Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Experience
References
Timeline
Generic

DR. REBECCA BROWN-TUYISHIMIRE

Clayton,NC

Summary

Detail-oriented researcher, Rating Veteran Service Representative, and case manager with first-rate active listening, communication and planning traits. Creative and persistent to quickly and effectively solve various problems that may arise. Committed to completing accurate and thorough competitive assessments. Outstanding research skills combined with effective decision-making talents. Experienced at identifying and using new technologies and resources. Works effectively and collaboratively with teams and individuals.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Doctoral Researcher

Walden University
08.2020 - 11.2023
  • Wrote research papers, reports, reviews, and summaries regarding human and social services
  • Gathered and organized information for research purposes
  • Performed research into study topics to increase knowledge and to provide valuable contributions
  • Collaborated with leadership team to identify relevant questions and determine best methods of collection
  • Interpreted data analysis results to draw inferences and conclusions
  • Analyzed and interpreted patterns and trends
  • Developed research proposals, identified research objectives and created research plans
  • Sorted data into well-organized formats and transformed into figures
  • Operated and performed preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments
  • Graduation projected for January 2024
  • Synthesized data and wrote detailed reports to present research findings to stakeholders
  • Analyzed results using analytical software and created reports
  • Participated in research projects by designing and executing experiments.

Rating Veteran Service Representative

Department Of Veterans Affairs
01.2023 - Current
  • Reviewed outstanding requests and redirected workloads to complete projects on time
  • Validated claim determinations through meticulous analysis of relevant evidence before finalizing decisions.
  • Processed and recorded new policies and claims
  • Ensured consistent application of legal standards across all cases by adhering to established guidelines when rating disabilities.
  • Resubmitted claims after editing or denial to achieve financial targets and reduce outstanding debt
  • Maintained strong knowledge of basic medical terminology to better understand services and procedures
  • Determined appropriateness of payers to protect organization and minimize risk
  • Coordinated with contracting department to resolve payer issues
  • Posted payments to accounts and maintained records
  • Carried out administrative tasks by communicating with clients, distributing mail, and scanning documents
  • Collected premiums and issued accurate receipts
  • Verified client information by analyzing existing evidence on file
  • Generated, posted and attached information to claim files
  • Made contact with insurance carriers to discuss policies and individual patient benefits
  • Modified, updated and processed existing policies
  • Calculated adjustments, premiums and refunds
  • Checked documentation for accuracy and validity on updated systems
  • Communicated effectively with staff members of operations, finance and clinical departments
  • Maintained confidentiality of patient finances, records, and health statuses.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Department Of Veterans Affairs
01.2022 - 01.2023
  • Providing quality assurance or auditor functions related to claims processing and benefit determination
  • Adjudicating and authorizing of compensation, pension, and claims
  • Providing determination to reconsider claims appeal cases
  • Preparing presentations to reconsider claims appeal cases.
  • Assisted individuals with addressing disabilities and developing career plans
  • Administered preliminary and comprehensive vocational assessments
  • Coordinated community resources and secured referrals
  • Promoted development of interviewing, resume writing and etiquette skills
  • Prepared and maintained records and case files detailing clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided and relevant correspondence
  • Consulted with interdisciplinary teams to enhance coordination of care, establish medical clearance and determine optimal timing of further interventions
  • Customized vocational exploration activities to identify self-determined rehabilitation needs and goals
  • Evaluated diagnostic data to determine eligibility and needed services
  • Liaised with community partners to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities
  • Led vocational assessments for clients with physical, emotional, intellectual and behavioral disabilities
  • Assisted clients in exploring career options and vocational goals
  • Mobilized case management system to document service delivery and case progress
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance
  • Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities
  • Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems
  • Screened applicant resumes and coordinated both phone and in-person interviews
  • Applied mediation and collaboration to successfully resolve employee complaints and grievances
  • Monitored employee attendance and performance to verify punctuality and absences, addressing issues in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Department of Veteran Affairs
04.2019 - 01.2022
  • Negotiated agreements between employees to clarify misunderstood directions and resolve conflicts affecting performance
  • Monitored social media and online sources for industry trends
  • Recognized client employment barriers and devised strategies to resolve
  • Maintained work structure by updating job requirements and job descriptions for all positions
  • Reviewed, tracked and coordinated employment referrals
  • Developed job leads in order to increase placements
  • Interviewed clients and administered assessments to determine employability, including identifying skills and evaluating barriers
  • Enhanced candidates' potential to find employment by teaching job search skills and holding mock interviews
  • Reviewed job applications to identify, vet and recommend optimal candidates
  • Maintained current understanding of state and federal policies such as EEO and ADA
  • Communicated with potential hires to provide clarity on expected tasks, compensation and policies
  • Improved quality of hiring decisions by working with hiring managers on new comprehensive employment selection processes
  • Understood, interpreted and mediated human resources inquiries to support administration of human resources policies, procedures and programs
  • Provided job placement accommodation recommendations for employees on physician-mandated medical restriction
  • Provided guidance to managers and employees on talent management, payroll, FMLA and benefits
  • Executed redesign of organizational structures to enhance team and leadership effectiveness through operational analysis, needs assessments and process mapping
  • Conducted career fairs, screened resumes and interviewed applicants to build candidate pipelines and enhance company culture
  • Launched studies to improve alignment between components of organization and organizational framework
  • Developed and built internal and external relationships with project teams, department managers and consultant teams to improve delivery of HR services.

