Background in City of Austin Human Resources, Health and Human Services, State of Texas Human Resources, State, safety, administrative operations and Ombudsman affairs for an Executive Level Office.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Specialist
City of Austin
03.2022 - Current
Currently work with all levels of Management, answer human resources related questions via email, Teams or by phone, providing customer service support to staff on various issues and questions related to benefits, payroll, human resources, Human Resources files, and open enrollment/benefits questions
Draft letters, memos, emails and other correspondence to staff as appropriate
Contact and assist new hires with the onboarding process, which includes administering new hire paperwork, registration for City New Employee Orientation (LMS Training site), obtaining I-9 documentation for work eligibility using E-Verify, and ID badging info, etc
Enter new and current employee information into Banner (HRIS) as well as, promotions, demotions, status changes, salary adjustments, salary bonuses, Supervisor changes, and separations (retirements/resignations, terminations)
Create New Hire Folders and maintain staff HR files
Assist with posting jobs on the e-career site, as well as other create and post jobs on numerous external job sites
Prepare the setup and scheduling of job interviews as needed
Travel via city vehicle to various city departments to pick up and/or drop off HR files as needed
Coordinate with CTM and schedule new hires for their computer equipment
Forward appropriate copies of HR related paperwork to City HRD for filing
Create spreadsheets as needed using Excel or Word
Assist the HR Manager with maintaining the department’s floor and seating plan, updating employee nameplates for new hires and as changes or moves occur
Help with setting up for DSD Department NEO and for HR and Records Division Team meetings
Also maintain and update the DSD Employee Listing on SharePoint when employee changes occur such as resignations, terminations, transfers, status changes, etc
Assist Employee Relations Representative with electronic filings of DSD staff SSPRs as needed
All work is performed using Banner, Excel, Word, Visio, Teams, SharePoint.
Retired Status
07.2019 - 03.2022
Staff Services Officer IV
Texas, State Health Services
01.2018 - 07.2019
Performed a variety of complex administrative activities planning, directing, and coordinating several staff services functions such as human resources, accounting, budgeting, purchasing, information technology, training, and property management
Represented the FMU in communicating with state and local authorities and in coordinating administrative matters with other areas of the DSHS
Assisted in the preparation of original correspondence, memoranda, and reports using word processing and spreadsheet software applications for management's approval
Work included coordinating and assisting with the development of short- and long-term strategic plans, completing unit assignments, implementing policy and procedures, addressing personnel issues, coordinating and maximizing resources for efficient business operations, responding to internal and external inquiries, and participating in special projects
Identified issues and risks and made recommendations for changes within the Unit
Coordinated Unit activities related to the legislature and legislative session
Assignments were performed in accordance with DSHS/Division policies with considerable latitude for exercising initiative and independent judgment.
Staff Services Officer IV
Texas Department of State Health Services
01.2017 - 01.2018
Provided administrative/technical assistance and information to the Director of the CMS-CHI/LIDS Contract Unit, on budgets, the biennial operating plan, legislative appropriation requests, capital budget, personnel management, FMLA procedures as well as assist with processing personnel actions and job audits (HR29s, HR0113s, etc.) as needed or requested, and federal/state and local laws and legislation as they relate to public administration policies and procedures
Setup and schedule meetings on behalf of Unit/Director
Work with Managers and supervisors to plan, track, coordinate and/or prepare data or information to process administrative assignments, reports, special requests and legislative cost estimates from the Division for Disease Control Prevention, now Program Operations as of 9/1/2017, DSHS Senior Management, and other state agencies
Recommends and implements changes to existing policies, methods, and procedures to meet legislative changes and new operational needs
Provides technical support in the development of budgets and monitors budgets for the Unit
Purchase supplies for the unit utilizing the Agency's purchase process/systems
Coordinates budgeting of funds and positions with the Financial Management Division as required
Requests budget revisions and reviews vouchers for payment
Reviews contract payments
Assists with preparing budget reports based on an analysis of available financial information resources, both federal and state funding
Maintains and updates the Unit’s orientation and administrative manuals
Oriented and mentored new administrative staff as needed
Assist with the posting, interviewing and selection process as needed
Coordinate posting and hiring of positions within the Unit
Provided assistance/guidance to the Director and managers regarding screening, interviewing, hiring, promotions, merit increases, disciplinary actions, demotions, and transfer of employees
