Melissa Diaz
Henderson,NV
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented HR professional with over 16 years of experience in recruitment, compensation, and employee development. Proven ability to lead HR teams, optimize staffing processes, and manage compensation strategies that drive business results. Adept at building strong relationships with stakeholders, fostering a positive work environment, and delivering HR solutions aligned with organizational goals. Experienced in managing complex HR functions, including compliance, training development, and strategic planning. Strong communicator and problem-solver with expertise in MS Office and HR Smart systems.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Specialist (Compensation)
Veterans Benefit Administration VBA
03.2023 - Current
- Provide expert compensation advisory services to HR teams and leadership across multiple departments, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and enhancing compensation programs
- Lead the development and implementation of compensation policies and procedures across the organization
- Work with cross-functional teams to ensure strategic alignment in compensation decisions, improving employee retention and satisfaction
- Conduct in-depth analysis of compensation data to recommend market adjustments, special pay rates, and premium pay systems
- Maintained personnel records and statistical data to establish accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.
Supervisor, Human Resouces Specialist (R&P)
Veterans Health Administration VHA
08.2022 - 03.2023
- Managed a team of 18 HR professionals, overseeing all recruitment and staffing activities for 4,500 employees in administrative and clinical services
- Spearheaded process improvements, reducing time-to-hire and streamlining recruitment workflows
- Implemented market pay reviews, special salary rates, and locality pay adjustments for staff to enhance compensation competitiveness
- Developed and conducted training sessions to increase team competency in staffing, compensation, and HR systems
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
Supervisor, Human Resources Specialist (R&P)
Veterans Health Administration VHA
06.2021 - 08.2022
- Led the development of the Consultation Team, refining staffing strategies and increasing applicant pool diversity through targeted outreach campaigns
- Designed and launched the Western States Network Consortium University to enhance recruitment and placement capabilities across multiple regions
- Coordinated multi-site HR training programs, ensuring alignment with business objectives and driving improved employee performance
- Improved legal compliance by conducting thorough audits of all HR policies, procedures, and documentation.
- Championed change management efforts during periods of organizational transition, providing support resources for affected employees.
- Optimized workforce planning strategies by utilizing data-driven insights to make informed decisions regarding staffing needs.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
Lead, Human Resources Specialist (R&P)
Veterans Health Administration VHA
02.2019 - 06.2021
- Directed a team of HR specialists in recruitment and placement functions, managing over 200 staffing actions and ensuring compliance with the VA’s hiring standards
- Implemented and managed training initiatives, including recruitment process enhancements and policy training
- Provided direct advisory services to senior leadership, optimizing staffing strategies and improving organizational efficiency
- Improved communication channels between employees and management by establishing regular meetings.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing effective HR policies and procedures.
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
Human Resources Specialist (R&P)
Veterans Health Administration VHA
03.2012 - 02.2019
- Led the recruitment process for Title 38 and Hybrid-Title 38 roles, overseeing staffing for clinical positions such as physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals
- Coordinated and executed recruitment campaigns to meet staffing needs in a highly competitive healthcare environment
- Managed employee onboarding and credentialing processes, ensuring compliance with VA hiring models and federal regulations
- Maintained personnel records and statistical data to establish accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Managed benefits administration for company-wide staff, ensuring timely processing and accurate recordkeeping.
- Conducted routine HR audits to ensure data accuracy in personnel files, payroll records, and benefit enrollments.
- Facilitated smooth onboarding processes for new hires, leading to faster integration into the workplace culture.
- Fielded employee inquiries related to insurance, pension plan, vacation, sick leave and employee assistance.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing streamlined HR policies and procedures.
- Led open enrollment periods for health insurance coverage options, assisting employees in making informed decisions regarding their benefits selections.
- Coordinated employee training programs to boost skills development and improve overall performance.
- Collaborated with department managers to identify staffing needs and create strategic recruiting plans.
- Streamlined recruitment processes for efficiency, reducing average hiring time significantly.
- Streamlined exit interview processes, gathering insights to improve employee satisfaction and retention strategies.
- Collaborated with department heads to identify staffing needs and strategize recruitment efforts.
