Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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LaWayna (LAH-WAY-nuh) Berry

Saint Louis,MO

Summary

Well-qualified HR and Mental Health professional with proven success in improving operations and solving problems. Highly proficient in building lasting relationships with key decision makers, customers and team members to further company goals. Ready to leverage training and experience to take on new professional challenges.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Recruiter

Sunnen Products
Maplewood, MO
07.2022 - Current
  • Generated specific candidate pool for career opportunities through strategic placement of advertisements, evaluation of applicant credentials and conducting initial interviews and pre-screening assessments.
  • Leveraged social media platforms and online job boards to advertise open positions and engage with potential candidates.
  • Followed up with notable applicants sourced via industry-specific pipelines, events and job fairs.
  • Evaluated strengths and weaknesses of candidates through effective screening processes.
  • Operated and maintained applicant tracking and candidate management systems.
  • Emphasized job benefits and perks to applicants to improve organization's attractiveness.
  • Compiled and produced qualified candidates' information for hiring manager review and liaised between parties to coordinate formal, management interviews.
  • Coordinated schedules to arrange management interviews with applicants.
  • Studied job descriptions and qualifications to determine applicant requirements.
  • Advertised job opportunities on social media platforms and job boards.
  • Pre-screened resumes prior to sending to corporate hiring managers for consideration.
  • Improved office efficiency by effectively managing internal communications and correspondence.
  • Partnered with departmental managers to ascertain hiring needs and subsequently provide candidate recommendations.

Leave of Absence Specialist

SSM Health
Creve Coeur, MO
11.2021 - 06.2022
  • Respond to phone calls and emails from employees, managers, Employee Relations Advisors and HR Business Partners who need advice about a leave of absence or accommodation.
  • Advise and counsel employees through the complex aspects of the leave of absence process including providing guidance about their payroll and benefits while on leave.
  • Managed all aspects of Case Management with the employee, the HR Service Center, internal partners, and third party administrators.
  • Use critical thinking skills to review and assess medical or other documentation to determine if an employee's request qualifies within the scope of the leave type or accommodation.
  • Comply with federal, state, and municipal laws surrounding FMLA and other leave laws, as well as short term disability policy and long term disability plan.
  • Review and coordinate accommodation requests by engaging in the interactive process with the employee to understand needs, and finding and implementing an appropriate solution for the accommodation request.
  • Responded to concerns with definitive and insightful answers.
  • Ability to work independently and to identify when to engage others.
  • Excellent customer service and problem solving skills, with strong attention to detail.

Human Resources Manager

Inspired, LLC
Edwardsville, IL
06.2020 - 04.2021
  • Implemented performance reviews and motivational strategies to elevate HR team results.
  • Motivated employees through special events and incentive programs.
  • Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
  • Processed employee claims involving performance issues and harassment.
  • Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires bolstering position knowledge and skillset.
  • Organized and led staff orientation programs and training to promote collaboration.
  • Used technologically relevant digital systems to manage payroll and benefits programs.
  • Initiated and maintained workers compensation cases for tracking, reporting and legal mechanics.
  • Streamlined HR efficiencies, coordinated new hire orientations and provided onboarding and training for 80 new employees.
  • Directed job fairs to bring in local talent for long term and seasonal positions.
  • Briefed new hires on essential job information, such as company policies, employment benefits and job duties.
  • Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
  • Facilitated communication and coordination between employees and management to keep parties informed.
  • Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
  • Maintained optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and initiating recruitment and interview processes to identify qualified candidates.
  • Provided guidance on policies and procedures to harmonize responses, provide appropriate investigation actions and reach resolution of grievances.
  • Provided resolution to complex and confidential issues.
  • Instructed senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.
  • Streamlined complaint response management by providing guidance on policies and ensuring appropriate and accurate investigation processes.
  • Discovered and resolved complex employee issues that affected management and business decisions.
  • Automated office operations while managing client correspondence, record tracking and data communications.
  • Promoted employee engagement with organizational objectives during new employee orientations and industry conventions.
  • Reduced process lags by accurately managing confidential records for staff members.
  • Managed part time employees to reduce workflow stoppage and achieve on-time project completion.
  • Adhered to federal and state guidelines and managed payroll and benefits for over 100 employees.
  • Accurately prepared bi-weekly payroll and tracking data using ADP system.

