Irma P. Benitez
El Paso,Tx
Summary
Motivated professional offering Graduate Degree in Human Services Administration. Adds value to any organization in need of great collaboration, interpersonal and multitasking abilities. Meets tight deadlines. Multilingual and fluent in English and Spanish, offering solid comprehension of cultural diversity.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Bilingual Claims Specialist
Social Security Administration, SSA
El Paso, TX
08.2017 - Current
- Assist in the interpretation from Spanish to English where language barriers are present.
- Conduct interviews with the public to obtain, clarify, and verify information about initial and continuing eligibility for retirement, survivors, disability, health insurance benefits, and eligibility for supplemental security income including State supplements.
- Resolve discrepancies, clarify issues and make final decisions for initial and post-entitlement for benefits and payments; adjudicate and authorize entitlement or disallowance actions at all levels of difficulty and complexity under programs administered by SSA.
- Research and review information to determine validity of insurance claims and contacted companies and customers about decisions.
- Communicate with other departments to establish action plans and manage open claims to closure.
- Plan and conduct investigations of claims to confirm coverage and compensability.
- Research coverage and premium options and supplied clients with best coverage available for individual needs.
- Act as intermediary between insurance companies and customers by researching and assessing information to determine claim validity.
- Maintain knowledge of policies and procedures and insurance coverage benefit levels, eligibility systems and verification processes.
- Mentor and train new hire employees in resolving complex liability disputes and policy analysis.
Field Program Specialist
Department of Health and Human Services (ACF/ORR)
Fort Bliss, Tx
04.2021 - 08.2021
- Assisted in the interpretation from Spanish to English where language barriers are present between Unaccompanied Migrant Children and staff.
- Maintained line of sight and supervision of minors at all times.
- Assessed the physical and psychological needs of minors as part of Mental Health Unit.
- Served as mental health discharge transition lead building partnerships with all involved federal agencies and contracting personnel during the minor’s reunification and transfer process.
- Effectively collected and provided ORR information concerning minor’s sponsor information for expedited discharge proceedings.
- Developed and managed travel itineraries for business trips, ensuring all necessary arrangements were made in advance.
- Researched hotels and airfare options to best meet safety needs and cost effectiveness.
- Verified all travel and lodging movements with ORR for final submission of reunification between Unaccompanied Minor and sponsor.
- Conducted clinical assessments to identify possible human trafficking, violation of labor law against minor and proper placement based on vulnerable category of minor.
- Assisted in the implementation of various automated systems utilized for tracking and evaluating proper care of minors while in ORR care.
- Improved program operations by incorporating feedback from employees, managers and consumers.
- Scheduled and developed program activities in accordance with program needs.
- Prepared reports and financial statements regarding program operations.
- Facilitated program development and launch via strategic resources allocation.
Federal Police Officer
Depart of Veterans Affairs
Decatur, United States
12.2015 - 08.2017
- Assist in the interpretation from Spanish to English where language barriers are present.
- Conduct routine foot and/or vehicle patrols of one of most complicated VA Medical Center in the United States reporting any structure vulnerabilities found.
- Check the integrity of all locks, building entrances, fire exits, technical equipment to include all alarm sensors and intrusion alarms, reporting any discrepancies via work order requests.
- While on foot patrol check all call boxes and perimeter lighting throughout all parking areas.
- Thoroughly check all Medication Rooms and IRAM Storage Rooms for any intrusion alerts.
- Question individuals at the scene of a crime; informing individuals about their rights as suspects.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external entities, to include local, regional, and headquarters personnel, as well as a variety of external private and public-sector entities including law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
- Process crime scene; conduct complex investigations into criminal matters to include; seize evidence and interview witnesses and victims involved in various criminal and non-criminal cases.
- Assist in the preparation of analysis designed to enhance local and regional policies and procedures relative to the detection and pursuit of fraud and the identification of persons who potentially pose a threat to national security and public safety.
- Monitor CCTV and all alarm systems such as Lynx Panic Alarms and WINSAMM for proper operation and coordinate with respective services to ensure systems are incompliance with VA Handbook 0730. Work with employees and Physical Security Team to match up employee with present Room number and EE Number of PC assigned for accurate response in time of distress.
- Utilize various law enforcement databases such as GCIC and NCIC to develop leads and corroborate information.
- Collaborate with Training Department to train and prepare newly hired Officers for LETC Training Academy.
