Ida Ward
New Llano,LA
Summary
Diligent and motivated professional with a proven record of building relationships and working with all ranks of the military. Adaptable and transformational leader with an ability to work independently, creating effective presentations, and developing opportunities that further establish organizational goals. Skilled in education and employment obstacles through targeted counseling and suggested alternate career paths in accordance with client's unmet needs. Compassionate Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor with background in assisting students and professionals in achieving academic and career goals. Skilled in developing personalized counseling strategies that address individual needs, strengths, and challenges. Effective communicator capable of fostering positive relationships with diverse individuals to encourage personal growth and career development. Made impactful contributions by implementing innovative guidance programs that increased student engagement and success rates.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Liaison Officer (LNO)
Inverness Technologies, INC
Fort Knox, KY
09.2020 - Current
- Consolidate, analyze, query, and report information provided by TAP IMCOM tactical office, TAP counselors, Department of VA, DOL, and other TAP transition stakeholders regarding program operations and training opportunities
- Prepare post command level briefings-based analysis of gathered data (monthly) and upload/monitor data in the IMCOM knowledge management portals
- Step into leadership role when the CIM is out-of-office with assisting TSM, administrative and staff support by answering questions regarding clients and visitors and preparing and submitting CIM monthly reports
- Coordinate with TSM with public affairs and marketing effort between the Transition locations, VA, the DOL, and other stakeholders for upcoming job fairs, employment summits and virtual employment events
- Provide analysis of data captured at job fairs, employment summits, virtual hiring events, and career days to provide feedback about numbers of employers, participants, persons interviewed, persons given firm offers of employment, and persons hired
- Monitor execution and implementation of questionnaires disseminated at the beginning, conclusion (exit) and post (follow-up) of transition services with the TAP clients to determine satisfaction with transition services, goal attainment (outcome) in accordance with the following four tracks (Education, Technical Training, Employment and Entrepreneurship)
- Collect, gather, analyze, and report the effectiveness and timeliness of VOW/CRS mandates to the TSM for distribution at the post level
- Submit Commanders reports
- Review work performed in TAPXXI to track progress of clients in meeting VOW/CRS mandates
- Other duties: complete all mandatory Government training; safeguard PII; file records according to ARIMS; upload information into iPERMS (after training received from Govt); participate in sustainment training events as offered
- Coordinated with various departments to ensure successful communication between the organization and external stakeholders.
- Facilitated meetings between internal staff, clients and other external contacts to discuss project requirements and outcomes.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders in order to ensure that their needs were met in a timely manner.
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Career Counselor
Inverness Technologies, INC
Fort Knox, KY
09.2020 - Current
- Instruct 20 client per TAP classes weekly
- Assist clients as needed in preparing Individual Transition Plans (ITPs), and monitor progress by notifying/encouraging completion of products (resume, gap analysis, etc.)
- Provide Initial Transition Counseling
- Ensure all separating military personnel complete a form DD-2648/DD-2648-1 for Reserve Component, Pre-separation Counseling Checklist; and complete a Capstone event to receive DD-2958 and meet VOW/CRS requirements for Career Readiness
- Refer separating personnel to both on-post and off-post service providers
- Conduct and/or offer additive workshops that increase knowledge on skills learned during the Department of Labor Employment workshop via JKO and Virtual means
- Provide instruction to clients on automated tools to include: TAPXXI and resume writer
- Assist clients in translating their military skills and training into language that will be clearly understood and appreciated by private sector employers
- Facilitate the client's transition from the military environment to the civilian environment
- Assist CIM with delivering Commanders reports and notifying clients of eligibility to begin services while also notifying clients of missed requirements for VOW/CRS
- Other duties: complete all mandatory Government training; safeguard PII; file records according to ARIMS; upload information into iPERMS (after training received from Govt); participate in sustainment training events as offered
- Participate in marketing activities and employment events as directed by the CIM
- Provided comprehensive career counseling services to individuals of all ages and levels of experience.
- Assessed clients' skills, interests, abilities, values, and personality type in order to develop an effective job search strategy.
- Developed individualized action plans for clients seeking employment or transitioning into new careers.
