Kelle Kelley
Fairmont,WV
Summary
Results-oriented Disability Evaluation Specialist with expertise in medical record analysis and client relationship management. Led a team to ensure compliance with federal regulations while mentoring new employees and advising judges. Skilled in case management and documentation preparation, bringing value through effective leadership and communication.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Disability Evaluation Specialist
State of WV SSA
Clarksburg, WV
12.2020 - Current
- evaluated claims using SSA rules and regulations
- organized and analyzed medical and educational records for efficient review by medical staff
- collaborated with claimants and representatives to gather up-to-date information for accurate claims processing
- explained program details to claimants to ensure understanding and compliance
- obtained medical records and other information from a variety of sources
Self-employed client advocate
Expert Disability, LLC
Fairmont, USA
10.2012 - 01.2020
- Self-employed client advocate for those denied Social Security Disability benefits.
- Leveraged 10 years of experience with Social Security Administration to advocate one-on-one for clients seeking benefits.
- At first contact, gather information about the stage of the claims process the individual is in and advise them of what their next move should be.
- Requested the claim from Social Security to conduct a complete assessment.
- Conduct follow-up meetings with clients to review their cases and go over every aspect of their case, explaining to them the applicable case law and regulations that helped the examiner make the decision they made.
- File the necessary paperwork for the appeal or request for hearing.
- Gathered additional medical records and conducted thorough job analysis of all work performed within the last 15 years, focusing on physical and mental requirements of each position.
- Gather witness statements and questionnaires regarding the individual's activities of daily living as well as a complete report from the client directly.
- All of this information is submitted electronically by fax into the client's case.
- If the client is at the hearing level, accompany the client to their face-to-face hearing in front of an administrative law judge.
- Presented evidence and conducted client interviews to clarify their disability during hearings.
- Also present opening and closing arguments citing case law and regulations as to why the client's case for benefits should be approved.
Co-owner
KBG Inc dba The Derby Bar & Grill
Fairmont, USA
12.1999 - 12.2017
- Managed daily operations of the business, overseeing all aspects of ownership from finance to customer service.
- Collaborated with partner to develop diverse menu featuring salads, chicken wings, and sandwiches, enhancing customer offerings.
- Created and maintained a food menu both for inhouse patrons and carry-out customers.
- Analyzed the cost of each item to arrive at a menu price.
- Established and managed social media presence by posting daily specials and events, increasing customer engagement.
- Conducted interviews and hired new employees and handled all human resources for the business, including time keeping and payroll preparation.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for employees.
- Worked with vendors including commercial food suppliers as well as beer distributors and liquor salespeople in order to keep up with the latest trends and keep adequate inventory.
- Was present onsite during operating hours to provide customer service including the accuracy of food orders and other service issues.
- Partnered with local businesses for promotional opportunities and advertising, expanding community reach.
- Became well versed in city, county and state laws governing the business.
Senior Legal Assistant
Social Security Administration- Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Morgantown, USA
09.2010 - 08.2012
- Provided direct service to the public for those who had a claim for Social Security Disability benefits pending at the hearing level.
- Assisted Administrative Law Judges by managing case dockets, ensuring records were current and all necessary information was prepared for hearings.
- Contacted attorneys, representatives, and clients to gather necessary information and communicate schedule changes, facilitating smooth case processing.
- Scheduled hearing cases for judges and distributed required paperwork to all parties involved.
- Would contact medical sources such as clinics and hospitals to obtain necessary information for those clients without representation.
- Recorded audio of hearings and typed notes and observations during proceedings.
- Would greet the client and representative and explain the flow of the hearing as well as lead them into the hearing room and their assigned seats prior to the judge's entrance into the hearing room.
- Prepared decisions for the cases in some instances, using the judge's notes and directions as a guideline.
- Because of extensive training and experience as a supervisor with Disability Determination Services, also advised some of the new judges on the Social Security Disability Program regulations and case procedures.
- Mentored new employees in program procedures and regulations, enhancing team knowledge and performance.
- Accomplishments include Commendation for Performance from the Chief Administrative Law Judge and promotion to Senior Legal Assistant.
Casework Unit Supervisor
State of West Virginia: Disability Determination Services for the Social Security Administration
Clarksburg, USA
02.2003 - 09.2010
- Supervised 8-12 case examiners who processed initial and reconsideration claims and continuing disability review claims from Social Security Administration field offices.
- Maintained knowledge of federal regulations while training subordinates on compliance and operational standards.
- Conducted performance appraisals and coordinated unit activities to ensure agency met production, quality, monetary, and processing time goals.
- Resolved complex case matters for examiners, enabling them to effectively handle challenging claims.
- Prior to promotion as supervisor, served as a Senior Examiner and Single Decision Maker being able to make independent medical decisions on claims and review claims for agency compliance.
- Daily activities including assisting examiners in summarizing, analyzing and interpreting complex medical data using various software applications.
- Monitored employee attendance and compliance with office policy and procedures.
- Responded to client inquiries via phone by phone and educated them on the process and what was needed from them to proceed with their claim.
- Accomplishments and activities include past promotions to Single Decision Maker, Senior Disability Evaluation Specialist, Wellness Committee member, Chairperson of Activity Committee, member of National Association of Disability Examiners (NADE), served on several advisory committees for new laws and regulations as well as the transition from paper to electronic case processing.
Education
BS - Psychology
Fairmont State University
Fairmont, WV01.2002
Skills
- Medical record analysis
- Claim evaluation
- Regulatory compliance
- Case management
- Documentation preparation
- Client relationship management
Affiliations
Fairmont State University Alumni Board Member
Timeline
Disability Evaluation Specialist
State of WV SSA
12.2020 - Current
Self-employed client advocate
Expert Disability, LLC
10.2012 - 01.2020
Senior Legal Assistant
Social Security Administration- Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
09.2010 - 08.2012
Casework Unit Supervisor
State of West Virginia: Disability Determination Services for the Social Security Administration
02.2003 - 09.2010
Co-owner
KBG Inc dba The Derby Bar & Grill
12.1999 - 12.2017
BS - Psychology
Fairmont State University