Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
CustomerServiceRepresentative
Debra Matthews

Debra Matthews

Teacher
O'Brien,FL

Summary

  • Knowledgeable patient care advocate highly effective at satisfying patient care needs while eliminating unnecessary hospital burdens. Broad knowledge of healthcare services and levels of care, financial options and insurance coverage scope. Known for working positively with care team members to reach creative solutions.
  • Passionate Teacher with experience developing and implementing diverse curriculums covering wide range of subjects. Highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and reinforcement of concepts via interactive classroom instruction and observation. Successful in helping students develop strong literacy, numeracy, social and learning skills.
  • Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Highly organized Front Desk Receptionist with exemplary multitasking, time management and customer service skills. Responsible professional willing to go extra mile to assist others with solving problems.

Overview

44
44
years of professional experience

Work History

Patient Care Advocate

Self-employeed
06.2018 - 03.2020
  • Maintained confidentiality of patient data and condition to safeguard health information.
  • Upheld confidentiality requirements and regulatory compliance guidelines.
  • Resolved problems with areas such as communication and billing that could negatively impact services.
  • Connected patients with available community and charitable resources.
  • Completed documentation of care, hospital actions, and patient activities.
  • Resolved problems with communication and billing to foster seamless services.
  • Reviewed each step of patient care and made proactive adjustments to avert issues.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of current strategies with interdisciplinary team and utilized recommendations to make permanent improvements to care standards.
  • Liaised between hospital departments to facilitate effective communication.
  • Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
  • Monitored progress and documented patient health status changes to keep care team updated.
  • Monitored ongoing care and proactively corrected problems.
  • Coordinated charitable, government, and community resources for patients.
  • Worked with patients and families to develop future plans and discuss care actions.
  • Performed as subject matter expert for case management processes.
  • Met with patients and families to discuss care and plan of action for future.
  • Measured effectiveness with team and implemented recommendations for long-term improvements.
  • Maximized preventive care utilization to reduce hospital burden and help eliminate readmissions.

8th Grade ELA Teacher (Regular and Honors)

Dorchester School District 2
01.1989 - 06.2018
  • Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
  • Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
  • Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
  • Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of students.
  • Encouraged independent thought, good judgment and expression of original ideas.
  • Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
  • Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading and writing practice.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
  • Evaluated academic skills of each student through verbal assessments, graded assignments and standardized tests.
  • Taught age-appropriate spelling techniques, grammar rules and language skills.
  • Cultivated relationships with parents for complete support network.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction to meet needs of diverse learners.
  • Integrated Smartboard and other instructional technologies into classroom.
  • Provided one-on-one attention to students, while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
  • Established positive rapport with all students and parents through home calls, emails and Parent Teacher Club.
  • Planned and supervised class projects, field trips and visits by guest speakers.
  • Communicated with parents and guardians regarding student progress and behavioral issues.

Receptionist (Summer Position)

Trident Urology
06.1989 - 08.1990
  • Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
  • Welcomed customers with friendly greeting, answered general questions, gathered nature of visit and directed to specific offices.
  • Resolved customer problems and complaints.
  • Organized, maintained and updated information in computer databases.
  • Operated multi-line telephone system to answer and direct high volume of calls.
  • Collected payments, processed transactions and updated relevant records.
  • Routed incoming mail and messages to relevant personnel without delay.

Home Care Provider

Charleston County School District
03.1988 - 08.1989
  • Assisted clients with dressing, grooming and feeding needs, helping to overcome, and adapt to mobility restrictions.
  • Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
  • Assisted clients with personal requirements for housekeeping and grooming assistance.
  • Assisted clients in cooking tasty, nourishing meals.
  • Kept close eye on behavior and emotional responses of clients to address concerns and protect each person from harm.
  • Helped clients maintain optimal health by overseeing medication administration and doctor's appointments.
  • Interacted kindly with clients and families and displayed positive, outgoing attitude, to maintain professional relationships.
  • Administered medication as directed by physician.
  • Assisted patients with handling daily chores and errands by transporting to appointments, cleaning personal spaces, and purchasing supplies.
  • Provided transportation and appointments management.
  • Developed individual care plans for clients based on specific needs.
  • Completed entries in log books, journals, and care plans to accurately document and report patient progress.

