NICOLE COUSINS
Hampton,VA
Summary
Dedicated HR professional with strong grasp of employment laws, compliance issues and benefits plans. Successfully introduces process improvements and staff-development initiatives to drive corporate goal attainment.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Benefits Specialist/Leave of Absence Specialist
Merakey
04.2023 - Current
- Resolved issues and inquiries from plan participants regarding health and welfare benefits and deductions through telephone, email, and in-person interactions.
- Help develop, implement, and update leave policies and procedures, ensuring they are compliant and effectively communicated.
- Assisted in resolving complex benefits issues, leading to increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
- Maintain accurate and organized records of leave requests, approvals, and usage.
- Participated in cross-functional teams to address issues related to employee leaves and improve overall processes.
Human Resource Generalist
Virginia Oncology Associates
08.2020 - 05.2023
- Assist with payroll functions including processing, answering employee questions, fixing processing errors, and distributing check
- Understanding of general human resources policies and procedures
- Manage employee pension, healthcare, and 401(k) plans and assist employees with stock options and investment opportunities
- Research, analyze, and administer healthcare plans and wellness programs, from medical and dental benefits to disability and family leave
- Knowledge of FMLA and state laws and respond to employees leave of absence inquires
- Maintain FMLA, ADA, Worker’s Compensation, COVID and any other wellness related trackers, run any applicable auditing reports, and complete required forms to ensure full compliance
- Supported HR functions with emphasis on record keeping, data entry and general HR tasks
- Maintain employee files and records in electronic and paper form
- Supported human resources staff with new hire orientations and monthly departmental meetings
- Reviewed and corrected job offer letters for completeness and accuracy before approving delivery
- Assisted management staff in annual year-end processes and data audits
- Provided guidance to managers and employees on talent management, payroll, FMLA, and benefits.
- Administered surveys and conducted focus groups to understand employee desires and improve engagement.
HR Specialist/ Office Assistant
Foot Centre for Foot and Ankle Care
01.2018 - 08.2020
- Sourcing candidates using databases, social media, etc
- Manage call outs, scheduling conflicts and coverage needs
- Prepares documents for meetings, projects, or reports
- Maintains and updates physician’s medical licensure, professional certifications, professional liability, board certifications, and curriculum vitae
- Reviewed and screened applicant resumes to identify qualified candidates.
- Maintain inventory and submit front office supply order to administration
- Collect co-pays, deductibles and inquire on previous balances
- Conducted annual salary surveys and developed, analyzed and updated company salary budget.
- Prepared weekly employee work schedules for team members
- Reviewed existing policies and procedures to make recommendations for enhancing work productivity, recruitment, hiring processes and talent management.
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements
- Instructed junior team members on protocols and procedures of each station to maximize contributions.
Insurance Customer Service Representative
GEICO
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Shared knowledge and expertise with co-workers to foster awareness and increase staff productivity
- Conducted weekly team meetings every other week going over opportunities and information that would benefit our group as a whole and individuals
- Interacted internally with all GEICO departments and externally engage with policyholders, Department of Motor Vehicles, Registry of Motor
- Vehicles, banks, dealerships and other insurance companies
- Communicate changes or adjustment in policies to policyholders
- Assist policyholders in filling of policy documents and contact them whenever any error is discovered, or when it needs to be corrected
Patient Satisfaction Supervisor
Patient First
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees
- Explained financial responsibilities to patients as well as payment options and potential collection procedures imposed upon patients and other responsible parties.
- Communicating by telephone and in writing with patients, insurance companies, and parties involved in the patient accounts process
- Assisted with office organization
- Built strong relationships with customers through positive attitude and attentive response
- Conducted training and mentored team members to promote productivity, accuracy and commitment to friendly service
- Coached team members in customer service techniques, providing feedback and encouragement toward reaching goals
- Initiated timely response to emails, voicemails and written correspondence
- Provided constructive criticism regarding quality assurance on collections team phone calls.
Education
HRCI Certification
Bachelor of Arts - FASHION MERCHANDISING
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA05.2015
GENERAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATE -
J Sargeant Reynolds
Richmond, VA05.2013
Skills
- Payroll and general accounting
- Workday/ADP
- ADA
- Clinical data entry
- Investigate complaints
- Leave of Absence
- Human Resources Management Systems
- Healthcare benefits
- Staff Coaching
- Team Monitoring
- Program Analysis
- Hiring Trends and Analysis
- Policy interpretation
Timeline
Benefits Specialist/Leave of Absence Specialist
Merakey
04.2023 - Current
Human Resource Generalist
Virginia Oncology Associates
08.2020 - 05.2023
HR Specialist/ Office Assistant
Foot Centre for Foot and Ankle Care
01.2018 - 08.2020
Insurance Customer Service Representative
GEICO
01.2017 - 01.2018
Patient Satisfaction Supervisor
Patient First
01.2016 - 12.2016
Bachelor of Arts - FASHION MERCHANDISING
Virginia Commonwealth University
HRCI Certification
GENERAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATE -
J Sargeant Reynolds
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