Customer Service Desk/Self-Checkout Host
Walmart Supercenter
Leesville, LA
12.2019 - 09.2020
- Provided friendly customer relations while providing assistance to patrons requesting information on services, programs, and general information
- Answer questions and assist with issues that arise
- Greeted customers and provided assistance with the self-checkout process.
- Assisted customers in scanning items and entering payment information.
- Verified customer IDs for alcohol, tobacco, or age restricted purchases.
Bookkeeper & Billing Clerk
Pro-Temp Staffing Solutions, Inc.
Leesville, LA
07.2019 - 08.2019
- Operated a multi-line phone system
- Responded to email inquiries from potential customers
- Greeted customers and vendors
- Compiled data, computed fees, and charges
- Prepared invoices for billing purposes, computed costs & calculated rates for goods and services, and shipment of goods
- Posted data and other relevant data, and records
- Utilized computer, typewriter, calculator, and adding machine
- Maintained and reconciled general ledger accounts.
- Prepared financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and statement of cash flows.
- Processed accounts payable and receivable transactions.
Unemployment Insurance
LA Works
Deridder, LA
12.2018 - 06.2019
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
ACES Transition Education Counselor
Cybermedia Technologies, Inc
Reston, VA
11.2017 - 11.2018
- Assisted soldiers in establishing academic/vocational goals and counsel them on the use of tuition assistance funds
- Advised soldiers on a variety of non-traditional education programs (experiential learning, external degrees, credentialing programs, credit for military experience and training)
- Interviewed clients to understand past education and training to develop an education plan
- Prepared and conducts education briefings to various groups
- Engaged in marketing by preparing newspaper articles, brochures, and handouts
- Participated in public speaking forums
- Maintained high levels of confidentiality
- Developed and implemented a guidance curriculum to support students' academic, career, and social-emotional development.
- Assisted students in developing postsecondary education plans by providing information on college admissions requirements, financial aid options, and scholarship opportunities.
- Collaborated with faculty members to identify at-risk students and develop appropriate interventions.
Optician
Wal-Mart Vision Center
Leesville, LA
06.2013 - 08.2014
- Measured, fit, and adapted lenses and frames for patients according to their written optical prescription
- Taught proper insertion removal classes to new patients with contact lenses, and provided tips on proper care and use
- Comprehensive knowledge of operating all mechanical equipment, such as: auto refraction, pupillary distance and fitting height, binocular and monocular pupillary distances
- Contacted patient's private insurances for verification
- Excellent knowledge of basic accounting principles and procedures
- Followed the HIPAA privacy rules and disposal procedures
- Assisted customers with selecting frames and lenses that best suited their needs.
- Provided information on lens types, frame styles and materials, lens coatings, and accessories.
- Performed basic vision screenings to determine patient's prescription needs.
Education
Master of Science - Human Resources Administration
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI12.2004
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, IA08.1999
Skills
- Leadership
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Decision Making
- Problem Solving
Psychology Practicum Student, Vernon Community Action Council (VCAC), 10/98-01/99-Deanna Brannon (337) 404-7710
- 12-week student practicum with Upper Iowa University
- Non-Profit organization that administers federal and state funded programs to help low-income individuals and families
- Assisted staff with client applications for electric and gas utility assistance
- Assisted staff with unloading, sorting and distributing food to individuals, families and seniors
- Provided assistance with domestic counselors with one on one intake interviews in providing legal advocacy to domestic violence victims
Timeline
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Liaison Officer (LNO)
Inverness Technologies, INC
09.2020 - Current
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Career Counselor
Inverness Technologies, INC
09.2020 - Current
Customer Service Desk/Self-Checkout Host
Walmart Supercenter
12.2019 - 09.2020
Bookkeeper & Billing Clerk
Pro-Temp Staffing Solutions, Inc.
07.2019 - 08.2019
Unemployment Insurance
LA Works
12.2018 - 06.2019
ACES Transition Education Counselor
Cybermedia Technologies, Inc
11.2017 - 11.2018
Optician
Wal-Mart Vision Center
06.2013 - 08.2014
Master of Science - Human Resources Administration
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Upper Iowa University
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