Serve as a contact person for human resource issues for the Unit
Tracked Unit's reporting of Open Records requests and provides guidance on record retention policies
Develops out of state travel plan for the Unit and communicates with the Section office on the plan
Coordinate with the Division IT liaison on computer deployments and any relevant systems upgrades
Inform and coordinate archival policies and procedures for the Section
Serve as the Unit Safety Officer and back up emergency floor coordinator
Participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
Staff Services Officer IV
Texas Department of State Health Services, Community Health Services
05.2013 - 12.2016
Provided technical assistance and information to the Director and Section Managers on budgets, the biennial operating plan, legislative appropriation requests, capital budget, personnel management, and federal/state and local laws and legislation as they relate to public administration policies and procedures
Work with Section managers and supervisors to plan, track, coordinate and/or prepare data or information to process administrative assignments, reports, special requests such as HEART and Legislative requests from the Division for Family and Community Health Services, DSHS Senior Management, and other state agencies
Recommends and implements changes to existing policies, methods, and procedures to meet legislative changes and new operational needs
Provides technical support in the development of budgets and monitors budgets for divisions and units the Section
Coordinated budgeting of funds and positions with the Financial Management Division as required
Requests budget revisions and reviews vouchers for payment
Reviews contract payments
Assists with preparing budget reports based on an analysis of available financial information resources, both federal and state funding
Provide direction and guidance to all administrative support staff in the Section on relevant DSHS policies and procedures, FMLA procedures as well as assist with processing personnel actions and job audits (HR29s, HR0113s, etc.) as needed or requested
Maintains and updates the Section’s orientation and administrative manuals
Convenes and leads monthly meetings with administrative staff to review policies and procedures and assess training needs of staff
Orients and mentored new administrative staff as needed
Provides support on major projects affecting administrative staff
Recommends training and other resources for Section administrative staff to Managers and the Director
Assist with the posting, interviewing and selection process
Coordinate posting and hiring of positions for the Units within the Section
Provided assistance/guidance to managers regarding screening, interviewing, hiring, promotions, merit increases, disciplinary actions, demotions, and transfer of employees
Serve as a contact person for human resource issues for the Section
Tracks Section reporting of open records requests and provided guidance on record retention policies
Develops out of state travel plan for the Section and communicates with the Division office on the plan
Coordinate with the Division IT liaison on computer deployments and any relevant systems upgrades
Inform and coordinate archival policies and procedures for the Section
Serve as the Section Safety Officer and back up emergency floor coordinator
Participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
Hiring Specialist
Texas Health and Human Services, Office of Social Services
04.2008 - 02.2010
Provide consultative services and HR assistance in the planning, strategic development and implementation of interview and selection process for OES
Recruit, post, hire and assess applicants' knowledge, skills and abilities for placement within OES
Provide input on OES HR guidelines and processes and interpret OES HR policies related to hiring
Also responsible for special projects from upper management as needed
At times, assign work to others within the OES Hiring Unit
Recruits and posts OES Outstation and Data Integrity job vacancies in AccessHR
Receives job vacancy requests via OES Posting e-Mail Box, reviews job vacancy requests to ensure accuracy of attributes, creates job vacancy announcements in AccessHR
Assists OES Executive staff, Regional Directors/Managers with screening applications, scheduling interviews, serving on interview panels and making hiring recommendations to the hiring authorities to accomplish the mission of OES
Works with Convergys and HHSC HR on program issues related to the hiring and on-boarding process
Provides consultative services and technical Human Resources assistance to Program Managers, Regional Directors, State Officers, and Executive Staff
Interprets Human Resources policies related to employment and compliance with state and federal policies and regulations
Prepares and provides monthly management reports, analyses, and correspondence to keep management abreast and responsive to hiring, recruitment, posting, turnover and retention
Develops, implements, and maintains OES Human Resources procedures, guidelines, processes and hiring standards
Reviews and provides recommendations on OES guidelines and standards regarding compensation plans, staffing and classification titles in order to provide consistency and pay equity
Provides other duties as assigned by management to include special projects, but not limited to career track management, reports, and position control
Work with and support each team members’ job responsibilities.
