Shanika Ellis
VA
Summary
Proactive and versatile professional with a dedication to quickly adapting to new challenges. Strong problem solving abilities and a proven track record of fostering strong relationships with clients and team members. Focused on supporting team success and achieving positive results.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Benefit Programs Specialist
Lynchburg Human Services
, VA
11.2018 - Current
- Process Medicaid applications for Aged, Blind, and Disabled (LTSS) clients accurately and within mandated timelines.
- Evaluate Medicare eligibility and ensure coordination with Medicaid benefits.
- Ensure compliance with state guidelines for eligibility determination and documentation.
- Managed and organized referrals to ensure clients received necessary services efficiently. with internal staff and community service partners.
- Detected potential fraud cases related to misuse of benefits program funds, safeguarding program integrity.
- Maintained precise records of participant enrollment in benefits programs to ensure compliance and facilitate timely service delivery.
Benefit Programs Supervisor
Appomattox Department of Social Services
06.2018 - 12.2025
- Supervised team of specialists, ensuring compliance with state/federal regulations and maintaining high-quality service delivery.
- Foster a collaborative team environment to support problem-solving and continuous improvement.
- Analyze performance data to identify workflow improvements and reduce processing times.
- Facilitated recruitment and hiring processes; conducted annual performance evaluations with clear, actionable goals.
- Cultivated collaborative team environment to enhance problem-solving and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Benefit Programs Specialist III
Appomattox Department of Social Services
07.2016 - 05.2018
- Determined eligibility using state program guidelines and household documentation.
- Facilitated eligibility determinations while ensuring compliance with program guidelines.
- Interviewed clients for Appomattox Department of Social Services case assessments.
- Maintained confidential records in social services case files.
Benefit Programs Specialist II
Appomattox Department of Social Services
05.2014 - 06.2016
- Managed intake and ongoing case management for benefit programs, ensuring accurate client support.
- Conducted client interviews to gather application details for public assistance programs, facilitating program access.
- Processed applications for new or renewal of benefits programs.
- Reviewed case files for accuracy, completeness, and required supporting documentation.
- Resolved client questions regarding benefit options, notices, and program procedures.
- Administered processing of applications for new or renewal of benefits programs, maintaining compliance with program guidelines.
- Updated client records in human services systems and maintained confidential documentation.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure accuracy of information related to benefits programs.
Education
Amherst County High School
Amherst, VASkills
- Medicaid knowledge
- Medicare coordination
- Eligibility compliance
- Benefits Administration
- Policy interpretation
- Client Advocacy
- Case management coordination
- Data analysis
- Documentation reporting
- Time Management
- Resource coordination
- Training & Onboarding
- Leadership development
- Client interviewing
Certification
Notary Public – Commonwealth of Virginia (Expires January 31, 2028)
Volunteer Experience
- Meals on Wheels of Greater Lynchburg, Meal Delivery, 2015, 2019
- United Way of Central Virginia, Annual Day of Caring, 2006, 2012
- The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Program, Bell Ringer, 2012, 2018
- Appomattox Sheriff's Night Out, 2015, 2023
- Appomattox Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2022, 2023
Timeline
Benefit Programs Specialist
Lynchburg Human Services
11.2018 - Current
Benefit Programs Supervisor
Appomattox Department of Social Services
06.2018 - 12.2025
Benefit Programs Specialist III
Appomattox Department of Social Services
07.2016 - 05.2018
Benefit Programs Specialist II
Appomattox Department of Social Services
05.2014 - 06.2016
Amherst County High School