employee attendance, payroll information, vacation requests.
  • Monitored budgets and expenditures to ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards.
  • Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss progress and identify areas of improvement.
  • Trained employees on additional job positions to maintain coverage of roles.

Owner

Dayna cleaning service
Lakeland
11.2007 - 07.2012
  • Cleaned offices, apartments, and houses,
  • I had three offices that I cleaned.
  • one apartment complex
  • and three house to keep clean and organized

Assistant Teacher

First United Methodist Church
Lakeland
08.2007 - 03.2008
  • Assisted with infant and three-year-old care
  • Encouraged creative thinking through art projects, storytelling and music appreciation activities.
  • Developed positive relationships with families by communicating regularly about their child's progress.
  • Helped maintain an orderly classroom environment by enforcing rules regarding student conduct.
  • Assisted in developing and implementing age-appropriate activities for children to learn new skills.
  • Provided a safe, secure and nurturing environment for the children.
  • Read books aloud to encourage language development while helping students understand story structure.
  • Supervised indoor and outdoor playtime including setting up equipment and organizing games or crafts.
  • Monitored children's behavior, providing guidance and direction when necessary.
  • Kept classrooms clean, tidy and well stocked with supplies while ensuring they met health standards.
  • Assisted in preparing nutritious snacks and lunches according to dietary guidelines.

Assistant Teacher

Small Wonders Preschool & Child Care Center
Lakeland
08.2006 - 08.2007
  • Assisted with toddlers to four-year-olds
  • Managed record keeping duties such as attendance records and daily reports of individual child activities.
  • Ensured safety of all children by monitoring playground equipment use.
  • Taught basic language skills including reading readiness, phonics, writing.
  • Organized parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
  • Encouraged creativity through art projects and storytelling.
  • Provided guidance on social development issues such as sharing, following directions.
  • Conducted assessments of student performance and progress.
  • Participated in staff meetings and professional development workshops.
  • Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to promote desired behavior in children.
  • Supervised children during meal times, playtime, and other activities.
  • Maintained supplies inventory for the classroom including art materials and books.
  • Supervised children during indoor and outdoor playtime, ensuring their safety at all times.

Data Entry Clerk

Verizon
Lakeland
07.1998 - 02.2004
  • Data entry for tech in field, was assistant to supervisor, trained on new phone system, answered calls for techs and called customers, copied and faxed relative information to other departments
  • Operated various office equipment such as scanners, printers. when required.
  • Provided support to management staff in regards to data entry processes.
  • Reviewed existing information for accuracy and made necessary corrections.
  • Followed up on pending tasks until completion.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Verified accuracy and completeness of data entry into the database system.
  • Performed data entry from paper documents, emails, and other sources into computer systems.
  • Identified and corrected data entry errors to prevent duplication across systems.
  • Followed data program techniques and procedures to maintain data entry requirements.
  • Contacted customers via phone or email to address data inquiries.

Education

Diploma -

Lake Gibson HS
Lakeland, FL

Some College (No Degree) - Psychology

Polk State College
Winter Haven, FL

Some College (No Degree) - Business Management

Florida Southern College
Lakeland, FL

Skills

  • Data entry and record keeping
  • Settlement negotiation and case management
  • Client communication and relationship management
  • Financial analysis and reporting
  • Conflict resolution
  • QuickBooks proficiency
  • Team collaboration
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer service excellence
  • Problem solving
  • Information retrieval
  • Negotiation skills
  • Document preparation

Affiliations

  • VOLUNTEERING WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND THROUGH CHURCH WITH MEALS TO VISITING THE SICK OR HOME BOUND
  • NETWORKING WITH PROVIDERS
  • READING AND THINKING OF WRITING A BOOK - LIFE HAS BEEN A GREAT ADVENTURE.

Accomplishments

my current job I was only employed for six months and promoted to where I am as a Settlement Specialist

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Settlement Specialist

Merritt & Merritt Law Firm
01.2024 - Current

Case Manager

Merritt & Merritt Law Firm
01.2024 - Current

Human Resources Specialist

Griner Investment, Inc
06.2023 - 01.2024

Claims Adjuster

Geico
01.2018 - 04.2023

Scheduler/manager

Amedisys Home Care
04.2011 - 04.2014

Owner

Dayna cleaning service
11.2007 - 07.2012

Assistant Teacher

First United Methodist Church
08.2007 - 03.2008

Assistant Teacher

Small Wonders Preschool & Child Care Center
08.2006 - 08.2007

Data Entry Clerk

Verizon
07.1998 - 02.2004

Diploma -

Lake Gibson HS

Some College (No Degree) - Psychology

Polk State College

Some College (No Degree) - Business Management

Florida Southern College