Counseling Intern

Walter's Walk
Hazelwood, MO
12.2019 - 11.2020
  • Maintained high level of patient confidentiality to comply with all federal and company regulations.
  • Observed over 30 individuals and groups to assess, evaluate and predict behaviors.
  • Implemented specific interventions to decrease behavior excesses and increase behavioral deficits.
  • Counseled clients to help understand and overcome personal, social and behavioral problems.
  • Conducted client consultations and collaborated with other agency professionals to discuss courses of treatment.
  • Applied variety of psychological methods and techniques in screening, assessment and evaluation of clients.
  • Maintained up-to-date clinical documentation via electronic recordkeeping systems.
  • Performed 400 hours of supervised group and individual counseling sessions.
  • Encouraged participants to open up and share thoughts at group counseling sessions.
  • Reviewed case files to better assess client needs and proper course of treatment.
  • Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
  • Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
  • Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
  • Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
  • Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments.
  • Assessed patient behavior, moods and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans.
  • Led up to 4 individual sessions per week and 2 group therapy meetings.

Adult Protective and Community Worker

Missouri Dept Of Health & Senior Services
St Louis, MO
12.2018 - 05.2019
  • Managed enrollment, transportation and paperwork for individuals to take advantage of community resources.
  • Provided complex counseling and identified alternative resources for patient care.
  • Obtained demographic, insurance and financial information from community members to offer thorough and personalized assistance.
  • Explained required eligibility applications to patients and helped complete applications for services.
  • Contacted clients in person, by phone or in writing to ascertain compliance with required or recommended actions.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
  • Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
  • Created spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel for daily, weekly and monthly reporting.
  • Responded to customer calls and emails to answer questions about products and services.
  • Assisted customers by answering questions and responding to inquiries.
  • Placed outbound customer service or customer satisfaction calls to follow up on issues.
  • Educated customers on company systems, form completion and access to services.

Special Projects Coordinator

St. Louis County Government
Saint Ann, MO
01.2011 - 04.2018
  • Conducted research and gathered key information for use in upcoming project planning.
  • Managed online communications from social media, email and website sources.
  • Managed and led activities promoting growth in mental, emotional and educational areas.
  • Interviewed clients individually and in group and family sessions to assess situations and determine available resources and services.
  • Assisted families in developing and maintaining support network by identifying and utilizing community resources and services.
  • Completed necessary reports and documentation to maintain thorough, accurate case records.
  • Participated in community programs and events to communicate and promote development of job opportunities for participants.
  • Interviewed participants and other supports to determine interests, desires, barriers and skills.
  • Recognized client employment barriers and devised strategies to resolve.
  • Conducted outreach activities to identify, screen and enroll participants into program.
  • Conducted assessments, interviews and job trials with clients to develop person-centered plans for employment and support.
  • Provided clients with on-the-job training and employment related support to maintain and retain employment.
  • Collected and analyzed information to monitor compliance outcomes and identify and address trends of non-compliant behavior.
  • Coordinated implementation of people-related services, policies and programs through departmental staff.
  • Planned and launched large-scale events to boost employee knowledge and morale.
  • Conducted community workshops to promote different programs and educate public on available services.
  • Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
  • Referred families to shelters, legal resources and educational programs.
  • Coordinated individual referrals to obtain community services, advocate for client needs and resolve roadblocks.
  • Worked with customers to understand needs and provide excellent service.
  • Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships.
  • Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents.

