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)