Teaching Assistant

Charleston School District
08.1987 - 05.1989
  • Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
  • Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
  • Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
  • Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.
  • Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
  • Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
  • Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.
  • Copied, organized and distributed classroom assignments or other paperwork.
  • Organized materials in classroom spaces based on lecture plans, activity stations or other requirements outlined by teachers.

Cashier

Seven Day Convenience Store
07.1986 - 12.1988
  • Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
  • Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
  • Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
  • Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
  • Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
  • Operated cash register to record transactions accurately and efficiently.
  • Maintained current knowledge of store promotions and highlighted sales to customers.
  • Reconciled cash drawer at start and end of each shift, accounting for errors, and resolving discrepancies.
  • Checked personal identifications during alcohol and tobacco sales.

Construction Site Maintenance Subcontractor

Self-Employed
04.1984 - 05.1986
  • Worked closely with general contractor on completion of punchlist tasks.
  • Delivered high level of service to all customers and effectively resolved issues.
  • Coordinated final walk-throughs of job site before signing off on completion.
  • Supervised additional subcontractors and craftsmen.
  • Followed instructions and safety protocols while operating machinery and equipment.
  • Managed safe and efficient use of tools and equipment on construction sites.
  • Moved and cleared debris from work sites to dispose of in designated areas.
  • Operated forklifts and boom lifts to complete vari
  • Operated forklifts to complete various tasks.

Cashier, Department Lead, Bookkeeper

Ace Hardware
08.1980 - 07.1984
  • Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
  • Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
  • Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
  • Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
  • Assisted customers with returns, refunds and resolving transaction issues.
  • Addressed customer needs and made product recommendations to increase sales.
  • Tallied cash drawer at beginning and end of each work shift.
  • Maintained and processed invoices, deposits, and money logs.
  • Managed inventory and receiving operations to maintain optimal stock levels and meet expected demands.
  • Communicated with managers of other departments to maintain transparency.
  • Reconciled and corrected issues with financial records.
  • Posted daily receipts and payments in accordance with corporate protocols.
  • Reported financial data and updated financial records in ledgers and journals.
  • Supervised existing employees
  • Maintained current industry knowledge by reading publications and completing training.

Carpenter's Assistant

Florida Department Of Natural Resources
06.1979 - 08.1979
  • Cut materials according to specifications in preparation for installation.
  • Worked with master carpenters to install decks.
  • Installed and repaired woodwork, millwork, and cabinetry under supervision of master carpenter.
  • Prepared materials accurately using hand and power tools to make precise cuts.
  • Checked measurements and completed accurate cuts to prevent materials waste and maintain cost controls.
  • Followed established job site safety regulations and maintained safe and clean work area.
  • Measured and cut wood pieces using hand saws and powered saws.
  • Assisted with movement of materials and equipment to job sites.
  • Kept job site cleaned up properly and all debris disposed of in respective containers.

Cashier/Manager (summer Position-2 Years)

Jr. Food Store
06.1978 - 08.1979
  • Resolved customer complaints quickly to maintain customer satisfaction.
  • Trained cashiers on organizational policies, cash handling and customer service to maintain highly skilled team.
  • Quickly and accurately counted drawers at start and end of each shift.
  • Built positive relationships with customers to increase repeat business.
  • Monitored inventory to keep store stocked with necessary items and avoid running out of in-demand products.
  • Kept orderly and accurate accounting records by monitoring sales documentation.
  • Created employee schedules to align coverage with forecasted demands.
  • Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.