Administrative Assistant IV
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
10.2007 - 04.2008
Provided highly advanced complex administrative support and technical assistance to the Associate Commissioner for Consumer Support and Workforce Services which oversees the Office of the Ombudsman, HHS Human Resources, Civil Rights Office, and the Office of Community Collaboration
Provide support to the Staff Services Officer and division directors as needed and requested
Prepared, with limited supervision from the Associate Commissioner, correspondence, reports, and documents
On behalf of the Associate Commissioner, performed various duties on AccessHR human resources system, creating performance plans for direct reports, approving any leave requests as needed
Maintained calendar for the Associate Commissioner
Made travel arrangements for the Associate Commissioner and other staff, which includes reviewing all travel documentation for appropriate information, preparing and processing travel vouchers in accordance with Commission policy
Tracked travel vouchers to completion and monitors Expenditures
Prepared and compiled performance measure and complaint reports for submission to the Deputy Executive Commissioner and Executive Commissioner for HHSC
Scheduled meetings, conferences, and/or conference calls using Outlook email or other means as applicable, to include notification of all parties involved; assists in planning and preparing agendas and meeting materials; may take minutes and notes; prepares files in advance of meetings; tracks meetings tasks and follow-up lists; and if necessary, makes travel arrangements related to meetings
Developed documents and correspondence, electronic and hard copy communications using word processing, charts, graphs, and tables using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Visio, MS Project, HHSAS Purchasing System, and other computer software
Receives incoming mail
Identifies pending assignments and other issues to the Associate Commissioner and Staff Services Officer's attention to ensure that the deadlines are met
Tracked assignments, action items, hot issues, special projects, and required reports for the Associateship Office using Excel
Accurately distributed assignments to appropriate staff on same day of receipt
Maintain suspense dates and follows-up with staff on status of assignments
Informs the Associate Commissioner of past-due assignments
Answers Associateship telephone calls quickly and courteously, clearly identifying the office
Alerts Associate Commissioner of any sensitive inquiries, documents, telephone calls and messages clearly and completely
At times, makes inquiry calls on behalf of Associate Commissioner
Develops, coordinates, and maintains the filing system and retrieves information as required by the Texas State Library; and adheres to the principles of confidential information
Serves contact for Records Coordinator
Coordinated and develops Administrative procedures with all other Staff Services Officers and Administrative support staff within the Associateship on topics such as purchasing, mail handling, logging and processing, travel voucher preparation and timekeeping.
Administrative Assistant IV
HHSC Ombudsman Office
12.2004 - 09.2007
Provide complex level administrative support to the Associate Commissioner for the Office of the Ombudsman
Also provide backup assistance to the Ombudsman Executive Assistant in assigning legislative and commissioner office complaints and inquiries to complaint resolution specialists
Serve as the Administrative Assistant Team Lead for 7 support staff
Provide back up coverage to the Ombudsman Main customer service phone line, transferring calls to various units as appropriate
Setup meetings on Outlook, take and transcribe minutes from various meetings on a regular basis, arrange travel for the associate commissioner, order supplies through email and the HHSC Purchasing system, maintain central filing system, confidential files, schedules meetings and appointments on behalf of the Associate Commissioner
Assist Ombudsman Management Staff and other various staff as needed
Type and create various documents, memos, letters, charts, and graphs, etc
Using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Access
Use Outlook messaging
Research for information on the internet as needed
Monitor and ensure that assignments deadlines are met, maintain inventory for the entire Program by updating the HHSAS system
Order supplies via Procard, PRF or HHSAS process
Register staff for training as requested
Ensure that staff assignments are being completed
At the discretion of the Associate Commissioner, ensuring that AccessHR processes (Personnel, hiring, time and leave, performance measures, etc.) are current and up to date.
