Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Licensure
Special Training
Credentials
Board Experience
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Sandra Raymond Hoffman

Summary

Currently licensed as an alcohol and drug counselor (LADC), holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Vermont, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Trinity College. Extensive training in continuous quality improvement and LEAN principles. Ensures adherence to federal and state compliance requirements. Successfully completed the Vermont Leadership Institute through the Snelling Center and is a Vermont Certified Public Manager.


Experienced with regulatory compliance, public administration, and policy implementation. Utilizes strategic planning to enhance operational efficiency and public service delivery. Track record of fostering strong relationships with partners and driving impactful initiatives.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Deputy Commissioner

Department of Vermont Health Access
01.2020 - Current
  • Works as part of a team within the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) to implement, operate, and manage Vermont's publicly funded health insurance programs.
  • Oversees components directly or through third party administrative contracts.
  • Works with insurers, providers, administrators, personnel from other state agencies and members on implementation, monitoring, maintenance, and reporting of benefits, delivery and quality assurance standards.
  • Coordinates activities with federal agencies and in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
  • Is responsible for and supervises both medical, behavioral clinical and administrative staff managing clinical services as well as the data team, oversight and monitoring and compliance activities.
  • Coordination, and consultative work at a professional level for DVHA involving direction of quality assurance and quality improvement, utilization management, and coordination of activities with other departments within state and federal government as well as with other health insurers, advocates, other interested parties, and health care delivery systems.
  • Duties include program development, contract negotiation, ongoing operation, compliance, reporting, and management of health care resources.
  • Leads the Department's clinical services work, inclusive of the clinical operations, clinical integrity, and pharmacy services.
  • Responsible for supervision of the Risk and Quality Improvement, Data, Compliance, and Oversight and Monitoring teams and the Special Investigations Unit.
  • Establishes priorities, ensures compliance, and targets fraud, waste, and abuse.
  • The more than 20 years of direct care experience specializing in early childhood trauma, adolescent development, substance use disorder, mental health and well-being, etc. has led to a commitment to integrated care as well as ensuring that collaboration and coordination are at the core of the Department's clinical response to member and provider needs.
  • All functions are performed with adherence to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strength-based relationships and results orientation.

Consultant

Balancing Life's Issues
01.2014 - Current
  • Provides support and training to teams on a variety of topics ranging from understanding mental health to lightening your life with laughter.
  • Requires extensive knowledge, experience and excellent presentation skills.

Clinical Chief

Department of Vermont Health Access
01.2019 - 01.2020
  • Leadership position established to create and oversee a multidisciplinary clinical team that includes Clinical Operations Unit, Pharmacy Unit and the Quality Improvement and Clinical Integrity Unit.
  • This merged group forms the Clinical Services Team (CST).
  • Through the merge, processes have been standardized, professionalized, and aligned to produce better outcomes for Medicaid members and ensure fiscal responsibility.
  • The CST is guided by the principles of providing integrated physical and mental health care; defining clinical priorities; leveraging centralized information technology; identifying and closing systemic gaps in care; and reducing redundancy.
  • Business operations decisions are data driven, tracked, and monitored.
  • The Clinical Chief is accountable for oversight and monitoring of the clinical units responsible for Medicaid clinical services for inpatient medical, inpatient psychiatric, hospital, professional medical, pharmaceuticals, biologics, procedures, laboratory, durable medical equipment, and private non-medical institutions.
  • The units monitor the quality, appropriateness and efficacy of healthcare services provided to Medicaid members.
  • This includes developing clinical guidelines, policies, regulations, and evaluation of Medicaid costs and healthcare performance rates.
  • The Clinical Chief often acts as a liaison to other Departments and represents DVHA with external partners and stakeholders.
  • The position supervises clinical and administrative staff.

Director, Quality Improvement and Clinical Integrity

Department of Vermont Health Access
01.2016 - 01.2019
  • Managerial position involving direction of quality assurance and quality improvement, utilization management, and coordination of activities with other departments within state and federal government.
  • Consultation and involvement with other health insurers, providers, advocates, other stakeholders and healthcare delivery systems.
  • Duties include program development, contract negotiation, ongoing operation, compliance, reporting and management of healthcare resources.
  • Supervision is exercised over clinical and administrative staff.

