Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Mary Dittmer

Huron,SD

Summary

Accomplished leader with extensive experience in public assistance and housing programs, notably with the State of South Dakota. Excelled in team development and policy interpretation, enhancing program access and compliance. Proven track record in ethical decision-making and effective communication, achieving significant improvements in client service and staff performance.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Economics Assistance Benefits Specialist

State of South Dakota
Huron, SD
01.2022 - Current
  • Responsible for ten employees located in two offices, they provide economic assistance for six counties in central South Dakota.
  • Conduct quality reviews of staff work products on a daily basis.
  • Provide guidance and managerial support in the administration of the SNAP, TANF, MSP, and Medical Assistance programs.
  • Provide customer service and support, including the investigation and resolution of complaints from customers and the general public.
  • Serves as the leading expert in the federal and state regulations of the economic assistance programs.
  • Provides mentorship in the career development of employees.
  • Checked accuracy and completeness of benefits applications and documents.
  • Provided guidance and direction to subordinates regarding job duties and responsibilities.
  • Recruited, hired, trained, mentored, coached, evaluated, and terminated staff as necessary.
  • Monitored employee productivity to provide constructive feedback and coaching.
  • Monitored employee attendance, addressing any punctuality or absenteeism issues.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while ensuring customer satisfaction.

HCV Program Manager

Huron Housing Authority
Huron, SD
08.2020 - 01.2022
  • Explained eligibility details and affordability options to patients with kindness and respect.
  • Assisted with budget preparation activities related to rental assistance programs.
  • Granted, modified, denied, or terminated assistance based on key information and eligibility determination.
  • Developed presentations outlining key aspects of the Section 8 program.
  • Developed strategies for increasing access to affordable housing opportunities.
  • Ensured proper documentation was maintained for each case file.
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
  • Coordinated with local agencies to ensure compliance with federal regulations related to Section 8 housing vouchers.
  • Prepared monthly reports on the status of all active cases within the program.
  • Analyzed data from various sources such as HUD reports and census data in order to identify trends or areas needing improvement.

Economics Assistance Benefits Specialist

State of South Dakota
Huron, SD
02.2018 - 08.2020
  • Provided guidance on best practices when applying for public assistance programs.
  • Discussed available program services with potential participants and outlined procedures to facilitate smooth engagement in program processes.
  • Provided outreach to community members regarding available public assistance programs.
  • Connected individuals with relevant community resources and coordinated referrals.
  • Prepared reports summarizing findings of investigations into potential fraud cases.
  • Conducted interviews with applicants to determine need for assistance.

Conflict Free Case Manager

Benchmark Human Services
Spearfish, SD
10.2017 - 01.2018
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic support to clients.
  • Counseled clients on available resources within the community that could help meet their needs.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness and suggested improvements based on client outcomes.

Economics Assistance Benefits Specialist Supervisor

State of South Dakota
Huron, SD
04.2012 - 10.2017
  • Responsible for eight employees located in five offices, they provide economic assistance for six counties in central South Dakota.
  • Conduct quality reviews of staff work products on a daily basis.
  • Provide guidance and managerial support in the administration of the SNAP, TANF, MSP, and Medical Assistance programs.
  • Provide customer service and support, including the investigation and resolution of complaints from customers and the general public.
  • Serves as the leading expert in the federal and state regulations of the economic assistance programs.
  • Provides mentorship in the career development of employees.
  • Checked accuracy and completeness of benefits applications and documents.
  • Provided guidance and direction to subordinates regarding job duties and responsibilities.
  • Recruited, hired, trained, mentored, coached, evaluated, and terminated staff as necessary.
  • Monitored employee productivity to provide constructive feedback and coaching.
  • Monitored employee attendance, addressing any punctuality or absenteeism issues.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while ensuring customer satisfaction.