Dishwasher, Short Order Cook (Summer Positions)

The Islander Restaurant
06.1976 - 08.1978
  • Followed supervisor instructions to complete tasks on time.
  • Kept kitchen areas neat and clean by removing trash and organizing supplies.
  • Cleared, washed and stacked all plates, dining utensils, and trays quickly and without breaking.
  • Kept dishes, utensils and glassware clean and rotated following safety standards set by restaurant.
  • Worked with chemicals such as detergent, rinse agents, and sanitizers to protect customer health.
  • Assisted with kitchen prep work to help operations run smoothly and meet customer needs.
  • Stepped into additional roles during busy times to boost coverage of important stations.
  • Completed multiple tasks simultaneously to optimize project completion.
  • Worked in fast-paced environment with sense of urgency to serve guests quickly.
  • Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
  • Understood cooking techniques and fundamentals to maximize safe food handling.
  • Checked temperature of foods to guarantee doneness and prevent food-borne illnesses.
  • Interacted with customers to address kitchen-related complaints and praise.

Education

Master of Arts - Special Education

College of Charleston
Charleston, SC
12.1989

Bachelor of Science - Psychology With A Sociology Minor

Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, Fl
08.1984

High School Diploma -

Branford High School
Branford, FL
06.1979

Skills

  • Patient Interviewing Skills
  • Organizational Standards
  • Healthcare Operations
  • Medical Terminology
  • Community Activities
  • Patient Care
  • Medication Administration
  • Patient Correspondence
  • Appointment Confirmation
  • Infection Control Procedures
  • Care Plan Assessment
  • Billing Issue Resolution and Support
  • Confidentiality Requirements
  • Insurance Verification
  • Medical Histories and Vital Statistics
  • Registration Paperwork
  • Reviewing Patient Information
  • Coordinate Referrals
  • First Aid and Safety
  • Scheduling
  • Care Improvement
  • Medical History Documentation
  • Patient Information Management
  • Emergency Situations
  • Care Planning
  • Phone Inquiries
  • Preventive Care
  • Compassionate Client Care
  • Behavior Redirection
  • Interpreting Physician Orders
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Benefits Verifications
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Office
  • Guest Registration
  • Confirming Transactions
  • Email Software
  • Effective Planning
  • Bank Deposits
  • Scheduling Appointments
  • Filing
  • Scheduling Management
  • Front Desk Operations
  • Meeting Scheduling
  • Customer Service
  • Coin and Currency Counting
  • Order Verification
  • Total Payment Calculation
  • Purchase Assistance
  • Retail Merchandising
  • Payments Posting
  • Records Maintenance
  • Money Handling
  • Price Identification
  • Credit and Cash Transactions
  • Reports
  • Cash Drawer Management
  • Stocking and Replenishing
  • Discretion and Confidentiality
  • Calendar Management
  • Autonomous and Self-Directed
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Event Planning

Timeline

Patient Care Advocate

Self-employeed
06.2018 - 03.2020

Receptionist (Summer Position)

Trident Urology
06.1989 - 08.1990

8th Grade ELA Teacher (Regular and Honors)

Dorchester School District 2
01.1989 - 06.2018

Home Care Provider

Charleston County School District
03.1988 - 08.1989

Teaching Assistant

Charleston School District
08.1987 - 05.1989

Cashier

Seven Day Convenience Store
07.1986 - 12.1988

Construction Site Maintenance Subcontractor

Self-Employed
04.1984 - 05.1986

Cashier, Department Lead, Bookkeeper

Ace Hardware
08.1980 - 07.1984

Carpenter's Assistant

Florida Department Of Natural Resources
06.1979 - 08.1979

Cashier/Manager (summer Position-2 Years)

Jr. Food Store
06.1978 - 08.1979

Dishwasher, Short Order Cook (Summer Positions)

The Islander Restaurant
06.1976 - 08.1978

Master of Arts - Special Education

College of Charleston

Bachelor of Science - Psychology With A Sociology Minor

Jacksonville University

High School Diploma -

Branford High School
Debra MatthewsTeacher