Education Services Specialist & Facilitator

Department of the Army
05.2014 - 05.2019
  • Facilitated group briefing sessions on education benefits to Soldiers, family members and civilians
  • Taught more than 12 classes or workshops per year
  • Established and maintained rapport with other staff, students, and parents to facilitate communication and academic progress
  • Administered assessments before, during and after courses
  • Contributed to positive academic and social tone of school by demonstrating professionalism and enthusiasm for academic community.

Basic Skills Education Program Coordinator & Facilitator

Department of the Army
  • Formulate strategic plans for the Basic Skills Education Program by establishing operational policies and procedures and make any necessary modifications, based on analysis of operations, and quantitative research information
  • Planned, implemented, monitored and assessed classroom instructional program
  • Documented class activities, including attendance and participation, and provided feedback to management
  • Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of the State of Georgia and Army
  • Conduct quantitative analysis's, reporting the range of General Technical scores for Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield service members to identify trends and make program adjustments for performance improvement
  • Collect data and review instructional content, methods, and student evaluations to assess strengths and weaknesses, in order to develop recommendations for course revision, development, or elimination
  • Collaborate with the Program Manager, Facilitators and the Dean of Students in the implementation and continuous improvement of the Basic Skills Education Program
  • Determine course schedules, and coordinate teaching assignments and room assignments to ensure optimum use of buildings and equipment
  • Revise the Basic Skills Education Program, and its Standard Operating Procedures manual
  • Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by administrative regulations
  • Publicize the Basic Skills Education Program through sources such as newsletters, Go Army Education bulletins, and social media
  • Maintain 100% accountability of, $2M dollars' worth of equipment in Fiscal Year 2014- 2017 as the Primary Hand Receipt Book Hand Holder for the Fort Stewart hub, which includes Ft
  • Stewart, HAAF, and Ft
  • Gordon, GA; USAG Miami and MacDill AFB, FL; and Ft
  • Buchanan, Puerto Rico
  • Query quantitative data for the quarterly Installation Status Report to submit to IMCOM, data submitted reflects the total number of counselor sessions, postsecondary and BSEP enrollment, and Army Personnel Test administered for the Fort Stewart hub
  • Prepare quantitative data for the end of the Army Continuing Education Service end of year report for Education Service Officer to present the Garrison Commander
  • Review operating budgets with Chief of Business Operation to analyze trends affecting budget needs
  • Collaborate with Chief of Business Operation to review the fiscal year budget to purchase needed equipment for the Fort Stewart hub
  • Advise Chief of Business Operations on purchasing projections for upcoming fiscal year after scrubbing the hand receipt and supply
  • Coordinate with Chief of Business Operation to compare prices of different vendors to ensure that equipment and supplies are purchased at the best cost
  • Liaison between vendors and suppliers
  • Create financial Excel spreadsheets with data and supply elements to project hub needs in both funding and supplies Guidance Counseling
  • Prepare service members (Active Duty and Active Reserve/National Guard) for educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks
  • Utilize ACES policy and procedure manual, Army Regulation 621-5, to explain the rules and guidelines of using tuition assistance to service Members
  • Recommend updates and revisions to existing policies
  • Advise military personnel on educational issues, such as course and program selection, class scheduling and registration, school adjustment, and career planning
  • Provide students with information on such topics as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs
  • Refer personnel to the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness program for educational readiness courses to assist with study skills, test anxiety and improving their memory
  • Facilitate group briefings to provide up to date changes on Tuition Assistance and eligibility policies
  • Prepare transcript memorandums for military personnel
  • Establish Cost Benefit Analysis with service members to determine if their school selection is the most optimal choice
  • Develop Cost Benefit Analysis with transitioning service members to determine which GI Bill would be the most cost-efficient, as well as discuss ways to achieve their educational goals
  • Implement educational advisory services to in-processing service members
  • Correspond with college representatives to verify tuition and fees
  • Calculate repayment of tuition assistance for out-processing Officers
  • Facilitate unit briefings on educational benefits, financial aid and promote the usage of tuition assistance
  • Revise Fiscal Year 2015-2018 Veteran Affairs Educational Benefits guide that is given to Fort Stewart transitioning service members
  • Coordinates standardized group and/or individual test administration; administers and/or coordinates academic, credentials/certification, entrance, psychological, and vocational interest testing
  • Administers the center's computer testing pod, to include installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and enhancement of computer/network hardware, software, and peripheral
  • Plans, develops, and coordinates testing program policies, procedures and schedules Strategic Communication
  • Create strategic messaging for our annual ACES graduation outreach, both to students who might be eligible and those who had already confirmed
  • Develop marketing materials to promote the Fort Stewart Annual Graduation Ceremony
  • Consult with video production company and other vendors to provide services for the Graduation Ceremony Implementation of New Processes
  • Assist with the development and implementation of the new in-processing procedures for Fort Stewart military members to comply with Operation Order 15-020: Soldier Life Cycle.

