Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Federalexperience
Clearance
Citizenship
Timeline
Generic
SARA CARLSON

SARA CARLSON

West Monroe,LA

Summary

Highly accomplished Specialist with a proven track record of improving operations and solving complex problems. Skilled in establishing and nurturing strong relationships with key decision makers, customers, and team members to drive the achievement of agency goals. Goal-oriented Specialist with 22 years of experience in administrative and HR support. Demonstrates strong financial acumen and a successful track record in analyzing agency needs to develop long-term solutions aligned with personnel objectives. Committed to creating and implementing effective strategies to enhance organizational efficiency, utilizing data analysis to provide valuable insights into HR initiatives. Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, dedicated to pursuing best practices in employee development and retention. Expert in employee recruitment, training, and payroll management. Known for building and maintaining positive relationships with employees and management while ensuring strict adherence to relevant laws and regulations.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Human Resources Program Support Specialist

Department of Navy, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
2022.10 - Current
  • Optimized budget management by closely monitoring expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
  • Provided ongoing support during the transition from one software platform to another, minimizing disruptions to daily operations.
  • Assisted in the development and implementation of training materials for new employees, improving onboarding efficiency.
  • Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in the face of changing program requirements, successfully navigating shifts in priorities while maintaining a high level of performance.
  • Created documents, reports, and spreadsheets detailing program information.
  • Provided timely and accurate progress reports to stakeholders, facilitating effective decision making.
  • Communicated clearly with stakeholders by written and digital correspondence.
  • Maintained personnel records and statistical data to establish accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Managed benefits administration for agency-wide staff, ensuring timely processing and accurate recordkeeping.
  • Conducted routine HR audits to ensure data accuracy in personnel files, payroll records, and benefit enrollments.
  • Administered employee leave requests in accordance with FMLA guidelines, maintaining compliance with regulations while providing necessary accommodations for staff members.
  • 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.
  • Monitored employee attendance and performance, addressing issues in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Assisted employees in resolving conflicts through mediation services, leading to improved working relationships among team members.
  • Reduced turnover rates by conducting thorough exit interviews and addressing employees'' concerns.
  • Collaborated with managers to identify and address employee relations issues.
  • Created and delivered HR training sessions to staff, managers and executives.
  • Administered employee benefits programs and assisted with open enrollment.
  • Planned, monitored and appraised employee work results by training managers to coach and discipline employees.

Administrative Officer

Department of Navy, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
2020.12 - Current
  • Overseeing all financial management, human resources, and procurement processes
  • Routinely informed senior staff regarding any potential issues with administration or personnel management
  • Developed and executed new and/or improved guidelines, work procedures, and general operations, directly impacting processing and distributing information effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Maintained accurate records, ensuring timely processing of invoices, payments, and financial reports.
  • Managed files and records and adhered to safety procedures to prevent breaches and data misuse.
  • Contributed to successful projects by providing essential administrative support and resource management.
  • Improved communication within the organization through regular updates on policies, procedures, and key events.
  • Supervised and guided new employees and responded quickly to questions to improve understanding of job responsibilities.
  • Created, prepared, and delivered reports to various departments.
  • Provided exceptional support to the executive team by managing schedules, coordinating travel plans, and organizing meetings.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration by acting as a liaison between departments for task coordination and information sharing.
  • Managed department budgets and generated financial reports for management review.
  • Streamlined office operations by effectively monitoring and addressing client correspondence and data communications.

Program Director

REM-North Dakota
2020.01 - 2020.06
  • Overseeing the operations of various programs such as organizing and implementing direct supports, person-centered planning, health care, advocacy, stakeholder relations, regulatory compliance, staffing, training, financial management, and maintenance of the physical environment.
  • Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
  • Recruited and trained staff and volunteers to upgrade collective team skills.
  • Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with various teams to uncover issues, identify applicable solutions, and offer guidance.
  • Designed customized training programs to enhance staff knowledge and skills in key areas of responsibility.
  • Delivered outstanding program results by setting clear objectives and proactively addressing potential challenges.
  • Monitored program performance to identify areas for improvement.

Mission Support Specialist

DHS/Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
2019.01 - 2019.06
  • Provided technical and advisory services to CBP management
  • Strengthened the department's ability to perform homeland security functions through scrutiny and refinement of existing work methods
  • Developed and implemented new processes and procedures
  • Applied a wide range of administrative programs, human resources concepts, laws, policies, practices, and analytical approaches to address and resolve technical issues.
  • Provided expert guidance in the development of new mission strategies, leveraging extensive knowledge of global trends and emerging issues.

Executive Assistant

DHS/Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
2016.10 - 2019.02
  • Operated as Executive Assistant to the Federal Security Director, independently carrying out special assignments, often confidential in nature, and requiring comprehensive knowledge of organizational missions
  • Presented collaborative capabilities in cooperation with other departments, administrative offices, and federal agencies to gather information, complete assignments, and accomplish objectives.
  • Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
  • Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
  • Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
  • Managed office inventory, tracking supplies and placing orders to ensure smooth daily operations.
  • Supported executives in decision-making processes by conducting research and presenting findings in clear formats.
  • Prepared and edited presentations on behalf of executives for both internal meetings and external conferences.

Education

Master of Science - Human Resources Management

Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
03.2024

Master of Science - Human Relations & Organizational Management

Champlain College
Burlington, VT
01.2019

Bachelor’s Degree - Emergency & Disaster Management

American Military University
Charles Town, WV
01.2013

Skills

  • Recordkeeping requirements
  • Benefits Administration
  • Payroll Administration
  • HR policies and procedures
  • Training and mentoring
  • Training development
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Pre-Employment Screening
  • Employee Relations
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Employee Onboarding
  • Employee Retention
  • Performance Management
  • Employee Surveys
  • Human Resources Management Systems
  • Termination Documentation
  • Work Complaint Handling
  • Recruitment Management
  • Customer Relations
  • HR analytics
  • Employee Recognition Programs
  • Exit Interviews

Federalexperience

Yes

Clearance

Top Secret

Citizenship

US Citizen

Timeline

Human Resources Program Support Specialist

Department of Navy, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
2022.10 - Current

Administrative Officer

Department of Navy, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
2020.12 - Current

Program Director

REM-North Dakota
2020.01 - 2020.06

Mission Support Specialist

DHS/Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
2019.01 - 2019.06

Executive Assistant

DHS/Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
2016.10 - 2019.02

Master of Science - Human Resources Management

Southern New Hampshire University

Master of Science - Human Relations & Organizational Management

Champlain College

Bachelor’s Degree - Emergency & Disaster Management

American Military University
SARA CARLSON