Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Melanie Anwar

Oklahoma City

Summary

Enthusiastic professional with skills and experience in disability claims analyses, medical-vocational analyses, leadership, student advisement, study abroad, cross-cultural communication, and organization seeks a position that challenges me and broadens my experiences. Motivated and ready to utilize skills in a professional setting designed to cater to the needs of the general population.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Disability Examiner

Disability Determination Services
Oklahoma City
09.2024 - Current
  • Reviews and analyzes evidence of illness, injury, disease or other medical conditions and vocational factors which prevent an individual from working or gaining employment, and prepares a determination to approve or deny disability benefits.
  • Prepares a detailed written analysis explaining the facts of the case and the basis for the decision and provides written notice to the claimant and the Social Security Administration.
  • Maintains a complex and diverse caseload of Social Security Disability claims and claims for Supplemental Security Income at various stages of development, and exercises judgment to ensure the resolution of all issues.
  • Protects and safeguards confidential and sensitive personal, medical and vocational information in accordance with federal and state mandates.
  • Completes case reviews on a variety of difficult or complex disability cases, at different stages of development, in order to assure compliance with internal office procedures, Social Security laws and regulations and legal statutes.
  • Determines the medical and vocational information needed to substantiate the claim, analyzes medical, vocational, educational and other collateral information received and integrates those findings with Social Security regulations concerning disability and with facts of that particular claim.
  • Determines the need for additional medical tests, evaluations or consultative examinations in the fields of medicine, psychology, psychiatry or other specialties and arranges for expenditure of funds for medical evidence.
  • Prepares a written residual functional capacity assessment based on the severity of the medical condition and the nature of the impairment.
  • Consults with internal and external professionals, or contract providers, including physicians, psychologists, and vocational experts to address highly complex issues.

Student Success Advisor

University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond
09.2022 - 09.2024
  • Advised College of Liberal Arts students and evaluated their abilities, interests, talents, and personality characteristics to develop appropriate academic and career goals
  • Informed students on appropriate academic schedules, choice of major, number of hours available, probation, and suspension; suggested remedial or corrective actions.
  • Assisted students in identifying attainable personal adjustments and planning purposeful life goals.

Academic Advisor

University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond
02.2022 - 09.2022
  • Advised students and evaluated their abilities, interests, talents, and personality characteristics to develop appropriate academic and career goals.
  • Informed students on appropriate academic schedules, choice of major, number of hours available, probation, and suspension; suggested remedial or corrective actions.
  • Assisted students in identifying attainable personal adjustments and planning purposeful life goals.
  • Performed work under minimal supervision; handled complex issues and problems.

Administrative Assistant

University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond
07.2018 - 02.2022
  • Supervised support staff and students
  • Advised others on processes, procedures, and services.
  • Communicated and assisted students, faculty and administrators on University policy matters.
  • Maintained files and appointment calendars.
  • Monitored, reconciled and assisted in the preparation and maintenance of the departmental budget. Managed operation budgets for the department.
  • Greeted and screened visitors and phone calls; relayed messages, responded or took necessary action or referred to appropriate person for resolution.
  • Attended meetings and seminars to take notes.
  • Ordered and maintained inventory of supplies and equipment.

Project Coordinator

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo
09.2016 - 09.2017
  • Maintained Academic Labor Relations website by providing current and accurate information for users
  • Compiled data relevant for curricular efficiency and reform to present to academic advisors from all colleges
  • Served as a member of the Learner Support Program Review and Planning (LSPR&P) Oversight Committee to ensure compliance with University standards and procedures
  • Extensively worked in Compliance Assist modules for program review and strategic planning for the University and the division of Academic Affairs
  • Assisted in the development and organization of WMU’s policy inventory and policy website

Graduate Assistant

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo
07.2014 - 09.2016
  • Assisted with integrated program review and assessment for university-wide evaluation and strategic planning
  • Participated in software training for committee members and review participants
  • Assessed data in order to determine outcomes of academic program review and planning
  • Actively served as a Project Management Team member for the learning support unit review and planning
  • Attended Project Management Team meetings as a recording secretary
  • Developed criterion points for learner support program review and planning self- study review templates and rubrics
  • Gained proficiency in Microsoft Drupal software in order to maintain the Academic Labor Relations website of the University

Intern

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo
01.2016 - 06.2016
  • Capstone Project: EDLD 5890: Higher Education Singapore & Malaysia Study Abroad Program
  • Distributed information and communicated about the study abroad process to student applicants
  • Designed an outlined schedule and lesson plans of pre-departure information sessions including specific learning outcomes
  • Hosted an open panel with the Malaysian Student Association to answer questions of travel and culture
  • Researched the cultural dynamics of Singapore and Malaysia as they relate to the higher education systems
  • Presented the program at various study abroad fairs and expos to recruit students
  • Maintained a Google sites webpage that held key information about the program, travelling, events, and culture
  • Drafted a study abroad report detailing program curriculum, learning outcomes, orientations, budgets, and analyses of facilities and student concerns

Intern

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo
03.2015 - 08.2015
  • Supervised a diverse group of students for the Student Success Center, both tutors and front desk receptionists.
  • Recruited students taking the courses in which we were offering tutoring
  • Trained tutors on matters such as ethics, responsibility, professionalism, and effective helping skills.
  • Created student schedules and published charts outlining the courses being tutored over the summer.
  • Collected and assessed data to determine the success of the Student Success Services Bronco Study Zone in terms of its impact on student retention, GPA, grades, and overall academic improvement.
  • Communicated with students via email, phone, and in person to keep them informed on events and changes in policies.

Education

Master of Arts - Educational Leadership And Management

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
08-2016

Bachelor of Arts - International And Comparative Politics

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
12-2013

Skills

  • Case analysis
  • Medical evaluation
  • Vocational assessment
  • Compliance review
  • Benefit determination
  • Claims management
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Curricular and Program Review

Timeline

Disability Examiner

Disability Determination Services
09.2024 - Current

Student Success Advisor

University of Central Oklahoma
09.2022 - 09.2024

Academic Advisor

University of Central Oklahoma
02.2022 - 09.2022

Administrative Assistant

University of Central Oklahoma
07.2018 - 02.2022

Project Coordinator

Western Michigan University
09.2016 - 09.2017

Intern

Western Michigan University
01.2016 - 06.2016

Intern

Western Michigan University
03.2015 - 08.2015

Graduate Assistant

Western Michigan University
07.2014 - 09.2016

Master of Arts - Educational Leadership And Management

Western Michigan University

Bachelor of Arts - International And Comparative Politics

Western Michigan University