Higher Education Transition Counselor/On-Site Coordinator

Armed Forces Corporation
11.2013 - 05.2014
  • Ensured the mission of the contract with the Transition Education Program was being performed according to the Performance Work Statement
  • Consulted with program supervisor to discuss potential performance issues that could impede the mission of the program
  • Managed accountability reports to verify that the appropriate educational services were being offered
  • Constructed monthly reports on class size, clients counseled, and services performed
  • Incorporated new marketing and advertisement procedures
  • Scheduled Transition Education classes with the Soldier for Life Program Soldier for Life Transition Counselor
  • Instructed clients on the use of the Army Career and Alumni Program XXI, automated system to complete pre-separation counseling session
  • Supported ACAP Center marketing initiatives by briefing installation leaders and managers
  • Tracked the progress of clients and motivate clients to increase their utilization of ACAP career services
  • Provided educational counseling services: applying for college admissions, applying for their education benefits and financial aid
  • Attended events such as job fairs, employer days, or the conduct of a classroom event
  • Advocated career advising services to military personnel as they pursue their desired career objectives
  • Facilitated employment workshops of 50-60 military personnel
  • Reviewed/edited resumes in order to make them workforce ready
  • Maintained detailed administrative and procedural processes to improve accuracy and efficiency
  • Verified and logged in deadlines for responding to daily inquiries
  • Connected with military personnel via phone, email and in person to schedule appointments and provide information about the Army Career Alumni Program
  • Handled and processed confidential military personnel information.

Transition Counselor

Serco Inc
11.2012 - 11.2013
  • Aided transitioning military personnel with goal establishment, education plan development, capability and/or needs assessment interpretation, school admission applications, and eligibility determination of education benefits
  • Delivered information and guidance to transitioning service members regarding their education institutions of interest and assisted with the application for admissions process
  • Provided support through various methods which included: 1-on-1 counseling sessions, group sessions, virtual counseling sessions
  • Documented educational goals and counseling remarks in the individuals' education record in GoArmyEd and monitored the Soldier's progress
  • Interpreted the clients' results from personal assessment tools such as Kuder Journey Career Planning System
  • Provided information about financial assistance and education benefits such as the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), Post 9-11 GI Bill, and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), scholarships, maximizing the use of veterans' education benefits, and other applications for student and financial aid.

Education

Ph.D. - Human Services

Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
11.2023

Master of Science - Human Services

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
01.2012

Bachelor of Arts - Human Services and Counseling

Lindsey Wilson College
Columbia, KY
01.2006

Skills

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Change Implementation
  • Employment Law
  • Report Generation
  • Performance Management Strategies
  • Diverse groups presentations
  • Monitoring outcomes
  • Time management
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Inquiry-based learning
  • Excellent administrative abilities
  • Data integrity
  • Understanding of medical terms
  • Prior authorization processing
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Analytical and Critical Thinking
  • Talent Management
  • Performance Management
  • Employment Data Tracking
  • Project Management
  • FMLA Comprehension
  • Policy Optimization
  • Succession Planning
  • Networking and Partnership Development
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Affirmative Action Guidelines
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Process Enhancement
  • Trend Modeling
  • Data Research and Validation
  • Preliminary Conclusions and Recommendations

Experience

  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources.
  • Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems software set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Mentorship- Participated in the Winston-Salem Regional Office Career Assistance Program (January 2024). Ongoing mentorship with Mr. Mike Howard (BEST Supervisor).

References

Available Upon Request

Timeline

Rating Veteran Service Representative

Department Of Veterans Affairs
01.2023 - Current

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Department Of Veterans Affairs
01.2022 - 01.2023

Doctoral Researcher

Walden University
08.2020 - 11.2023

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Department of Veteran Affairs
04.2019 - 01.2022

Education Services Specialist & Facilitator

Department of the Army
05.2014 - 05.2019

Higher Education Transition Counselor/On-Site Coordinator

Armed Forces Corporation
11.2013 - 05.2014

Transition Counselor

Serco Inc
11.2012 - 11.2013

Basic Skills Education Program Coordinator & Facilitator

Department of the Army

Ph.D. - Human Services

Walden University

Master of Science - Human Services

Capella University

Bachelor of Arts - Human Services and Counseling

Lindsey Wilson College
DR. REBECCA BROWN-TUYISHIMIRE