- As a Traffic Officer, issued over 600 citations for all violations of 38 CFR 1.218 throughout all campus.
- Conduct preliminary investigations at a crime scene; pursuing and apprehending persons fleeing from a crime scene. Subdue unruly individuals; and prepare written reports involving criminal and/or civil offenses.
- Provided detailed reports on all investigative activities.
- Testify in court proceedings. Conducted interviews and utilize assessment tools learned in Crisis Intervention Team training to assess emotional and/or psychological conditions
- Help in the implementation of suicide/mental health crisis prevention strategies when responding to a Behavioral Health Crisis.
- Conduct Health and Wellness Checks in collaboration with VA Crisis Hotline Program in efforts to identify appropriate services for patients in crisis.
- Provide technical management of the credentials review and privileging program for all reserve healthcare practitioners.
- As part of personal identification training, receive, review, initiate actions, and provide guidance on completion of providers' applications for computer and location access and staff appointments to ensure appropriate scope of practice is being requested.
- Prepared legal documentation for court action.
- Completed weekly and monthly reports summarizing activities.
- Recommended policies, procedures and strategic goals to meet agency requirements.
Felony Probation Officer
Department Of Community Supervision
Atlanta, GA
10.2013 - 12.2015
- Establish outreach suggestions and resources between offenders and community for re-building and establishing new habits and life changes.
- Assisted in building individual capacity of the offender to be a productive \member of his/her family and community.
- Linked offenders to program services necessary for successful transition and reentry into the community. Increase the community and correctional capacity to address the offender’s needs and identify community resources to match assessed needs.
- Promoted public safety through collaborative partnerships that support offender’s transition to the community
- Developed, coordinated, conducted and evaluated workshops, seminars, etc., for offenders and their families in efforts of finding adequate employment and housing.
- Assisted mentally ill probationers and their families with issues regarding the mental health referrals, possible benefits available, and support groups.
- Interpreted and applied appropriate policy, regulations, statutes, and precedent decisions to make various program eligibility determinations.
- Managed various aspects of maintenance of records and documents, preparations of accurate and timely reports/correspondence, and provision of proper advice and counsel to support the needs of the court.
- Responsible for policy development, assessment of staff education needs, and the planning, implementation of Crisis Response techniques.
- Coordinated and promote a comprehensive program of employee education with the goal of enhancing competence of the organization.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of unit training plans and schedules.
- Worked with Homeland Security Officers and other federal agencies in the establish and maintain liaison with external federal agencies and non-governmental organizations, and/or private sector stakeholders involved in asylum and other benefits.
- Trained offenders using evidence-based practices in areas such as cognitive behavior and risk/needs principles.
- Monitored offenders' activities regarding fulfillment of court ordered requirements.
- Answered phone calls concerning clients, handled complaints and responded to requests for information.
- Administered regular drug and alcohol tests and completed DNA indexing for felony offenders.
- Referred offenders to appropriate community agencies to complete services in compliance with court orders.
- Maintained positive relationships with offenders and family members through weekly visits.
- Observed and recommended special community services opportunities to support offenders.
- Conducted investigation interviews and court processing for minors referred to juvenile court.
- Assisted offenders with adjusting to community life post-incarceration.
Mail Associate
Gwinnett County Justice Center
Lawrenceville, GA
11.2012 - 11.2013
- Sorted first class and standard mail that is collected from government institutions throughout Gwinnett County.
- Processed Gwinnett County mail with the highest degree of mail quality control.
- Implemented new ideas to work more efficiently while raising the standards of customer service.
- Typed correspondence and other administrative documents as required.
- Inspected times, dates, addresses and stamps of incoming and outgoing mail and checked for contraband.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Demonstrated self-reliance by meeting and exceeding workflow needs.
- Juggled multiple projects and tasks to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
City Mail Carrier
United Stated Postal Service
Hampton, VA
12.2010 - 08.2012
- Delivered mail along prescribed route and retrieved additional mail from relay boxes.
- Handled undeliverable mail in accordance with established procedures.
- Observed road rules, weather and road conditions and other factors to maintain safe driving record.
- Obtained receipts for registered and certain insured mail.
- Furnished customers with postal information and provided change of address information and other related postal forms.
- Maintained professional and effective public relations with customers and community members.
- Delivered and collects mail on foot or by vehicle under varying road and weather conditions.
- Acquired customer signature for registered and insured mail.
- Collected customs charges, postage due and C.O.D. payments.
