Rachel Salazar
Austin,Texas
Summary
Detail-oriented government and healthcare professional with experience in licensing, regulatory compliance, Medicaid/CHIP programs, and public-sector service delivery. Skilled in interpreting policies and regulations, processing high-volume applications, managing sensitive data, and navigating multiple technology platforms. Proven ability to prioritize competing workloads, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in fast-paced environments. Strong communicator committed to providing effective service, maintaining compliance, and continuously improving processes and outcomes.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
License and Permit Specialist II
Texas Nursing Borad
Austin, Texas
01.2025 - Current
- Process standard nurse licensure applications for renewal, endorsement, and examination in accordance with established regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Conduct standard-level reviews of Credential Evaluation Service (CES) reports to support accurate and timely licensure determinations.
- Responded to high-volume inquiries and correspondence, ensuring clear and accurate interpretation of licensing requirements, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to facilitate informed decision-making.
- Maintain efficient workflow to meet established performance measures, deadlines, and productivity standards.
- Compile, verify, and enter data into online databases and systems to support accurate records, summaries, reports, and regulatory documentation.
- Monitor assigned workloads and deadlines, proactively identifying potential delays and implementing alternative plans or notifying supervisors as appropriate.
- Oversaw high volumes of licensing inquiries to maintain efficient communication and processing. of regulatory correspondence and email inquiries, maintaining accurate and timely updates to licensing databases and applicant records to support efficient processing.
- Executed special projects to enhance operational efficiency and maintain accuracy in records. and assignments while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail across multiple applications, files, and inquiries.
- Perform detailed, repetitive, and time-sensitive tasks involving the review, organization, and maintenance of licensing files and records.
- Communicated and interpreted licensing policies to applicants and staff to enhance understanding and compliance. licensing policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to applicants, staff, and public, enhancing understanding and compliance.
- Assisted with onboarding and training new team members.
911 Telecommunications Operator
City Of Kyle
Kyle, Texas
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Received and processed emergency and non-emergency calls from the public requesting police services, gathering critical information and accurately assessing caller needs.
- Coordinated information across multiple radio channels between dispatch personnel, officers, and public safety resources to ensure timely response to incidents.
- Provided callers with basic safety and safeguard instructions during dangerous or emergency situations while awaiting the arrival of trained police personnel.
- Operated Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems to enter, update, track, and maintain accurate incident information and records.
- Applied knowledge of Police Emergency Communications Center operations and public safety protocols to enhance response effectiveness.
- Conducted TCIC/NCIC record validations in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Effectively managed multiple tasks and competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills when interacting with the public, law enforcement personnel, and other agencies.
- Applied sound judgment and conflict-resolution skills when handling challenging, uncertain, or high-stress situations.
- Utilized computers and specialized software applications to efficiently document, retrieve, verify, and communicate critical information.
Program Specialist III
Texas Health and Human Services
Austin, Texas
09.2021 - 08.2023
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Medicaid managed care, CHIP enrollment, Medicaid 1115 waivers, and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) programs.
- Applied knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and managed care programs.
- Analyzed complex data to identify trends, evaluate program activities, and develop effective solutions to operational challenges.
- Applied project management principles to plan, coordinate, monitor, and complete projects and program initiatives within established timelines and requirements.
- Evaluated processes and operational activities to identify improvement opportunities and recommend effective solutions.
- Collaborated effectively with program staff, leadership, stakeholders, and contracted entities to facilitate implementation of policies, processes, and program objectives.
- Coordinated with stakeholders, providing direction and oversight to contracted vendors, ensuring compliance with program requirements and performance expectations.
- Communicated effectively with internal and external stakeholders through professional written correspondence, reports, business memoranda, presentations, and verbal communications.
- Prepared clear, comprehensive reports, letters, memoranda, and other administrative and program-related documents for internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintained confidential and critical files, records, databases, and program documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established requirements.
- Operated and utilized multiple computer systems and specialized applications to efficiently enter, retrieve, verify, and maintain program information and records.
Admin IV
Texas Health Human Services
Austin, Texas
08.2019 - 09.2021
- Maintained, monitored, and performed accurate data entry in the Community Services Interest List (CSIL) and HHS Enterprise Administrative Report and Tracking System (HEART), ensuring information was current and complete.
- Managed a high-volume toll-free intake line, responding to interest list inquiries, providing accurate information, and routing calls to appropriate organizational areas.
