Dynamic Health Benefits Advisor with a proven track record at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, specializing in VA software and effective client communication. Enhanced enrollment processes and overall veteran satisfaction through strong organizational and analytical skills. Achieved notable improvements in patient service delivery while maintaining a professional demeanor and active listening skills. Committed to further advancing Veteran support services.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Health Benefits Advisor/Program Support Assistant – Enrollment/Eligibilities
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital (JAHVH)
04.2019 - Current
Successfully enrolls and registers a significant number of Veterans into the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Enrollment System (ES) systems
Efficiently processes and issues Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHICs) to Veterans
Streamlines the enrollment process to improve patient satisfaction and reduce wait times
Effectively communicates complex healthcare information to Veterans in a clear and concise manner
Actively engages with Veterans to understand their healthcare needs and connect them with appropriate services
Provides comprehensive guidance to Veterans on VHA benefits and eligibilities, including Toxic Exposure Risk Activity (TERA) Cohort factors as reasonably prudent in protecting the health of Veterans
Successfully schedules timely initial appointments for primary care physicians (PCPs), Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACTs), and dental services
Utilizes scheduling software to optimize appointment availability and minimize wait times
Proactively addresses scheduling conflicts and re-schedules appointments as needed
Program Support Assistant - Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST)
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital (JAHVH)
01.2023 - 10.2024
Provides exceptional customer service to Veterans and their families, including legally blind and low vision individuals, by actively connecting, expressing appreciation, addressing concerns, and empowering them
Serves as the primary, direct scheduler for the VIST Clinics’ Veterans for their initial and annual reviews for their enrollment in the facility’s VIST program using Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) Scheduling Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Serves as the primary, direct scheduler for the Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) Clinic visits for the facility’s BROS using VistA Scheduling GUI
Serves as the primary, direct scheduler for the Low Vision Clinics, efficiently scheduling Veterans' appointments using VistA scheduling options
Collaborates with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and VIST coordinators to ensure optimal scheduling for Veterans' individual needs
Edits, publishes, and maintains VIST program forms and applications, including resource guides, newsletters, HISA grant applications, and instructions
Works collaboratively with eye care professionals to guarantee Veterans receive the highest quality of care, tailored to their unique requirements
Organizes and prioritizes daily tasks to maximize efficiency in administrative duties
Provides administrative support to Facility Management Services, facilitating office assignments, moves, and ensuring employee needs are met
Screens and triages phone calls and visitors, offering administrative assistance it is required
Maintains and coordinates schedules for VIST coordinators, blind rehabilitation specialists, low vision optometrist, and low vision therapist
Upholds accurate inventory control of clinic supplies
Program Support Assistant - Psychology
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital (JAHVH)
09.2019 - 01.2023
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Streamlined new employee onboarding for MH&BSS alongside hiring managers, reducing processing time for their employment
Managed pre-employment packets and ensured their accuracy for new hires
Facilitated employee PIV credential acquisition by collaborating with security
Provided comprehensive onboarding and offboarding support, from orientation to advising on clearance procedures
Efficiently managed CPRS assignments and re-assignments for MHTCs through PCMM
Developed and maintained a comprehensive directory and call list for the Psychology section (80+ employees)
Documented key decisions and action items from bi-monthly Psychology staff meetings
Supported the creation and delivery of vital administrative training sessions (e.g., Records Management policy overview)
Served as the primary point of contact for new employees, facilitating integration with various hospital departments
Collaborated with Facility Management Services to optimize office space utilization, relocations, and employee needs fulfillment
Improved key access turnaround time from months to within 1 week for MH&BSS employees across 9 locations through collaboration with the Locksmith Service
Served as the MH&BSS Records Liaison Officer, responsible for collecting, indexing, and securing Protected Health Information (PHI), fiscal records, and administrative data
This was reflected by the Behavioral Health score receiving only one deficiency Joint Commission survey in August 2022
Effectively resolved interdepartmental issues, collaborating with supervisors and Fiscal personnel to address timecard concerns and interpret time and leave policies
Efficiently processed employee timecards in VATAS for 6 Psychology sections, including covering for teammates during absences
Established and maintained project databases, such as the continuously updated telework tracker
Led and participated in various MH&BSS performance improvement initiatives, including the successful sorting, cataloguing, and archiving of 7 years of neuropsychology records to a NARA-approved facility
Contributed to the development and maintenance of an electronic personnel folder repository, ensuring secure storage, and tracking of competency documents for 300 employees
Assisted Section and Service Chiefs in managing electronic personnel folders
Drafted and edited internal communications within the Psychology section
Maintained the waiting room schedule for the Mental Health Outpatient Clinic during COVID-19 restrictions, ensuring efficient patient flow with limited capacity
Served as the MH&BSS Records Liaison Officer (RLO) to collect, index, and store of Protected Health Information (PHI), fiscal records, and other administrative data
Supported the planning and execution of various program activities, such as the monthly Dementia Board
Health Technician – Patient Transportation
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital (JAHVH)
04.2019 - 10.2019
Enhanced Veteran Experience: Built trusting relationships with veterans, ensuring their satisfaction with care at JAHVH
Promoted patient self-empowerment through healthy habits and listened to and addressed their concerns
Provided clear information and options to address patient needs, fostering trust and positive interactions
Adhered to strict safety and infection control protocols, ensuring a sterile environment and reporting equipment hazards
Effectively prioritized work requests to ensure critical tasks were completed efficiently
Maintained accurate logs of transport and carrier activities
Closely monitored patient status and conditions, reporting changes to medical staff promptly
Demonstrated initiative by co-founding the team to assist veterans at JAHVH
Safely assisted veterans with transportation and facility navigation
Education
Master of Healthcare Admin - Healthcare Administration
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL, United States
12-2026
Bachelor of Applied Science - Management & Supervision - Health Care Management
Northwest Florida State College
Niceville, FL, United States
05.2017
Associate of Arts -
Northwest Florida State College
Niceville, FL, United States
08.2011
Skills
Professional Demeanor
Experienced in Software Utilization
Engaged Listening Skills
Strong Organizational Time Skills
Analytical Problem-Solving
Organized Record Management
Appointment Management
Client Communication Skills
Languages
English - Native/Advanced
Spanish - Intermediate
Brazilian Portuguese - Novice
Jobrelatedtraining
08/28/24, VISN 8 Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certified: Empowerment of Young Veterans Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital
Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) Registered Dietitian at James A. Haley Veterans’ HospitalHome-Based Primary Care (HBPC) Registered Dietitian at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital