Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Mike Stephens

San Diego,CA

Summary

I’m a creative and solution-oriented leader with an interest in using AI to streamline processes that improve efficiency without compromising integrity. I’m seeking a position with long-term growth potential where my management, teaching, and linguistic backgrounds can be both utilized and nurtured in a collaborative and professional workplace that allows me to make meaningful contributions, support others, and challenges me to exceed expectations.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Benefits Eligibility Coordinator I

Benesys, Inc
04.2024 - Current
  • Manage end-to-end benefits eligibility processes, analyzing employer reports to ensure accurate monthly coverage
  • Resolve eligibility discrepancies by collaborating with payroll teams, union representatives, and internal departments
  • Support members through multiple modalities to ensure clear understanding of benefits options and enrollment procedures, and plan rules
  • Attend union enrollment events, reinforcing inclusive, employee-centered benefit education
  • Identify trends and recurring issues to recommend improvements in onboarding and eligibility tracking and increase employee engagement

ESL Instructor

Connect English San Diego
01.2020 - 04.2024
  • Facilitated culturally responsive learning, applying design-thinking to optimize communication and participation
  • Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles and proficiency levels.
  • Managed hybrid classroom tech tools, lesson planning, and ongoing assessment of progress and satisfaction
  • Collaborated with colleagues to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
  • Established clear expectations for student behavior, creating a respectful and inclusive learning environment where all students felt valued and supported.

Benefits Specialist

Willis Towers Watson
09.2017 - 01.2019
  • Simultaneously supported H&W benefits and pension inquiries across five client accounts in English and Spanish
  • Documented service interactions accurately in CRM system to maintain comprehensive customer records.
  • Guided employees through enrollment and retirement options, prioritizing clarity and regulatory accuracy
  • Partnered with internal tech and HR teams to flag and escalate system inconsistencies impacting user experience

People Manager

McDonald's
12.2012 - 02.2018
  • Led team meetings, providing guidance on project goals and performance expectations.
  • Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
  • Managed staffing schedules, ensuring optimal coverage during peak hours for improved customer service.
  • Coordinated cross-training initiatives, increasing workforce flexibility and skill diversity among team members.
  • Analyzed operational data to identify trends and recommend strategic adjustments to improve service delivery.
  • Coordinated cross-departmental collaboration to streamline communication and enhance project outcomes.
  • Conducted comprehensive performance reviews to identify areas of improvement and provide constructive feedback.

Shift Manager

McDonald's
01.2006 - 12.2012
  • Trained new employees on operational procedures and company policies.
  • Monitored inventory levels, ensuring timely replenishment to meet demand fluctuations.
  • Trained and mentored new employees to maximize team performance.
  • Excelled in every store position and regularly backed up front-line staff.
  • Cooperated with coworkers to improve customer experience and manage storefront.

Education

M.A. - Linguistics

San Diego State University
12.2021

B.A. - Linguistics

San Diego State University
05.2017

Skills

  • Proficiency with ChatGPT and AI
  • Knowledgeable in HRIS and LMS systems
  • Microsoft office & Google Workspace
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Effective communication skills
  • Policy interpretation

  • Attention to detail
  • Analytical thinking
  • Relationship building
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Time management
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity

Certification

  • Text Analytics - SDSU 2020
  • Computational Linguistics - SDSU 2019
  • TESL/TEFL - SDSU 2019
  • Dean's List – 2016

Languages

Spanish (native-like fluency)
Brazilian-Portuguese (conversational)
Korean (conversational)
Arabic (basic)

Timeline

Benefits Eligibility Coordinator I

Benesys, Inc
04.2024 - Current

ESL Instructor

Connect English San Diego
01.2020 - 04.2024

Benefits Specialist

Willis Towers Watson
09.2017 - 01.2019

People Manager

McDonald's
12.2012 - 02.2018

Shift Manager

McDonald's
01.2006 - 12.2012

M.A. - Linguistics

San Diego State University

B.A. - Linguistics

San Diego State University