- Enhanced internal communication strategies, resulting in improved information flow across departments.
Human Resources Assistant
Veterans Health Administration VHA
04.2008 - 03.2012
- Efficiently managed personnel files, maintaining confidentiality while keeping records up-to-date and organized.
- Filed paperwork, sorted, and delivered mail and maintained office organization.
- Conducted new hire orientation to verify completion of appropriate paperwork, recording information on human resources database.
- Answered and redirected incoming phone calls for office.
- Assisted in payroll processing to ensure timely delivery of paychecks to all employees.
- Organized new employee orientation schedules for new hires.
- Supported HR Manager in strategic planning sessions focused on organizational development and growth.
- Enhanced onboarding experience for new hires by creating comprehensive orientation materials and training programs.
- Created and completed personnel action forms for hires, terminations, title changes and terminations.
- Processed employee termination paperwork at direction of supervisory staff.
- Delivered friendly assistance with new hires throughout hiring process.
- Conducted exit interviews, gathering insights to improve retention and employee satisfaction.
- Managed confidential employee records, safeguarding personal and professional information.
- Supported payroll processing, ensuring accurate and timely salary distribution.
- Streamlined administrative tasks, such as scheduling and document management, to improve HR department efficiency.
- Responded to employee inquiries regarding benefits and other HR topics.
- Compiled employee records from individual departments to maintain central files.
- Set up orientations and initial training for new employees.
- Participated in job fairs to recruit new talent.
United States Army
Department of Defense
06.2004 - 04.2008
- Responsible for all Battalion logistics and supply operations.
- Successfully managed a monthly budget of $25,000.00; provided oversight to six employees with authority to make purchase orders with government credit cards.
- Supervised and provided leadership to two Non-Commissioned Officers and one junior enlisted Soldier.
- Worked directly with and coordinated all equipment turned-in for the Battalion reintegration program.
- Responsible for all Company logistics, maintenance, personnel, and training operations.
- Developed and maintained company standard operating procedures for deployment operations.
- Ensured that all hand receipts for equipment and clothing were maintained for appropriate accountability.
- Planned and coordinated logistic support with supporting units.
- Maintained the unit at an operational readiness rate of 94% or higher.
- Responsible for an eight-man CBRN Platoon and a six man Security Section (two Bradley Fighting Vehicles) conducting joint special operations and conventional infantry operations in support of US policies and objectives.
- Deployed to combat in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducted over 300 combat missions without incident.
- Responsible for cordon and searches of vehicles, was the Battalion’s Quick Reaction Force and the Battalion’s Security Escort, and was responsible for establishing an observation post.
- Developed and validated Platoon Standard Operation Procedures.
- Responsible for the health, welfare, training, discipline and morale of all Soldiers in my Platoon.
- Responsible for coordinating all training exercises and activities for the five companies in the Battalion.
- Organized and set up all training areas and meeting areas for the Battalion; coordinated all firing and weapon ranges for the Battalion.
- Updated all training calendars and implemented training as scheduled.
- Responsible for the preparation and submission of the Battalion’s monthly Unit Status Report.
Education
No Degree - Human Resources
Liberty University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
New Mexico State University
05.2004
Skills
- Compensation Strategy & Execution
- Staff Development & Training
- Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
- Conflict Resolution
- Policy Development & Implementation
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
- Strategic Workforce Planning
- HR System Management
- Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
- Customer relations
- HR policies and procedures
- Training and mentoring
Timeline
Human Resources Specialist (Compensation)
Veterans Benefit Administration VBA
03.2023 - Current
Supervisor, Human Resouces Specialist (R&P)
Veterans Health Administration VHA
08.2022 - 03.2023
Supervisor, Human Resources Specialist (R&P)
Veterans Health Administration VHA
06.2021 - 08.2022
Lead, Human Resources Specialist (R&P)
Veterans Health Administration VHA
02.2019 - 06.2021
Human Resources Specialist (R&P)
Veterans Health Administration VHA
03.2012 - 02.2019
Human Resources Assistant
Veterans Health Administration VHA
04.2008 - 03.2012
United States Army
Department of Defense
06.2004 - 04.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
New Mexico State University
No Degree - Human Resources
Liberty University
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