Kara Mueller
Janesville,WI
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with over 11 years of experience interpreting and applying state and federal policies, analyzing job functions, and providing consultative guidance to staff and leadership. Seeking to leverage strong analytical, documentation, and compliance skills in a Classification/Compensation Coordinator role supporting equitable and consistent workforce practices.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Development Program Specialist - Senior
State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services
02.2017 - Current
- Designed and developed multiple Income Maintenance (IM) Training programs for over 200 IM Workers across Wisconsin, evaluating effectiveness to support organizational change management initiatives.
- Coordinated the development and implementation of training assessments and curriculum, analyzed feedback from 50+ surveys to identify key training needs
- Collaborated with the BEOT IM Training team to assess training needs and develop curriculum based on survey analysis, resulting in improved training effectiveness.
- Collaborated with the BEOT Training team to identify and address multiple training needs for IM agencies, while developing, delivering, and evaluating Medicaid/BadgerCare Plus and FoodShare eligibility training programs.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all Federal and State policies, processes, and activities for instructional preparation and presentation as in relation to Income Maintenance.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of adult learning theories and effective training methods to develop impactful learning assets.
Economic Support Specialist - Lead Worker
Shawano County Dept of Social Services
04.2016 - 02.2017
- Conducted eligibility assessments and budget evaluations to facilitate access to public assistance programs, including Child Care, BadgerCare Plus, FoodShare, and Medicaid.
- Facilitated case consultations and provided policy interpretation to enhance staff understanding.
- Spearheaded training initiatives focused on policy interpretation and application, ensuring staff proficiency and compliance.
- Oversaw onboarding of new IM workers, delivering targeted coaching during interviews and reviewing cases to uphold accuracy and efficiency in benefit distribution.
- Monitor quality, accuracy, and timeliness with State and Federal requirements.
- Follow applicable federal laws and regulations of all programs including, but not limited to, all manuals, procedures, and reporting requirements.
- Monitored and reviewed daily eligibility decisions made by staff in the administration of income maintenance programs to uphold program integrity.
- Collaborated with supervisor to provide strategic direction and advice to staff during application case review decisions and management of reported changes.
- Maintain knowledge for all IM program policies received from the Department of Health Services and the Department of Children and Families.
- Coordinated collaboration among nursing homes, child support agencies, ADRC, state hearing examiners, legal counsel for fair hearing appeals, child protective services, and various community programs to ensure effective support.
Economic Support Specialist
Shawano County Dept of Social Services
08.2013 - 04.2016
- Provided comprehensive support to customers by addressing questions about program policies and their associated rights and responsibilities.
- Executed systematic organization and upkeep of customer case files, ensuring correct benefits were assigned to all clients.
- Executed processing of county documents for each case file with efficiency and accuracy.
- Coordinated review and processing of new program requests, ensuring alignment with state regulations and deadlines.
- Conducted eligibility assessments for economic support programs, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
- Facilitated client intake processes, gathering necessary documentation to expedite assistance delivery.
Human Resources Specialist - Training Coordinator
Walmart
04.2010 - 08.2013
- Administered LMS training for supervisors, manager, and staff via on-site presentations (when applicable), and other computer-based trainings.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations by managing and securing over 400 associate personnel files and other sensitive documents.
- Provide guidance to a team of associates on personnel policies and procedures ensuring compliance and clarity.
- Posted new positions and screened applicants, scheduling interview and conducting reference checks, coordinating background checks and drug screenings for new hires.
- Conduct new employee orientations, which includes benefit and payroll review, and health insurance overviews.
- Report personnel-related issues, personnel requirements that have not been met, and discrepancies in payroll.
- Assist in processing Family Medical Leave (FMLA) and Person Medical Leave ensuring compliance with relevant Federal and State regulations.
- Supported employees with filling out ADA paperwork for accommodations and identified suitable accommodations, including modified work schedules and assistive technologies.
- Processed unemployment claim applications weekly ensuring accurate documentation and timely submissions.
- Serve as a main link between the store's management team and the employees (approximately 425 employees at the time).
- Facilitated resolutions for employee-management conflicts, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Education
High School Diploma -
Pennsauken High School
Pennsauken06-2002
High School Diploma -
Pennsauken High School
Pennsauken06-2002
Skills
- Data-driven policy analysis
- Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook
- Strong written and oral communication abilities
- Team leadership
- Communicate complex ideas clearly
- Design and publish structured training documentation
- Analyze survey and training data
Timeline
Staff Development Program Specialist - Senior
State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services
02.2017 - Current
Economic Support Specialist - Lead Worker
Shawano County Dept of Social Services
04.2016 - 02.2017
Economic Support Specialist
Shawano County Dept of Social Services
08.2013 - 04.2016
Human Resources Specialist - Training Coordinator
Walmart
04.2010 - 08.2013
High School Diploma -
Pennsauken High School
High School Diploma -
Pennsauken High School