- Coordinated interest list releases by processing notifications, tracking responses, and conducting follow-up contacts to ensure timely assistance for individuals.
- Conducted interest list contacts and maintained accurate correspondence by researching and verifying addresses and resolving undeliverable mail using the Service Authorization System (SAS) and Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System (TIERS).
- Applied extensive knowledge of Medicaid and CHIP programs, policies, procedures, and eligibility-related processes to assist individuals and support accurate service coordination.
- Leveraged knowledge of community resources and services for elderly individuals and persons with disabilities to deliver accurate information and referrals.
- Explained complex program information, policies, and procedures in a clear, professional, and understandable manner to individuals with varying levels of familiarity with healthcare and social service programs.
- Entered and retrieved information accurately from automated systems while simultaneously managing telephone interactions and responding to customer needs.
- Conducted detailed research using multiple systems and information sources to locate, verify, and reconcile individual and program information.
- Prepared detailed reports on research findings, activities, and outcomes, ensuring accuracy and comprehensive documentation.
- Managed multiple priorities, deadlines, telephone inquiries, documentation requirements, and database activities in a fast-paced administrative environment.
Texas Work Advisor II
Texas Health Human Services
Austin, Texas
06.2018 - 08.2019
- Conducted interviews with applicants and recipients in person and via phone to gather and verify financial, personal, and household information for eligibility determinations.
- Reviewed, evaluated, and verified information from multiple electronic and manual sources to determine program eligibility and ensure the accuracy and completeness of case records.
- Calculated, authorized, and processed benefits in accordance with program eligibility criteria, state and federal regulations, and agency policies.
- Provided professional, timely, and customer-focused service to applicants and recipients, addressing inquiries, resolving concerns, and explaining public assistance programs, policies, and procedures.
- Applied strong attention to detail when reviewing sensitive financial and personal information and making eligibility-related determinations.
- Entered and updated applicant and recipient information accurately in computer-based eligibility systems while adhering to established procedures and performance standards.
- Managed multiple cases, customer interactions, and competing priorities while meeting established deadlines, productivity requirements, and quality standards.
Data Entry III
Department of State Health Services
Austin, Texas
04.2015 - 08.2016
- Performed complex and high-volume data entry for multiple public health programs, including Texas Health Steps, Newborn Screening, and Microbiological programs, ensuring accurate and timely processing of sensitive information.
- Reviewed and validated documents and records for accuracy and clarity, ensuring compliance with quality standards.
- Maintained confidentiality and exercised discretion when handling sensitive public health, laboratory, and patient-related information.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail while managing multiple assignments and data entry tasks concurrently.
- Handled escalated, sensitive, and challenging telephone inquiries with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment while working to resolve concerns effectively.
- Maintained outbound call reports, ensuring accurate documentation and timely follow-up on communications to support operational efficiency.
- Supported the Laboratory Reporting group by managing high-volume incoming and outgoing calls and providing administrative support in a fast-paced office environment.
- Communicated regularly with physicians’ offices, healthcare providers, and clinics throughout Texas regarding medical test results and related documentation.
- Coordinated the timely transmission and delivery of laboratory test results and supporting documentation through fax and other authorized communication channels.
Education
GED -
Austin Community College
Austin, TXSkills
- Professional Licensure & Credential Processing
- Regulatory Compliance & Policy Interpretation
- Credential Evaluation & Verification
- Medicaid, Medicare & CHIP Programs
- Healthcare & Public Assistance Programs
- Eligibility Determination & Benefits Administration
- Case Management & Records Management
- Regulatory Research & Policy Analysis
- Program Analysis & Project Management
- Quality Assurance & Data Accuracy
- Stakeholder & Vendor Coordination
- Written communication
- Confidential Records & Information Management
- Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) Systems
- TCIC/NCIC Systems & Records Validation
- HHS Enterprise Systems & Automated Eligibility Systems
- Team Collaboration, Training & Staff Support
Timeline
License and Permit Specialist II
Texas Nursing Borad
01.2025 - Current
911 Telecommunications Operator
City Of Kyle
08.2023 - 12.2023
Program Specialist III
Texas Health and Human Services
09.2021 - 08.2023
Admin IV
Texas Health Human Services
08.2019 - 09.2021
Texas Work Advisor II
Texas Health Human Services
06.2018 - 08.2019
Data Entry III
Department of State Health Services
04.2015 - 08.2016
GED -
Austin Community College