- Delivered various types of mail on routes according to strict timelines.
- Cleaned and checked over vehicle after completion of daily deliveries.
- Researched road conditions for assigned route to identify road construction and potential delays.
- Collected mail from distribution and prepared in sequence for efficient delivery.
Aviation Support Equipment Technician
US Navy
Norfolk, VA
10.2001 - 01.2010
- Supervised over 30 technicians in performing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on over 1,305 items of Hydraulic equipment.
- Provided limited technical assistance to employees/managers concerning preparation of performance standards.
- Ensured accuracy and timeliness of information, spelling, grammar construction, and punctuation of all subordinates.
- Flawlessly executed the verification process of over 1,000 parts and materials assigned for use on tended units throughout the Fleet
- As a corrosion prevention supervisor, maintained Industrial Hygiene Survey and MSDS training up to date ensuring safety of personnel and equipment
- Skillfully supervised 30 technicians on the safe and expeditious hydraulic and structure repair on 1,305 items supporting high-tempo flight operations.
- Maintained records of all business trips taken by employees including flight times, hotel accommodations, rental cars.
- Ensured compliance with company travel policies and regulations.
- Processed payments for all related travel expenses.
- Provided timely updates on any changes in schedule or budget constraints during a trip.
- Provided day to day leadership management of Civil Rights, Equal Employments Opportunity functions to assure equal treatment throughout the command and workplace.
- Trained over 30 technicians on current and forth-coming EEO policies and procedures.
- Implemented suicide/mental health crisis prevention strategies while serving as mentorship coordinator on board USS Harry S Truman.
- While serving as mentorship coordinator, assisted shipmates and their family/friend/significant other with issues regarding the Veterans' mental health issues, referrals, benefits, support groups once discharged of active duty.
- While on deployment to foreign territory/seas, rescued individuals who fell into dangerous conditions in attempts of traversing our borders.
- While part of Security Survey Team completed and verified Physical Security Surveys to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities to Nuclear Carrier. Collaborate with Security Operations Unit to update and correct any discrepancies noted.
- While on gate duty at Norfolk Naval Station; screened passengers, vehicles, and shipments entering Nuclear Carrier Area.
- Helped in efforts of seizure of illegal narcotics, vehicles and agricultural products.
- Managed and over sought the installation, maintenance, repair, upgrading, storage, inventory and acquisition of company alarms and related equipment including burglary & fire alarm equipment, surveillance cameras, lighting and digital video recorders.
- Provided incident statistical reporting, loss data and other applicable reports to the Manager of Physical Security upon request and on a monthly basis.
- As EEO Liaison, conducted informal negotiations with complainant and members to attempt to resolve all complaints.
- Provide support while attached to Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center ensuring military and civilian time was properly inputted into database for accurate pay and deductions. Also assisting in the management of various types of new financial programs.
- Maintained and repaired gas turbine compressor units.
- Troubleshot and repaired both gasoline and diesel engine systems.
- Planned, organized and executed daily maintenance tasks.
- Updated maintenance and repair logs according to services performed and submitted reports to supervisors for review.
- Oversaw inventory usage and executed replenishment duties when needed.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Demonstrated self-reliance by meeting and exceeding workflow needs.
Education
Master’s Degree - Science of Human Services
Saint Leo University
Skills
- Native Spanish Speaker
- Accident Investigations
- Documentation Review
- Eligibility Determination
- Policy Modifications and Updates
- Problem-Solving
- Customer Service
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Data Entry
- Client Interviews
- Regulatory Compliance Adherence
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Client Needs Assessments
- Case Management
- Issue Reporting
- Report Preparation
- Project Coordination
- Safety and Risk Assessments
- Behavior Support
- Community Outreach Programs
Timeline
Field Program Specialist
Department of Health and Human Services (ACF/ORR)
04.2021 - 08.2021
Bilingual Claims Specialist
Social Security Administration, SSA
08.2017 - Current
Federal Police Officer
Depart of Veterans Affairs
12.2015 - 08.2017
Felony Probation Officer
Department Of Community Supervision
10.2013 - 12.2015
Mail Associate
Gwinnett County Justice Center
11.2012 - 11.2013
City Mail Carrier
United Stated Postal Service
12.2010 - 08.2012
Aviation Support Equipment Technician
US Navy
10.2001 - 01.2010
Master’s Degree - Science of Human Services
Saint Leo University
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