Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

LaToya Sanks

Virginia Beach,Va

Summary

Committed to ensuring customer satisfaction and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, upbeat attitude, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Proficient in utilizing customer service best practices and adept at exploring different solutions to address customer needs effectively. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Gas Turbine Mechanic

United States Navy
06.2002 - 07.2009
  • Qualified as a Quality Insurance Inspector for Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC)
  • Perform visual inspections of finished products
  • Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Department For The Blind And Vision Impaired
11.2016 - 07.2022
  • Experienced in the use counseling and guidance techniques to interpret and explain medical psychological and vocational information to clients so they can make informed choice decisions concerning their vocational goals
  • Experienced in complying with agency policy and procedures to ensure compliance with federal regulations
  • Experienced in gathering existing information from appropriate sources for medical and psychological assessments to determine eligibility for services
  • Experienced in determining the medical, psychological, and vocational implications to employment
  • Experienced in assisting and empowering clients in making informed choice decisions regarding their rehabilitation program
  • Experienced in reviewing clients’ progress and employment readiness to ensure appropriate progress and compliance in reaching employment outcomes
  • Experienced in monitoring local job and labor market trends to assist with job placement
  • Experienced in conflict resolution to resolve client and employer complaints.
  • Advocated for reasonable accommodations, supporting clients in overcoming workplace barriers.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices in counseling sessions, fostering growth and positive change in clients'' lives.

Adjunct Instructor

Tidewater Community College
08.2014 - 07.2022
  • Knowledge of, and experience with, proven teaching strategies that promote student success
  • Experienced in teaching and facilitation for large and small groups
  • Managed classroom effectively to maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance, assignments, and grades, ensuring timely communication with stakeholders regarding academic progress.
  • Monitored student progress through regular assessments, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Tailored lesson plans to accommodate various learning styles, resulting in better understanding for all students.
  • Experienced in establishing and assessing student learning outcomes and participating in institutional effectiveness initiatives including assessment and program reviews
  • Teaching courses via distance learning media.

Educational Accessibility Counselor

Tidewater Community College
08.2014 - 11.2016
  • Demonstrated ability to provide assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms
  • Demonstrated the ability to provide interpretation and transcription of regular classroom materials through Braille and sign language
  • Proficient in implementing comprehensive advising for students with disabilities to include pre-advising relevant to disability needs, review of documentation, determination and construction of appropriate accommodations, and implementation of accommodations to include arranging interpreters, note takers, physical access, taped tests and books, Braille, special placement testing, etc.
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
  • Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Veterans Affairs Benefits Advisor and Office Manger

Tidewater Community College- CMVE
04.2013 - 08.2014
  • Efficient in evaluating program continuity and advise military-related students on continued eligibility to attend college, utilizing remaining federal and state benefits
  • Experienced in establishing and maintaining paper and electronic files which contain confidential information, including case notes and disabilities documentation on all students with disabilities while ensuring maximum security of these files
  • Experienced in planning and facilitating group advising sessions, workshops, and information sessions for students relating to student development and success
  • This includes participation in various early intervention and retention programs
  • Proficient in advising incoming transfer students by reviewing their transcripts from previous institutions, military and by interpreting scores from CLEP, Advanced Placement and other standardized tests
  • Demonstrated understanding of the awarding of appropriate credit for Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) and Navy Rates and Ratings as recommended by the ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services
  • Demonstrated knowledge in the utilization of Tuition Assistance (TA), My Career Advancement Account (MYCAA), and GoArmyEd programs.

Intern Investigator

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
08.2013 - 01.2014
  • Interpreted civil rights laws and equal opportunity regulations for individuals or employers
  • Study equal opportunity complaints to clarify issues
  • Interviewed individuals involved in equal opportunity complaints in order to verify case information, and to arbitrate and settle disputes
  • Prepared reports of selection, survey, or other statistics and recommendations for corrective action.
  • Conducted interviews with witnesses and suspects, gathering critical information for ongoing investigations.
  • Ensured timely communication with relevant parties throughout the investigation process, promoting transparency and accountability within the team.
  • Maintained detailed records of all investigative activities, supporting effective audit trails and historical documentation for future reference.

Academic Advisor for Military Programs

Tidewater Community College-CMVE
01.2012 - 04.2013
  • Proficient in providing academic advising and information to military-related students regarding: college application, degree and career selection and planning, enrollment and course registration procedures, and serve as a general portal to all Tidewater Community College student support services
  • Experienced in conducting on-going individual academic advising and group academic advising and counseling with students on academic, career planning, and life planning matters including: curriculum planning, course selection, registration, transfer assistance, study skills/test anxiety reduction, graduation reviews, career exploration, effective communication and crisis intervention
  • Ability to make referrals as appropriate.
  • Received and reviewed transcripts to determine eligibility for admission to college or specific programs.
  • Managed caseloads effectively, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance while maintaining high-quality service delivery.

Veterans Affairs Certifying Official Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College
01.2009 - 12.2011
  • Expert in the application and use of various education benefits (Chapter 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606, 1607, VMSDEP) eligibility requirements
  • Knowledge of adult development theory; in addition to, learning the social and individual differences that affect educational goals including developmental disabilities, attention deficit disorders, substance abuse, post traumatic stress disorder and family disruptions
  • Conduct quarterly systems/student file audits
  • Proficient in the use of computer systems (VAOnce/Student Information System) in the submission of required reports to the Veterans Administration
  • Assist VA beneficiaries (servicepersons, veterans, reservist, and eligible dependents) with any VA Claim or VA related issue.

Education

Master's degree - Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
05.2014

Bachelor's degree - Psychology

Virginia Wesleyan College
Virginia Beach, VA
12.2011

Associates degree - Social Sciences

Tidewater Community College
Virginia Beach, VA
05.2010

Skills

  • Disability Knowledge
  • Caseload Management
  • Documentation skills
  • Multicultural Competence
  • Individualized Planning
  • Career Planning
  • Problem-Solving
  • Time Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking
  • Active Listening
  • Decision-Making
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Professionalism
  • Written Communication
  • Superb Customer Service

Timeline

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Department For The Blind And Vision Impaired
11.2016 - 07.2022

Adjunct Instructor

Tidewater Community College
08.2014 - 07.2022

Educational Accessibility Counselor

Tidewater Community College
08.2014 - 11.2016

Intern Investigator

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
08.2013 - 01.2014

Veterans Affairs Benefits Advisor and Office Manger

Tidewater Community College- CMVE
04.2013 - 08.2014

Academic Advisor for Military Programs

Tidewater Community College-CMVE
01.2012 - 04.2013

Veterans Affairs Certifying Official Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College
01.2009 - 12.2011

Gas Turbine Mechanic

United States Navy
06.2002 - 07.2009

Master's degree - Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling

Virginia Commonwealth University

Bachelor's degree - Psychology

Virginia Wesleyan College

Associates degree - Social Sciences

Tidewater Community College
LaToya Sanks