HEATHER STAPLES
Bangor,ME
Summary
Accomplished Eligibility Specialist with a proven track record in the Department of Health and Human Services. Recognized for meticulous attention to detail and a robust work ethic. Expertise in fostering positive relationships and adept in using software tools including ACES, Siebel, DocuWare, and Microsoft Excel. Dedicated to ongoing professional growth and development in the Office for Family Independence.
Overview
1
1
Certification
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Eligibility Specialist
Department of Health and Human Services/State of M
Bangor, Maine
07.2021 - Current
- Conducted detailed interviews with applicants to accurately evaluate their eligibility for assistance programs.
- Processed applications, renewals, and client changes to assess eligibility and ensure clients received appropriate benefits.
- Reviewed documentation for completeness and accuracy, facilitating timely processing of submissions.
- Attended regular training sessions to stay up-to-date on new rules and regulations.
- Maintained positive working relationships within the department. Mentored PCG staff during their LAW sessions and mentored fellow co-workers.
- Contacted client references and employers to determine the legitimacy of applicant information.
- Provided guidance on program benefits and reporting responsibilities to clients.
- Maintained accurate detailed case notes and records.
Customer Representative Associate II
Department of Health and Human Services
Bangor, Maine
07.2019 - 07.2021
- Built and maintained positive interactions with clients and providers by resolving issues and responding promptly to inquiries via phone and email.
- Supervised child and parent visitations to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
- Entered reports and communicated with caseworkers on child and parent visitations.
- Coordinated all District 6 administrative tasks, including creating Key clinic referrals, obtaining Maine care claims, making 10-day medical appointment calls, and managing documentation for children in DHHS custody.
- Completing witness subpoena requests for entire department, coordinating with AAG's office and providers to efficiently serve subpoenas.
- Entering court orders into Macwis and court notification letters.
- Entering purchase orders for BAT bus passes and submitting Transportation invoices.
- Arranging paternity testing with LabCorp and gathering the results for caseworkers.
- Notarized documents for staff, ensuring legal compliance and authenticity.
Office Assistant II
DHHS
Bangor, Maine
09.2018 - 07.2019
- Directing phone calls, sorting case documentation, processing mail, and faxing/scanning.
- Processing invoices for Fortis.
- Processing court orders and sending out court notification letters.
- Notarized legal documents for staff, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
- Transcribing client interviews.
Volunteer
DHHS
Bangor , Maine
07.2018 - 09.2018
- Organized medical, educational, legal, and other vital materials into corresponding case files for improved case management.
- Assembled Fedcap/Aspire folders, sorted mail, and organized intake counts to streamline administrative processes.
- Scanned and copied documents for accurate record-keeping.
- Purged and prepared files for digitalization to ensure efficient access to information.
Work Experience Program Point of Contact
Fedcap
Brewer, ME
04.2018 - 07.2018
- Assisted participants with employment and housing applications and provided essential information on needed programs.
- Coordinated appointment reminders and facilitated donations of interview attire with local nonprofits to support participants' job readiness.
- Motivated and built confidence in fellow participants to aid them in the direction of their individual employment goals.
- Delegated tasks to participants while documenting case notes and attendance to ensure accurate tracking of progress.
Education
GED -
Old Town Adult Education Center
Old Town, ME2018
Bangor High School
Bangor, MESkills
- Eligibility assessment
- Knowledge of OFI support services, processes , policy and procedures
- TANF,SNAP and Maine Care trained
- Meticulous documentation, record organization and data entry
- Knowledge of OFI support services, processes , policy and procedures
- Strong strategic problem solving and conflict resolution
- Effective communication
- Mentorship skills
Certification
- Power of Possible Workshop (Fedcap)
- HIPAA certified through Fedcap and DHHS
- Maine Care Trained
- SNAP Trained
- TANF Trained
References
Jonathan Savinelli: Chief Operating Officer/DHHS Jonathan.Savinelli@maine.gov
Warren Brown: OFI Unit Supervisor 207-561-4349 Warren.Brown@maine.gov
Brittany Longo: OFI Unit Supervisor 207-561-4334 Brittany.Longo@maine.gov
Julie Dewitt: Permanency Supervisor/OCFS, 207-561-4207 Julie.DeWitt@maine.gov
Lucretia Shaw: Permanency Supervisor/OCFS, 207-561-4216 Lucretia.M.Shaw@maine.gov
Timeline
Eligibility Specialist
Department of Health and Human Services/State of M
07.2021 - Current
Customer Representative Associate II
Department of Health and Human Services
07.2019 - 07.2021
Office Assistant II
DHHS
09.2018 - 07.2019
Volunteer
DHHS
07.2018 - 09.2018
Work Experience Program Point of Contact
Fedcap
04.2018 - 07.2018
Bangor High School
GED -
Old Town Adult Education Center