Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Development
ACTIVITIES AND AWARDS
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Certification
Timeline
Generic

La Tonya Cobb-Cannon

Summary

Credentialing professional with proven track record in managing credentialing operations and ensuring compliance. Valued for strong collaborative skills and achieving results through efficient processes. Known for adaptability and reliability in dynamic environments, with expertise in documentation and regulatory standards.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director, Employment Services

The Arc – Northern Chesapeake Region
04.2023 - 09.2024
  • Led a team of 25 staff members, managing daily operations to effectively support and implement program objectives
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Restructured and revitalized an entire department within 15 months, overseeing project timelines and ensuring alignment with program goals
  • Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Managed a budget of $1.2 million including revenue from client participation and contract management of seven vendors
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
  • Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
  • Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
  • Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
  • Oversaw cooperative agreements and Memorandums of Understanding with multiple state and county agencies, fostering collaboration with public schools

Staff Specialist III, Agreements and Compliance

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) – Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
01.2018 - 04.2023
  • Planned, negotiated, and awarded 85 cooperative agreements to ensure third-party party credentials and compliance with ethical and regulatory standards across various state agencies
  • Delivered technical assistance to partners and stakeholders
  • Created policies and procedures for contracted work with partners
  • Maintained quality assurance by auditing vendors and developing and monitoring corrective actions as necessary
  • Designed training materials for contract management
  • Provided exceptional customer service to vendors and internal staff
  • Advised contractors on state regulations to ensure adherence
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals
  • Facilitated conflict resolution to maintain positive relationships
  • Managed documentation and reporting for compliance activities, addressing emerging issues and effectively communicating updates to stakeholders

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist-Case Manager

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) – Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
01.2015 - 01.2018
  • Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, from intake to closure, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality
  • Managed budgeted plans and directed case service allocations, authorizing expenditures and payments
  • Coordinated services and resources to support individual needs, utilizing a database
  • Arranged for physical, mental, academic, vocational, and other evaluations to obtain information for assessing clients' needs and developing rehabilitation plans

  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
  • Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
  • Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
  • Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
  • Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
  • Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
  • Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
  • Conducted labor market research to better inform clients of potential career opportunities.
  • Supported clients during both pre-employment preparation and post-placement adjustment periods for long-term success in the workforce.
  • Enhanced client self-sufficiency by developing personalized vocational rehabilitation plans.
  • Monitored client progress through regular follow-up meetings, adjusting plans as needed for optimal success.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to guide meaningful conversations about goals, aspirations, and potential barriers.
  • Coordinated community resources and secured referrals.
  • Liaised with community partners to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Vocational Supervisor

The Arc – Northern Chesapeake Region
01.2011 - 01.2015
  • Supervised a team of 12 Employment Specialists, ensuring vocationally supported individuals gained and maintained competitive, integrated employment
  • Assisted clients in exploring career options and vocational goals.
  • Oversaw case management and report writing
  • Participated in job development and placement programs, contacting prospective employers, placing clients in jobs, and evaluating the success of placements
  • Creatively implemented workplace accommodations for people with differing abilities
  • Arrange for on-site job coaching or assistive devices, such as specially equipped wheelchairs, to help clients adapt to work or school environments
  • Led vocational assessments for clients with physical, emotional, intellectual and behavioral disabilities.
  • Assisted clients in exploring career options and vocational goals.
  • Prepared and maintained records and case files detailing clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided and relevant correspondence.
  • Customized vocational exploration activities to identify self-determined rehabilitation needs and goals.
  • Consulted with interdisciplinary teams to enhance coordination of care, establish medical clearance and determine optimal timing of further interventions.

Employment Specialist

The Arc – Northern Chesapeake Region
01.2009 - 01.2011
  • Developed rehabilitation plans that fit clients' skills, interests, abilities, and employment goals
  • Maintained close contact with clients during job training and placements to resolve problems and evaluate placement adequacy
  • Monitored and recorded clients' progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met
  • Assisted clients with completing job applications and submitting resumes to improve interview chances.
  • Established strong relationships with local employers to match clients with suitable job opportunities.
  • Assisted clients in developing effective job search strategies that leveraged their unique skills, experience, and qualifications for targeted positions.
  • Forged relationships with employers to gain insight into job openings and career opportunities.
  • Assessed individuals to identify skills, strengths and interests for job placement.
  • Tracked client progress through detailed case notes and regular follow-ups, ensuring efficient service delivery.
  • Matched clients to open positions based on skills and work requirements.
  • Managed a diverse caseload of individuals from various backgrounds, tailoring services based on unique needs and circumstances.

