Desaree Venema
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Worked extensively with military and their families since I was a young child, have patience and expert knowledge of life on military installations. Aesthetic personality, ability to speak and listen, especially when it comes to military families, and people in general.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Counselor
United States Government
05.2000 - 05.2008
- Worked with clients to develop personal recommendations for improvement of financial circumstances, reducing debt and increasing income.
- Cultivated a positive, non-judgmental environment for clients to openly discuss their financial challenges and concerns.
- Increased client confidence in managing personal finances by providing tools and resources for long-term success.
- Streamlined counseling processes by implementing efficient record-keeping systems and communication tools.
- Conducted interviews with patients and family members and answered questions regarding insurance benefits.
- Strengthened client understanding of complex financial concepts using clear explanations and real-life examples.
- Acted as an advocate for clients during creditor negotiations, working towards mutually beneficial agreements that facilitated debt resolution.
- Provided guidance on student loan repayment options to recent graduates struggling with high education-related debts.
- Worked directly with clients to provide financial counseling and education using individualized counseling model and personal finance course.
- Liaised between patient, doctor and insurance provider to smooth claims processes.
- Engaged with attendees at fairs and public events to promote services.
- Assessed client financial situation and explored background through one-on-one interview process.
- Stayed up-to-date on financial products and consumer rights.
Contracts Specialist
US Army
05.2006 - 05.2006
- Contributed to business growth by identifying potential partnership opportunities and negotiating strategic alliances.
- Supported proposal development efforts by providing accurate estimates on costs, timelines, and resources required for project execution.
- Implemented training programs for team members to enhance their understanding of contract management best practices.
- Coordinated efforts across departments during the RFP/RFQ process, ensuring all relevant information was considered during supplier selection.
- Mitigated risks through the implementation of robust risk management strategies, safeguarding company assets and interests.
- Assisted in budget planning by providing accurate forecasts on projected contract-related expenses.
- Optimized existing contracts through renegotiation efforts based on market changes or shifting business priorities.
- Enhanced contract negotiation process by streamlining workflows and implementing effective communication strategies.
- Reduced contract approval times by conducting thorough reviews and promptly addressing any discrepancies or concerns.
- Conducted regular contract audits to assess performance gaps and identify areas for improvement.
- Drafted, reviewed and revised contracts for accuracy and completeness.
- Monitored incoming contracts and service agreements for correct pricing and information.
- Facilitated communication between involved parties to enable timely contract sign-off.
- Negotiated and reviewed contracts to protect customer interests.
- Assessed risks inherent in contract changes and potential impacts, informing management in detail of concerns to avoid liabilities.
- Assisted with writing job postings and job descriptions for boards.
- Pre-screened resumes prior to sending to corporate hiring managers for consideration.
- Improved office efficiency by effectively managing internal communications and correspondence.
- Advocated for staff members, helping to identify and resolve conflicts.
- Conducted performance reviews and provided feedback to managers on employee performance.
- Completed human resource operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees.
- Created and delivered HR training sessions to staff, managers and executives.
- Developed and monitored employee recognition programs.
- Collected and analyzed information to monitor compliance outcomes and identify and address trends of non-compliant behavior.
Training Facilitator
US Army
05.2004 - 05.2006
- Documented class attendance and participation and provided feedback to management.
- Identified areas in need of improvement and implemented solutions.
- Incorporated real-world examples into course materials to provide employees with practical applications of theoretical concepts.
- Assessed skill gaps for employees and developed training courses to meet identified needs.
- Evaluated success of training programs and recommended improvements to upper management to enhance effectiveness.
- Administered assessments before, during and after courses.
- Developed comprehensive job aids and resources for employees to reference post-training, enhancing knowledge retention over time.
- Conducted post-training analysis to identify areas for improvement in future sessions, resulting in continuous refinement of program offerings.
- Supported students and individuals with Type issues, liaising between participants, families, and program executives about needs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify skill gaps and develop targeted training initiatives.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of training programs using various assessment tools, leading to continuous improvement efforts.
- Gathered feedback from team and department leaders to devise new training materials targeted on current needs.
Loan Officer
US Army
05.2000 - 05.2002
- Assisted clients in selecting appropriate loan products for their needs, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of bank records and client information.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by promptly addressing client concerns and resolving issues as they arose during the lending process.
- Submitted loan applications to underwriter for verification and recommendations.
- Examined customer loan applications for loan approvals and denials.
- Developed strong relationships with customers through high levels of customer service.
- Educated potential clients on various loan options, guiding them towards informed decisions that fit their financial goals.
Alcohol and Drug Counselor
United States Government
05.1987 - 05.1990
- Led relapse prevention groups, teaching clients essential skills needed for long-term sobriety success.
- Managed caseloads efficiently by prioritizing tasks, maintaining regular communication with clients and team members, and adapting to changing needs within the treatment setting.
- Conducted thorough assessments of new clients to identify appropriate level of care and services needed for successful recovery.
- Assisted clients in developing healthy coping mechanisms by identifying triggers and practicing alternative responses during counseling sessions.
- Contributed to program development initiatives by sharing expertise in identifying gaps in services and proposing solutions for addressing unmet client needs.
- Facilitated educational workshops on addiction prevention and recovery resources for the local community.
Education
Criminal Justice
Saint Mary of Plains
Dodge City, KS1989
Skills
- Insurance Verification
- Relationships and rapport
- Cash Flow Management
- Patient Counseling
- Telephone Etiquette
Affiliations
American Red Cross, ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS, AFCP, I CAN
Languages
English
Full Professional
German
Limited Working
Timeline
Contracts Specialist
US Army
05.2006 - 05.2006
Training Facilitator
US Army
05.2004 - 05.2006
Financial Counselor
United States Government
05.2000 - 05.2008
Loan Officer
US Army
05.2000 - 05.2002
Alcohol and Drug Counselor
United States Government
05.1987 - 05.1990
Criminal Justice
Saint Mary of Plains