Manager, Quality Improvement and Clinical Integrity

Department of Vermont Health Access
01.2015 - 01.2016
  • Supervisory position responsible for clinical, administrative, and evaluative work for the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA).
  • Responsible for managing a team of five Concurrent Review Care Managers performing behavioral health concurrent review and involved in the coordination of substance abuse system payments and case management.
  • This position is responsible for ensuring adherence to federal guidelines, department policies and procedures, and identified clinical criteria.
  • In order to provide appropriate guidance, there must be an interpretation of guidelines, dissemination of information, education, and ongoing supervision.
  • Also responsible for co management of the Medical Record Review.
  • This role includes the development and maintenance of a project work plan, development and delivery of training materials to a team of ten clinical staff, assuring compliance with CMS protocols for hybrid chart reviews, completing reports, developing and management of inter rater reliability procedures, and oversight and support of clinical staff performing the review.
  • The Manager of QI & CI is also responsible for clinical oversight of the Teamcare program.
  • This position requires extensive collaboration with other AHS departments, providers, state agencies, and other stakeholders.

Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance Specialist (PEQAS)

Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center
01.2011 - 01.2015
  • Administrative position requiring the development, coordination, and evaluation of programming services in a residential treatment facility.
  • Responsible for the development and maintenance of systemic evaluation processes to monitor programming, measure outcomes, and ensure adherence to laws, accrediting organizations standards, regulating authorities, and Agency of Human Services and Family Services Division policies.
  • The PEQAS is intricately involved in policy development and revision.
  • Significantly involved in the development and quality assurance of mental health services at Vermont's only locked facility for youths adjudicated delinquent.
  • Responsible for researching current standards (Statutory, Center for Medicaid Services, Prison Rape Elimination Act, Residential Licensing and Investigations, etc.) and implementing programming, developing procedures, and monitoring compliance to meet those standards.
  • Stakeholders are identified and involved when appropriate.
  • Also responsible for data management, analysis, and reporting.
  • Duties also include conducting internal investigations when assigned, writing reports and making recommendations when appropriate.
  • Responsible for monitoring contracts and providing supervision to full time employees.
  • Develops and delivers staff training curriculum as well as providing on-going consultation.
  • The PEQAS is responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of quality improvement plans.

Acting Team Supervisor

Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center
01.2003 - 01.2011
  • The Team Supervisor is responsible for supervising the work of assigned staff, interns, volunteers, and residents.
  • The Supervisor provides constant evaluation of employee performance, writes evaluations and provides feedback as necessary to ensure adherence to the standards regarding the continuum of care and best practices.
  • The Team Supervisor is also responsible for ensuring employees receive the appropriate training to perform assigned duties.
  • Documenting and investigating unusual incidents and/or complaints.
  • The Supervisor sits on a multi-disciplinary team tasked with providing or ensuring provision of services to residents.
  • Participates in Case team meetings and delivers Counseling services as appropriate.
  • Also performs tasks outlined in Youth Counselor position.

Youth Counselor

Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center
01.1997 - 01.2003
  • Position requires counseling, crisis intervention, and assessment work at a professional level.
  • Involves providing direct care services to at-risk population.
  • Duties include development and implementation of treatment and intervention strategies, maintenance of security, and modeling appropriate behavior.
  • The Counselor is also responsible for instructing residents in personal hygiene, appropriate social interactions, and control of aggressive behavior.
  • Supervises residents on outings and activities in the community.
  • Supervises family visits and may provide informal counseling to family members.
  • Also entails working directly with youths and social workers to ascertain needs, select appropriate programming and encourage participation.

Social Work Intern

Fletcher Allen Health Care
01.2001 - 01.2002
  • Interned in the Utilization Review Department, monitored ongoing programs and worked with a team to improve services.
  • Also worked in the Service Coordination Department responsible for case management.
  • While working in Service Coordination I participated in the development of new and innovative programming for pregnant women addicted to heroin.

Social Work Intern

Vermont Catholic Charities
01.2000 - 01.2001
  • The internship required the performance of counseling services offered by Vermont Catholic Charities, Inc., these included individual, marriage, and family.
  • Other services performed included school social work and community outreach.

Correctional Officer II

Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility
01.1996 - 01.1997
  • Responsibilities include all duties described below for Correctional Officer I, also responsible for running a unit that includes supervision of approximately eight employees and fifty residents.
  • Supervision includes: evaluating employees, conducting investigations, exploring grievances, and offering crisis intervention.
  • The COII officer also runs discipline hearings and issues sanctions.

Correctional Officer I

Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility
01.1994 - 01.1997
  • Duties include supervision, custody, treatment and training of incarcerated individuals.
  • Involves the use of interpersonal communication skills to determine potential inmate problems, communicating information through the chain of command, controlling disruptive behavior, monitoring visits, security maintenance, and supervision of inmates in the community.

