Faith Iske
Houston
Summary
Dynamic Training & Development Specialist with a proven track record at Texas Health and Human Services. Expert in customized training and employee engagement, I enhance learning experiences through innovative facilitation and coaching. Skilled in data evaluation and performance assessment, I drive organizational success by aligning training with business goals.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Training & Development Specialist V
Texas Health and Human Service Commission
Houston, TX
09.2024 - Current
- Leads or assists in the facilitation of virtual and in-person training for new and tenured employees.
- Composes informative instructional materials, including manuals, guides, and job aids for diverse learning preferences using curriculum provided from the Office of Professional Learning & Development
- Delivers engaging presentations and facilitated group discussions for optimal participant involvement.
- Facilitates open lines of communication between management and employees, ensuring that training programs remained relevant to both organizational goals and individual needs.
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop cohesive learning strategies aligned with business goals.
- Boosts trainee engagement with interactive lessons, teach backs, group activities, and hands-on exercises.
- Provides coaching and mentoring to employees.
- Facilitates virtual, in-person and blended learning sessions.
- Utilizes variety of instructional design methodologies including Power Point, Excel, and Microsoft Teams to create effective learning experiences.
- Complies and evaluates data and prepares reports based on trainee performance, progression of learning, information retention, policy and curriculum assessments.
- Ability to train new hires and/or tenured employees about Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPPA) and Tax Sensitive information regulations
Texas Works Advisor III
Texas Health and Human Service Commission
Houston, TX
03.2023 - 09.2024
- Performed complex technical, administrative, and management work for a direct delivery unit.
- Completed unit reports using Microsoft Excel including employee attendance, case delinquency, special projects, statistical reports, and responds to client complaints with the use of Microsoft Outlook.
- Served as a lead worker responsible for mentoring and training of new staff, which includes providing direction, support, and feedback.
- Served as the acting supervisor in the unit supervisor's absence.
- Performed case reviews to determine validity and accuracy of eligibility determinations made by other staff.
- Interviewed clients, verifies financial and other information, and determines/re-determines eligibility for SNAP (Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Medicaid programs.
- Evaluated data from EWMS, State Portal, Task List Manager, Data Broker, SOLQ, SAVE and BVS to enter information into a computer-based eligibility system known as TIERS.
- Provided general information and assistance to clients regarding programs and application process. Reviews suspected fraud cases and makes referrals to investigators.
- Provided efficient customer service when interacting with internal and external customers.
Advised clients on the use of 211 and navigation and use of the YourTexasBenefits app and website
Texas Works Advisor II
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Houston, TX
05.2022 - 03.2023
- Provided efficient customer service when interacting with internal and external customers.
- Interviewed applicants and recipients in person or by inbound or outbound telephone calls to obtain pertinent financial and personal information to determine eligibility for public assistance programs.
- Evaluated data from EWMS, State Portal, Task List Manager, Data Broker, SAVE, SOLQ, and BVS to enter information into a computer-based eligibility system known as TIERS.
- Interviewed clients, verifies financial and other information, and determines/re-determines eligibility for SNAP (Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Medicaid.
- Gave general information to clients on accessing and using 211 and YourTexasBenefits app/website
Texas Works Advisor I
Texas Health and Human Service Commission
Houston, TX
05.2021 - 05.2022
- Provided efficient customer service when interacting with internal and external customers
- Evaluated data from EWMS, State Portal, Task List Manager, Data Broker, SAVE, SOLQ, and BVS to enter information into a computer-based eligibility system known as TIERS.
- Interviewed applicants and recipients in person or by inbound or outbound telephone calls to obtain pertinent financial and personal information to determine eligibility for public assistance programs.
- Processed work in accordance with state and federal regulations and established procedures, guidelines and timeframes.
- Interviewed clients, verifies financial and other information, and determines/re-determines eligibility for SNAP (Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Medicaid.
General Manager of Food Service
Tout Suite
Houston, TX
01.2019 - 03.2020
- Reduced food waste through better inventory management and portion control, leading to increased profitability.
- Maintained open lines of communication between front-of-house and back-of-house staff, ensuring seamless coordination for optimal service delivery.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing effective staff training and performance management programs.
- Managed financial aspects of the business including budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and profit maximization strategies.
- Reviewed and screened all incoming paper and electronic applications for position requirements
- Interviewed, hired, and onboarded new employees,
- Prepared new hire documentation. Reviewed I-9 documentation, ensured completion of required new hire forms.
- Optimized scheduling practices for efficient staffing levels during peak hours, reducing labor costs without sacrificing service quality
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations through regular inspections, staff training, and process improvements.
- Reviewed and approved employee schedules and timesheets.
- Trained and supervised new staff to enhance customer service skills and comply with food safety standards.
- Oversaw balancing of cash registers, reconciled transactions, and deposited establishment's earnings to bank.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
Daycare Teacher
New Faith Church
Houston, TX
07.2017 - 10.2018
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Provided a safe and nurturing environment for children, regularly monitoring indoor and outdoor spaces for potential hazards.
- Maintained tidy environment to comply with cleanliness and sanitation standards.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication about their child''s progress and needs.
- Oversaw daily transitions between various activities such as snack time, outdoor playtime, naptime ensuring smooth operation of daily schedule.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toileting.
- Utilized positive reinforcement strategies to encourage appropriate behaviors among students while minimizing disruptions or conflicts.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Guided students through daily routines, instilling a sense of responsibility and independence within each child.
- Improved classroom management by implementing clear expectations, consistent routines, and age-appropriate rewards systems.
- Promoted language acquisition in young learners with engaging storytelling, songs, and word games.
- Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
- Enhanced children''s emotional development through empathetic communication and active listening techniques.
- Taught hand washing and proper use of utensils to promote good hygiene and etiquette habits.
- Increased daycare students'' social skills by incorporating group activities and cooperative play into daily routines.
- Led small group instruction tailored to each child''s unique abilities and interests, ensuring personalized attention.
Education
John F. Kennedy High School
Sacramento, CA06-2007
Skills
- Employee engagement
- Verbal and written communication
- New hire on-boarding
- Coaching and mentoring
- Customized training
- Schedule management
- Training facilitation
- Performance evaluation
- Human Resources
- Stakeholder management
- Staffing and workflow planning
- Effective communication skills
- Verbal/ written communication
- Data entry
- Interviewing
- Appointment scheduling
- Record keeping
- Knowledgeable in EWMS, TIERS, State Portal, SAVE, SOLQ, BVS
- Knowledgeable in local state and federal regulations and policies, included but not limited to state Legislative guidelines
- Proficient processing of Medicaid, TANF, and SNAP applications and redeterminations
- Proficient use of fax machine, copier, printer, scanner, calculator, calendar, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Outlook
Accomplishments
Texas Works Path to Success Adult Cohort Graduate- April 2021
Timeline
Training & Development Specialist V
Texas Health and Human Service Commission
09.2024 - Current
Texas Works Advisor III
Texas Health and Human Service Commission
03.2023 - 09.2024
Texas Works Advisor II
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
05.2022 - 03.2023
Texas Works Advisor I
Texas Health and Human Service Commission
05.2021 - 05.2022
General Manager of Food Service
Tout Suite
01.2019 - 03.2020
Daycare Teacher
New Faith Church
07.2017 - 10.2018
John F. Kennedy High School