Assistant Director

Jan Manolis Family Safe Center
Huron, SD
07.2011 - 03.2012

Children’s Case Manager/ Human Resources Assistant

Huron, SD
08.2010 - 12.2010

Various Positions

Development Homes Inc
Grand Forks, North Dakota
03.1997 - 06.2009
  • Human Resources Director (9/07-6/09)
  • Staff Training Coordinator (1/07-8/07)
  • Program Coordinator/ Case Manager (2005--2007)
  • Staff Training Coordinator (2002-2005)
  • Residential Manager (1997-2002)

Summary of work experience

Provides mentorship in the career development of employees. Directed the Human Resources Department for a nonprofit organization with 300 staff. Responsible for the oversight of the FMLA, workforce safety, and employee benefits programs. Kept abreast of employee laws, completing policy development and training when needed. Completed investigations and responses in employment law matters. Completed employment screenings and background checks on all newly hired employees. Oversaw employee training to include initial orientation, employee training programs, and professional training. Completion of the computer rehab project, providing 12 clients with computers. Completion of the HIPAA security technology plan to meet the needs of the nonprofit organization. Competent in Microsoft Office applications, Kronos timekeeper software, installation of software, and troubleshooting problems. Supervised staff for 20 years, providing leadership and direction to frontline supervisors and professional staff. Experienced in hiring, evaluating performance, and termination procedures. Provided leadership and support to other departments, which allowed the necessary structure and procedures to be in place to enhance services. Responsible for purchasing, salaries, and all line items coming in under the budgeted amount for the year for the department. Experienced with composing and submission of numerous state and nonprofit grants. Experience with fundraising activities for nonprofit organizations. Served on internal committees in the areas of transportation, technology, curriculum development, human resources, Title 19 standards, and CQL (Center for Quality and Leadership accreditation standards). Development of a competency-based training system for an organization serving 150 consumers. Implemented the training company-wide and kept the training current as changes occurred. Development of a training program for the HIPAA security policies and procedures, ensuring staff were in compliance with regulations. Developed, implemented, and conducted training in the areas of interpersonal communication, conflict management, and leadership. Responsible for the development of annual plans with quarterly reviews to determine progress of objectives to meet required goals. Supported clients with applications for benefits to include SSI, Medicaid, food stamps, housing, fuel assistance, and other benefits as needed. Scheduled and facilitated interdisciplinary team meetings as required to address medical or behavioral issues. Communicated with families for inclusion in their family member’s treatment plan if requested or legally required. Worked as a team member to provide quality services to the clients that lived in the facilities the organization managed. Dealt with Title 19 surveyors when they came for our annual inspection, responding to deficiencies as cited. Facilitated the support of victims of domestic violence and their families to meet their unique needs to ensure safety and well-being.

Education

Master of Public Affairs - nonprofit/ community services management

Park University
Parkville, Missouri
01.2005

Associates of Science - Developmental Disabilities

Minot State University
Minot, North Dakota
01.2004

Bachelor’s degree - Social Psychology, Criminal Justice Administration

Park University
Grand Forks Air Base, North Dakota
01.2001

Skills

  • Self-Motivated Worker
  • Skilled in Team Development
  • Effective Issue Prioritization
  • Advanced Leadership Expertise
  • Effective in High-Pressure Environments
  • Ethical Decision-Making
  • Driven Professional
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Policy interpretation
  • Documentation and reporting

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Economics Assistance Benefits Specialist

State of South Dakota
01.2022 - Current

HCV Program Manager

Huron Housing Authority
08.2020 - 01.2022

Economics Assistance Benefits Specialist

State of South Dakota
02.2018 - 08.2020

Conflict Free Case Manager

Benchmark Human Services
10.2017 - 01.2018

Economics Assistance Benefits Specialist Supervisor

State of South Dakota
04.2012 - 10.2017

Assistant Director

Jan Manolis Family Safe Center
07.2011 - 03.2012

Children’s Case Manager/ Human Resources Assistant

08.2010 - 12.2010

Various Positions

Development Homes Inc
03.1997 - 06.2009

Master of Public Affairs - nonprofit/ community services management

Park University

Associates of Science - Developmental Disabilities

Minot State University

Bachelor’s degree - Social Psychology, Criminal Justice Administration

Park University
Mary Dittmer