Education

Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling

Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO
01.2023

Master of Science - Human Resources Management

Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO
09.2009

Bachelor of Science - Criminology And Sociology

University of Missouri - St Louis
St Louis, MO
12.2006

Skills

  • Recruiting Software Experience
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
  • Industry-Specific HR Regulations
  • Policy and Procedure Writing
  • Employee Orientation
  • Pre-Employment Screening
  • Background Checks
  • Hiring Requirements
  • Human Resources Management Systems
  • Job Offer Development
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Client Development
  • Leave of Absence Transitions
  • Employment Data Tracking
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Work Complaint Handling
  • Management Consulting
  • LinkedIn Sourcing
  • Policy Interpretation
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Retention Program Development
  • Recruitment Management
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Recruiting and Sourcing
  • Networking and Partnership Development
  • Job Description Development
  • Employee Hiring
  • Employment Recordkeeping
  • Online Job Boards
  • Community Networking
  • Candidate Sourcing
  • In-Person and Telephone Interviewing
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Team Collaboration
  • Procedures Compliance
  • Affirmative Action Guidelines
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Training and Onboarding
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Social Media Recruiting
  • Campaign Management
  • Community Engagement
  • Providing Feedback
  • Annual Evaluations
  • Applicant Tracking Systems Proficient
  • Labor Relations
  • Analytical and Critical Thinking
  • Confidential Records Management
  • Statistical Recording
  • Eligibility Determinations
  • Corporate Branding
  • Database Maintenance
  • Business Requirements Understanding
  • Employee and Applicant Assessment
  • Detailed Questionnaires
  • Creative Strategies
  • Recruitment and Retention Strategies
  • Offer Letter Drafting
  • Benefits Administration
  • Behavioral Interviewing
  • Applicant Qualification
  • Recruitment Strategies
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit
  • Enterprise Resource Planning
  • Logical and Methodical
  • Program Options
  • Reviewing Resumes
  • Compensation Structuring
  • Work Authorizations
  • Technique Optimization
  • Employee Timesheet Processing
  • Adaptable to Changing Conditions
  • Time Tracking and Payroll Administration
  • Permanent Placement
  • Staffing Agency Coordination
  • Applicant Counseling
  • Business Correspondence Writing
  • Training Development and Execution
  • Information Protection

Accomplishments

    Vice President, St. Louis County Youth Interagency Partnership
    Committee Member, Infinite Scholars
    Facilitator, WIA Youth Council
    Committee Member, WIA Performance & Customer Satisfaction Committee
    Committee Member, Better Family Life – MWA Roundtable
    Committee Member, Ferguson – Florissant School District Business & Technology Advisory Group
    Guest Speaker, Ferguson – Florissant School District Parent Group
    Guest Speaker, McCluer South Berkley High School
    Guest Speaker, Ladue 5th Grade Center
    Guest Speaker, Adult Education and Literacy – Ritenor High School
    Guest Speaker, Missouri Probation and Parole
    Guest Speaker, Missouri Association of Workforce Development Annual Conference
    Awarded Outstanding Work Based Learning Site-Business Sector (Job Corps)
    Awarded Best Table Topic Speaker by Toastmasters
    Committee Member, Catholic Employment Network
    Guest Speaker, St. Louis Job Corps
    Guest Speaker, University of Missouri – St. Louis, Student Life
    Member, St. Louis County Government Communications Committee
    Guest Speaker, Eureka High School

Timeline

Recruiter

Sunnen Products
07.2022 - Current

Leave of Absence Specialist

SSM Health
11.2021 - 06.2022

Human Resources Manager

Inspired, LLC
06.2020 - 04.2021

Counseling Intern

Walter's Walk
12.2019 - 11.2020

Adult Protective and Community Worker

Missouri Dept Of Health & Senior Services
12.2018 - 05.2019

Special Projects Coordinator

St. Louis County Government
01.2011 - 04.2018

Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling

Lindenwood University

Master of Science - Human Resources Management

Lindenwood University

Bachelor of Science - Criminology And Sociology

University of Missouri - St Louis

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LaWayna (LAH-WAY-nuh) Berry