Victims Advocate

Battered Women Services
01.1991 - 01.1994
  • Responsible for providing crisis support to individuals and families involved in domestic violence situations.
  • May entail immediate assessment of dangerous situation, providing emotional support through 24 hour a day hotline, furnishing pertinent legal information to victims, educating victims about available social services, accompanying victims to court, police stations, hospitals, safe homes, shelters, or other appropriate locations.
  • Also involved in initiating the development of (and mandatory placement of) batterers in an educational program.
  • Vice President on the Board of Directors
  • Responsible for extensive revisions of policy and procedures.
  • Instrumental in the merge with sister organization.
  • Pursued funding through community forums and legislative testimony.
  • Reported out on programming to stakeholders.

Education

Master of Social Work - Children and Families

University of Vermont
Burlington, VT
01.2002

Bachelor's Degree - Sociology/Criminal Justice

Trinity College of Vermont
Burlington, VT
01.1999

Paralegal Degree - Domestic Relations

Woodbury College
Montpelier, VT
01.1991

Skills

  • Organizational and strategic leadership
  • Human resources
  • Innovation
  • Government relations
  • Partnership building/Teamwork and collaboration
  • Customer service
  • Risk assessment
  • Continuous improvement
  • Excellent communication
  • Critical thinking/Decision-making

Accomplishments

  • Led team of 70+ staff members including clinical, compliance, quality and administrative professionals.
  • Worked with team to implement innovative programming and alternative payment models.
  • Improved overall compliance with development of agency wide risk assessment team.
  • Established multi-unit interdisciplinary team to address clinical, reimbursement, and policy issues.
  • Established evaluation and quality assurance program for rehabilitation facility which led to accreditation and government funding.

Licensure

  • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor - 2006- present



Special Training

  • Vermont Leadership Institute
  • Change Leadership Academy
  • AHS Leadership Academy
  • Supervision in State Government
  • Continuous Quality Improvement Academy
  • Vicarious Trauma
  • Extensive Ethics training
  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Motivational Enhancement Therapy
  • Dialogue Education Learning to Listen, Learning to Teach
  • Say It Straight
  • National Symposium on Juvenile Services
  • Early Intervention- Bullying Prevention
  • Restorative Justice- It's Not Just Holding Hands
  • Developing Trauma Informed Self-Care Plans for Juvenile Justice Staff
  • Working with Difficult Personalities
  • Effective Communication and Leadership
  • Mindfulness Tools for Life
  • The Importance of Play
  • Unlocking Suicidal Secrets
  • Summit on Sexual Violence
  • Affect Regulation, Attachment and Trauma
  • All the Rage: Helping Adolescent Girls in Crisis
  • Restoring Connections: Improving Care for Children and Families Impacted by Trauma
  • Laugh Therapy
  • Elder Substance Abuse and Misuse
  • Kripalu Healthy Living Immersion Program
  • N.A.P.P.I. (Non-Abusive Physical and Psychological Intervention)

Credentials

  • MSW
  • LADC
  • VCPM

Board Experience

  • Essex CHIPS, Vice President
  • Essex Chargers, Vice President
  • Essex Boosters, Board Member
  • Battered Women Services of Vermont

Certification


  • Vermont Certified Public Manager, George C. Askew Award recipient - 2020
  • Vermont Leadership Institute - 2024
  • Women's Mental Health Specialist - 2025

Timeline

Deputy Commissioner

Department of Vermont Health Access
01.2020 - Current

Clinical Chief

Department of Vermont Health Access
01.2019 - 01.2020

Director, Quality Improvement and Clinical Integrity

Department of Vermont Health Access
01.2016 - 01.2019

Manager, Quality Improvement and Clinical Integrity

Department of Vermont Health Access
01.2015 - 01.2016

Consultant

Balancing Life's Issues
01.2014 - Current

Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance Specialist (PEQAS)

Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center
01.2011 - 01.2015

Acting Team Supervisor

Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center
01.2003 - 01.2011

Social Work Intern

Fletcher Allen Health Care
01.2001 - 01.2002

Social Work Intern

Vermont Catholic Charities
01.2000 - 01.2001

Youth Counselor

Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center
01.1997 - 01.2003

Correctional Officer II

Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility
01.1996 - 01.1997

Correctional Officer I

Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility
01.1994 - 01.1997

Victims Advocate

Battered Women Services
01.1991 - 01.1994

Bachelor's Degree - Sociology/Criminal Justice

Trinity College of Vermont

Paralegal Degree - Domestic Relations

Woodbury College

Master of Social Work - Children and Families

University of Vermont

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