Administrative Assistant II
Texas Department of State Health Services, DSHS
03.2003 - 11.2004
Scheduled meetings and maintained calendar for the Assistant Commissioner and the Prevention and Preparedness Senior Management Team
Scheduled appointments as needed
Worked with Chief of Staff to plan and schedule meetings coordinating with other offices throughout DSHS, and rescheduled appointments as conflicts arise
Composed and produced routine letters, memos, tables, reports, spreadsheets, and slide presentations ensuring proper format
Developed, organized, updated and maintained record keeping and filing systems for Prevention and Preparedness
Inventoried and ordered office supplies to maintain a necessary stock using online ordering system
Assisted staff with copier, fax, printer jams, and malfunctions and assure paper trays and toner cartridges are replenished
Assisted the Chief of Staff on classifications audits and procedures
Created and maintained databases, spreadsheets, reports, graphs and org charts to track monthly and quarterly reports using Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio Org Chart Plus, MS Word, etc
Assisted with preparing, collecting, copying needed materials and arrangements for weekly meetings
Reviewed and edited all incoming documents including confidential correspondence
Assigned suspense items to appropriate Division and Section staff and respond, coordinate and submit within due dates
Identified, developed and revised administrative policy and procedures and standards as assigned by the Medical Research Specialist and the Chief of Staff
Monitored and coordinated activities required to keep current entries into the Comprehensive and Legislative Reporting (CLR) system
Provided routine reports from the CLR system to the Medical Research Specialist
Prepared and arranged travel for staff, which included airline, car rental and hotel reservations, preparation of various Travel forms, including computation and data entry on the DSHS Mainframe Accounting System
Maintained the administrative records, including personnel, correspondence, reports, and reference materials; answers the phones for P&P, and distributed incoming and outgoing mail
Assisted the Financial and IT ASC Directors in their daily activities and in developing procedures to support the operational functions
Provided administrative assistance to the Associate Commissioner, Staff Services Officer V (Chief of Staff), two ASC Directors, and other staff within P&P Central Office
Responsible for tracking documents submitted for approval by Associateship or higher authority, assuring proper format, completion and timely approval
Inventoried and ordered office supplies to maintain a necessary stock
Ensured all office equipment (fax machine, photocopier, LaserJet printer, etc.) is in good working condition by arranging promptly for repair
Tracked various assignments as needed for the Associateship Office.
Program
Administrative Assistant II
Texas Department of Health
11.1999 - 03.2003
Under general direction of the Staff Services Officer, performed administrative duties for the Adult Health Program, Comprehensive Cancer Planning Project, and the Prostate Cancer Education Program
Review and prepare on PC computer special and routine correspondence, charts, graphs, and tables while protecting confidentiality of classified files
Prepare travel request forms, make travel arrangements and perform travel reimbursement procedures to meet the needs of the staff and fulfill TDH requirements
Submit timesheets and leave slips for all of the Adult Health Program
Work also involves assisting in the preparation of conference/training presentations (including, but not limited to use of WP 9.0, MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, FoxPro, Outlook, Harvard Graphics software)
Also work as the program’s Records Retention Coordinator
Will travel approximately 25% to meeting sites to assist with taking and transcription of the minutes, assist presenters with travel documentation
Maintain the projects administrative records, including personnel, correspondence, reports and reference materials; answers the project’s toll-free line, and distributes incoming and outgoing mail; and prepares and formats grant applications to the CDC
Assists the Project Coordinator in developing administrative procedures to support the program’s operational functions
Work with the Projects’ staff and Coalition and workgroup members to plan and schedule meetings using the TDH bridge lines and conference scheduling resources
Assists staff and members with preparing and collecting needed materials and arrangements for meetings held across the state
Answers phones and assist with questions on Alzheimer’s, Prostate Cancer and Comprehensive Cancer, routing calls as appropriate
Order supplies for the department.
