Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Laurie Benson

Robbinsdale,MN

Summary

Proven leader at Hennepin County, adept in complex problem-solving and fostering team collaboration. Excelled in enhancing communication and reducing turnover, demonstrating exceptional interpersonal and analytical skills. Achieved organizational goals by championing collaboration and professional development.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Human Services Supervisor

Hennepin County
09.2015 - 06.2024
  • Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for a team of 10-15 staff members.
  • Reduced employee turnover by fostering a positive work environment and providing ongoing feedback to staff members.
  • Collaborated with other departments to achieve organizational goals, fostering teamwork across various functions.
  • Conducted performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas of improvement and guiding professional development plans.
  • Experience with Minnesota state systems METS, MMIS, and MAXIS.
  • Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
  • Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
  • Member of Economic Supports Community Engagement team.

Child Support Officer

Hennepin County
04.2010 - 09.2015
  • Researched legal, financial, and other records to obtain data needed to secure and enforce child support cases.
  • Worked in collaboration with local, state and federal departments to obtain documentary evidence and other sensitive information.
  • Processed legal documents such as summons, bench warrants, wage attachments, and liens to prepare materials for approximately 60 hearings per month.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to clients while addressing their concerns, explaining processes, and offering guidance on navigating the child support system effectively.
  • Member of Client Information Sessions Team providing community outreach to the public regarding Child Support services.
  • Experience with Minnesota state systems PRISM, MAXIS and MMIS.
  • Increased awareness about child support programs through community outreach efforts such as workshops, presentations, and informational materials.

Human Services Representative

Hennepin County
02.2006 - 04.2010
  • Determine eligibility for and issue public assistance benefits.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints in a timely manner.
  • Gathered, organized and input information into digital databases.
  • Learned and followed all organizational and program policies and procedures to maintain case integrity and a professional working environment.
  • Managed approximately 90 client phone calls or 10-15 in person client interviews per day.
  • Experience with Minnesota state systems MAXIS and MMIS.
  • Participated in tabling events with the public providing information about public assistance programs.

Community Advocate/Volunteer Coordinator

Cornerstone Advocacy Services
03.1998 - 08.2005
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address clients'' unique needs, resulting in more tailored interventions and improved outcomes.
  • Served as a liaison between clients and community partners, facilitating connections that advanced recovery goals while addressing systemic barriers faced by survivors of domestic violence.
  • Increased awareness of domestic violence issues by conducting community outreach and educational presentations.
  • Assisted clients in obtaining protective orders by guiding them through the legal process and accompanying them to court hearings.
  • Member of Hennepin County's Family Violence Coordinating Council working in collaboration with the court system and other agencies to address systemic disparities affecting domestic violence victims.

Education

Associate of Arts - Human Services

Minneapolis Community College
Minneapolis, MN
06.1997

Skills

  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Analytical Skills
  • Self Motivation
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Excellent Communication
  • Task Prioritization
  • Attention to Detail
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Team Collaboration

Additional Information

Member of Hennepin County Economic Supports Community Engagement team.

  • Developed and implemented collaborative projects with public and private sector partners to address racial and ethnic disparities around medicaid and other public assistance programs
  • Provided presentations both in person and virtually to help community partners and residents understand what to expect with the unwinding of the public health emergency and medicaid programs.
  • Attended tabling events within the community; providing information directly to community members.

Timeline

Human Services Supervisor

Hennepin County
09.2015 - 06.2024

Child Support Officer

Hennepin County
04.2010 - 09.2015

Human Services Representative

Hennepin County
02.2006 - 04.2010

Community Advocate/Volunteer Coordinator

Cornerstone Advocacy Services
03.1998 - 08.2005

Associate of Arts - Human Services

Minneapolis Community College
Laurie Benson