Education

M.S. - Human Services Administration

University of Baltimore

B.S. - Business Administration (Human Resources Management emphasis)

Wayne State University

Certificate - Early Human Development

Harford Community College

Skills

  • Diversity and disability awareness training
  • Curriculum development
  • Training presentations development
  • Case Management
  • Coordination
  • Customer Service Excellence
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Public speaking
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Advocacy for Diverse Abilities
  • Contracts Management
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Relationship building
  • Strategic planning

Professional Development

  • Harford Leadership Academy, 2024
  • Leadership in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, University of Arkansas
  • Executive Leadership Seminar, National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute, University of San Diego


ACTIVITIES AND AWARDS

  • Volunteer, Harford Family House, 2018 - Present
  • Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Outstanding Service Award
  • Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Regional Community Involvement Award
  • The Arc NCR Supporting Self-Direction Award
  • Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Director, Employment Services, The Arc – Northern Chesapeake Region, 01/01/23, 12/31/24, Led a team of 25 staff members, managing daily operations to effectively support and implement program objectives., Restructured and revitalized an entire department within 15 months, overseeing project timelines and ensuring alignment with program goals., Ensured that projects and programs aligned with the agency's strategic plan., Developed and authored policies, procedures, and processes to enhance operational efficiency., Managed a budget of $1.2 million., Oversaw cooperative agreements and Memorandums of Understanding with multiple state and county agencies, fostering collaboration with public schools.
  • Vocational Supervisor, The Arc – Northern Chesapeake Region, 01/01/11, 12/31/15, Supervised a team of 12 Employment Specialists, ensuring vocationally supported individuals gained and maintained competitive, integrated employment., Oversaw case management and report writing., Creatively implemented workplace accommodations for people with differing abilities., Arranged for on-site job coaching or assistive devices, such as specially equipped wheelchairs, to help clients adapt to work or school environments., Participated in job development and placement programs, contacting prospective employers, placing clients in jobs, and evaluating the success of placements.
  • Employment Specialist, The Arc – Northern Chesapeake Region, 01/01/09, 12/31/11, Developed rehabilitation plans that fit clients' skills, interests, abilities, and employment goals., Maintained close contact with clients during job training and placements to resolve problems and evaluate placement adequacy., Monitored and recorded clients' progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met.
  • Staff Specialist III, Agreements and Compliance, Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) – Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), 01/01/18, 12/31/23, Developed and enforced 85 agreements to ensure compliance with ethical and regulatory standards across various state agencies., Planned, negotiated, and awarded cooperative agreements., Delivered technical assistance to partners and stakeholders., Created policies and procedures for contracted work with partners., Designed training materials for contract management., Provided exceptional customer service to vendors and internal staff., Advised contractors on state regulations to ensure adherence., Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals., Facilitated conflict resolution to maintain positive relationships., Managed documentation and reporting for compliance activities, addressing emerging issues and effectively communicating updates to stakeholders.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist II (Case Management), Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) – Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), 01/01/15, 12/31/18, Managed documentation and reporting for compliance activities, addressing emerging issues and communicating updates to stakeholders., Managed budgets and directed case service allocations, authorizing expenditures and payments., Conducted community-based assessments to evaluate client skills, leading to tailored job matching and placement strategies., Maintained detailed client documentation, coordinating services and resources to support individual needs, utilizing various databases., Developed and implemented personalized funding support plans, measuring progress against vocational and educational goals., Arranged for physical, mental, academic, vocational, and other evaluations to obtain information for assessing clients' needs and developing rehabilitation plans.

Certification

  • CPR/AED Certification

Timeline

Director, Employment Services

The Arc – Northern Chesapeake Region
04.2023 - 09.2024

Staff Specialist III, Agreements and Compliance

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) – Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
01.2018 - 04.2023

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist-Case Manager

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) – Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
01.2015 - 01.2018

Vocational Supervisor

The Arc – Northern Chesapeake Region
01.2011 - 01.2015

Employment Specialist

The Arc – Northern Chesapeake Region
01.2009 - 01.2011

B.S. - Business Administration (Human Resources Management emphasis)

Wayne State University

Certificate - Early Human Development

Harford Community College

M.S. - Human Services Administration

University of Baltimore
La Tonya Cobb-Cannon