Human Resources Clerk IV
Texas Department of
10.1998 - 11.1999
Performed clerical tasks as a member of the Human Resources Team
Work involved PC operation for both data entry and word processing
Entry of job application information into the Human Resources Applicant Tracking System
Generated job information into the Human Resources Applicant Tracking System
Generated job applicant acknowledgement, interview, regret letters, and production reports
Typed correspondence, reports and prepared travel vouchers for other members of the team using Word Perfect 7.0
Backed up the phones for other clerical co-workers in the Bureau as needed, such as answering phones, taking messages, transferring calls, reception area, receiving applications at the front desk
Copied and scanned job postings
Entered employee address changes into the Human Resources System
Rotated Team Leader responsibilities on a monthly basis
As Team Leader, was responsible for overseeing time and leave for support section
Provided support to the Supervisor, Human Resources Specialists, Recruiters, and Processing Clerks as needed
Prepared correspondence, memos and reports, process travel requests, scans job descriptions, etc.
Word Processing Operator II
Texas Department of Health
06.1998 - 10.1998
Provided secretarial and administrative assistance to the staff of the Medical and Academic Licensing Program in the Bureau of Radiation Control; effected semi technical amendments of License documents, correspondence, memos and special projects using a word processor/computer in Word Perfect 5.1 & 6.1, and FoxPro Letter Writer software
Duties also included proofreading documents and correspondence and formatting and layout of licenses
Produced/prepared copies of final work, particularly licenses, in correct page layout for licenses using word processing software
Operated personal computer in the preparation of letters, reports, and license documents
Answered questions from callers, prepared and mailed information packets to licensees/general public on a routine basis
Maintained license files, made and distributed copies of licenses and correspondence and performed general and special office duties as directed
Maintained and updated the program’s reference library database and authorized physician user database using FoxPro.
Admin Assistant III
Texas Department of Health, Evins
02.1998 - 06.1998
Under general supervision of the Director of Business Operations, performed administrative support services for the Bureau staff, consisting of technical and professional personnel
Responsible for preparation control, and disposition of administrative documents
Served as Bureau records retention coordinator
Maintained personnel time and leave records, coordinated travel arrangements, and performed data entry
Performed Ad Hoc reporting and report distribution for Bureau project tracking system
Made arrangements for group meetings and business conferences
Reviewed, distributed, and performed independent action on incoming correspondence and telephone calls for the Bureau
Assured distribution of Bureau policies, procedures and announcements to appropriate Bureau staff
Prepared minutes from Bureau staff meetings
Created spreadsheets and tables using Word, Excel, Harvard Graphics, and Word Perfect, etc.
Insurance Sales Representative
Reliable Life Insurance Company
09.1997 - 01.1998
Responsible for selling life and fire insurance policies in a designated territorial area (Lockhart, Del Valle, Luling, Cedar Creek, Texas, etc.)
Job also involved underwriting procedures and collection of insurance premiums from approximately 150 customers on a daily basis
Very extensive person-to-person contact with the customers, problems solving of any customer concerns regarding their Life and Fire Insurance policies
Performed accounting and bookkeeping of the monies collected and turned in money to the district office on a weekly basis
Measured square footage for Fire insurance customers
Travel between Lockhart, Cedar Creek, and Del Valle areas using own vehicle.
Word Processing Operator II
State Farm Insurance
10.1995 - 09.1997
Worked as a Back-up Lead Worker as required
Printed, copied and distributed the Dictaphone Machine job sheets to all Word Processing Operators at the beginning of the afternoon shift
Word Processing Operator duties included transcription of all dictation for all of the State Farm Offices and Agencies throughout the South Texas area
Transcription was done of various insurance forms, reports, letters, memos, recorded statements, special assignments, etc
On the PC using Word Perfect 5.1 software.
Workers’ Comp Rep / Administrative Associate IV
City of Austin - Brackenridge Hospital
12.1989 - 08.1995
As a Workers’ Compensation Representative for the hospital, monitored the Workers’ Comp cases and interacted with all levels of management in various City of Austin departments, adjusters, physicians, and also non City of Austin employees in person, by email and phone
Performed duties in a lead capacity and assigned job duties to the receptionist as needed
Set-up and facilitated Brackenridge Hospital New Employee Orientation which included reserving the conference room space, refreshments, showing slide presentations, introducing representative from different departments within the hospital, and making sure new employees have submitted the necessary documents for payroll purposes
I was also the second person of contact and back-up person Employee Relations issues, Human Resources Information Systems Specialist and the front desk receptionist
Performed multiple tasks as required
I also completed documentation and monitored the Family Medical Leave Act, Leave of Absence Program and the Tuition Reimbursement Program for the hospital
Helped set up job interviews and also served on the interview panels providing input on the selection of candidates for employment
Created, typed and posted the Brackenridge Hospital Job Bulleting on the computer Word Perfect 5.0 software and then downloaded it into the City of Austin E-mail System (DEC/VAX)
Performed as timekeeper for the department, and ordered supplies in the hospital mainframe system as needed
Maintained office machines and equipment, etc
Worked with various computer software (Windows, Excel, Lotus 1, 2, 3)
Took pictures, employees ID Badges and assigned parking cards for the use of the garage.
Reservation Sales Agent
Sheraton Reservations Center
05.1984 - 06.1988
Answered approximately 150 calls daily booking hotel reservations for the Sheraton Hotels worldwide
Extensive contact with the public
Gave directions, room rates, etc
To customers as needed, entering into the computer system.
Education
High School / GED Certificate - undefined
Austin, Community College
Austin, Texas
IPMA-HR Training
Human Resources Essentials Training - undefined
Talent & Acquisition Training; MCS Training -
COA Organizational Development
Austin, Urban League – - undefined
Austin, Texas
Secretarial Skills Training – Certificate Received - undefined
Austin Community College
Banner, E-Verify, e-Career, UKG Trainings w/City of Austin - undefined
2022
Associates Degree - Business
University of Phoenix
02.2015
Skills
Computers, 17 years Human Resources experience, Customer Contact, Word Processing, Typing 70 wpm, Software currently using and or previously used:
Microsoft Teams, Banner, e-Career, HR Portal, UKG, City LMS Training site, Zoom, Windows (all versions), Outlook, People Soft (Financial and HRMS Systems) Quattro Pro, Excel, Microsoft Access, PowerPoint, Word, Visio, MS Project, AccessHR (CAPPS)-HRIS, Avaya remote and multi-line phones, scanners, copiers, printers, cameras, all office equipment, meeting setup
Experienced in preparing presentations for executive level meetings, conferences, etc
Timeline
Human Resources Specialist
City of Austin
03.2022 - Current
Retired Status
07.2019 - 03.2022
Staff Services Officer IV
Texas, State Health Services
01.2018 - 07.2019
Staff Services Officer IV
Texas Department of State Health Services
01.2017 - 01.2018
Staff Services Officer IV
Texas Department of State Health Services, Community Health Services
05.2013 - 12.2016
Hiring Specialist
Texas Health and Human Services, Office of Social Services
04.2008 - 02.2010
Administrative Assistant IV
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
10.2007 - 04.2008
Administrative Assistant IV
HHSC Ombudsman Office
12.2004 - 09.2007
Administrative Assistant II
Texas Department of State Health Services, DSHS
03.2003 - 11.2004
Program
Administrative Assistant II
Texas Department of Health
11.1999 - 03.2003
Human Resources Clerk IV
Texas Department of
10.1998 - 11.1999
Word Processing Operator II
Texas Department of Health
06.1998 - 10.1998
Admin Assistant III
Texas Department of Health, Evins
02.1998 - 06.1998
Insurance Sales Representative
Reliable Life Insurance Company
09.1997 - 01.1998
Word Processing Operator II
State Farm Insurance
10.1995 - 09.1997
Workers’ Comp Rep / Administrative Associate IV
City of Austin - Brackenridge Hospital
12.1989 - 08.1995
Reservation Sales Agent
Sheraton Reservations Center
05.1984 - 06.1988
High School / GED Certificate - undefined
Austin, Community College
IPMA-HR Training
Human Resources Essentials Training - undefined
Talent & Acquisition Training; MCS Training -
COA Organizational Development
Austin, Urban League – - undefined
Secretarial Skills Training – Certificate Received - undefined
Austin Community College
Banner, E-Verify, e-Career, UKG Trainings w/City of Austin - undefined