Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Sonja Francis

Houston,TX

Summary

Skilled professional focused on offering expertise in administration, accounting and budgeting operations, project planning, management, and process improvement skills. Adept at quickly learning new processes for driving success. Proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects and cultivating rapport with individuals to optimize project goals and resolve complex problems. Possess excellent time management, organizational and customer service skills.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Healthcare Facility Specialist, GS-12, FT, 40hrs/w

Dept Of Veterans Affairs
04.2022 - Current
  • Work independently and act as a consultant to administrative and clinical service staff and management with the expectation to recognize the needs of a project or contract with the authority to act on own initiative to meet these needs
  • Responsible for facility planning, strategic planning, space allocation at the macro level, and therefore represents the executive leadership in its dealings with the rest of the organization
  • Serve as the resource and POC for time and attendance management for the department, managing necessary actions for set-up and changes to employee profiles
  • Train new purchase card holders in the department and responsible for establishing their credit lines in all systems
  • Reporting to senior leadership on status of projects and space changes that impact operations in the facility
  • Spearhead efficiency improvements to improve processes and create standardized operating procedures
  • Utilize various software and hardware, including word processing, spreadsheets, Vista/DHCP, HRSmart, computer-aided design systems such as AutoCAD, and associated printers, plotters, copiers, and CPU’s
  • Responsible for designing areas to align with facility priorities, managing and leading all facility activations (clinical and non-clinical), planning all moves/relocations for the entire facility, designing, and maintaining facility interiors, and assisting with construction project formulation and support
  • Analyze problems in detail and present both written and oral recommendations, taking into full consideration the wide range of issues that affect the management of the health care delivery system
  • Utilize benchmarks, statistics, actuarial projections, and other financial data to make assessments
  • Effectively communicate to internal and external stakeholders on project/activation status, conducting coordination and regular progress review meetings and submitting appropriate written progress reports
  • Managing space, occupancy planning and documentation for all MEDVAMC sites
  • Directly support management decisions and directly support management collective bargaining teams in decisions that affect bargaining unit employees, and which result in a change in working conditions
  • Manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to facilitate moves/relocations and activations for construction projects and coordination with Interior Designers to successfully implement other renovations for all MEDVAMC sites
  • Assist with the implementation of the MEDVAMC’s strategic capital investment program (SCIP) budget and provide support to develop, submit, and communicate capital projects (new construction and leases) and applications to VISN 16 and VACO
  • Review and validate timecards.
  • Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
  • Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication and attentive service.
  • Interpreted clients' needs and introduced services to fit specific requirements.

Acting Facility Planner/Supervisory HSS (-13, TEMP, 40

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
06.2023 - 01.2024
  • Direct and coordinate administrative, operational, and planning activities for local, VISN and national initiatives that support facility program functions
  • Directly supervise and oversee the day-to-day operations of Interior Design, Activations, Leasing and Facility Planning Sections
  • Serve as the Chair of the Medical Center Space Advisory Committee
  • Fund Control Point official for over 10 FCP’s and approving official for purchase cards
  • Oversee and manage $4M supply budget and $20M leasing budget, researching outstanding obligations, and needed accounting actions
  • Regularly report to senior leadership on the status of leases, projects, and budget items
  • Lead multiple work groups and work collaboratively with all services and care lines for the planning and coordination of efforts from various stakeholders
  • Set priorities, resolve conflicts as they arise, and coordinate work with others
  • Develop mutually acceptable project plans which typically include identification of the work to be done, the scope of the project, and deadlines for its completion
  • Provide technical expertise and completion of projects in the field of health care planning, capital asset planning, community-based outpatient clinic planning, long term care planning and strategic management planning
  • Determine where services must expand or be reduced to meet veteran needs in a timely manner and to ensure that the facility budget is used effectively
  • Provide assistance in information management, revenue, budget, workload, quality improvement, and performance measures aspects of the MEDVAMC
  • Serve as facility representative on related Network committees and task forces
  • Collaborate with other internal project managers within facility and agency offices to ensure every project follows the strategic direction and meets the major milestones
  • Responsible for recruitment packages as part of the hiring and staffing process
  • Consult with hiring managers or selecting officials.

INterior designer (GS-11, ft, 40 hrs/wk)

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
04.2018 - 04.2022
  • Work with installation companies to plan and coordinate changes in resources needed to handle workload to meet deadlines and maintain a smooth workflow
  • Collect and analyze user requirements, budget, and furnishings availability to develop cost estimates to cover projects
  • Responsible for conducting through market research and cost/benefit evaluations to assist with the submittal of complete and accurate procurement package that comply with VA regulations, federal guidelines, as well as Medical Center criteria
  • Serve as Contracting Officer Representative (COR) between the contractor and the Contracting Officer (CO) by monitoring the contractor’s performance and delivery of the final product and/or services under the contract
  • Purchase card holder and responsible for purchasing, researching, and reconciling transactions
  • Visit buildings and construction sites to obtain information on the conditions of interior and take measurements of existing interiors
  • Serve as active member of the facility’s HAI Task Force and EOC committees
  • Direct and review work of contractor to ensure completeness and accuracy
  • Act as a consultant for coordination of projects assigned, priorities, identification of needs, resolution of problem areas and other matters to assure accuracy in implementing procedures and compliance with ADA regulations
  • Analyze processes for improving department effectiveness and efficient use of resources
  • Investigate and validate documents provided from end users that are needed for the initial request or final evaluation for interior design services
  • Responsible for the disposition of new, excess, replacement, and damaged furnishings throughout the facility, coordinate the pick-up and delivery of such items and maintain records on delivery and storage
  • Responsible for preparing and compiling data for reports within department
  • Prepare necessary visual aids, such as architectural drawings, renderings, color boards, and physical models for presentation of projects
  • Prepare floor plans, furnishings, and accessory selections
  • Analyze user requirements and the availability of furnishings to satisfy need
  • Review construction drawings, including lighting plans, reflected ceiling plans, finish, door and hardware schedules, telephone and electrical specifications and plans, furniture specification and plans, architectural detailing, details, and millwork and coordinate color and finishes for all spaces
  • Review and validate timecards.

INTERIOR DESIGNER ASSISTANT (GS-07, FT, 40 HRS/WK)

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
03.2015 - 04.2018
  • Utilized, managed, and reconciled transactions initiated by use of government-issued purchase card and Form 90-2237
  • Received, examined, and analyzed financial documents for validity, completeness, and correctness of accounting data to reconcile discrepancies or inconsistencies
  • Procured and supervised fabrication and placement of interior/exterior signs and furnishings
  • Prepared and maintained records for all credit card transactions and 2237’s submitted to procure a variety of supplies, furniture, and services
  • Compiled all furnishings requests into reports and managed distribution of all requests to assigned designers
  • Assisted on all new construction projects and developed/maintained a comprehensive interior design plan for MEDVAMC site to include wall, floor and window treatments and directional signage requirements
  • Maintained office documents and blueprints as well as furniture and drapery brochures, update on an ongoing basis, a resource library of samples
  • Served as main point of contact for contractors to ensure interior design work performed comply with terms, policies, and guidelines
  • Assisted designers in preparing preliminary space plans for proposed projects, including detailed specifications, to evaluate alternatives
  • Developed cost estimates to cover furnishings required for projects included in budget submissions
  • Review and validate timecards.

Budget and financial tech (gs-06, ft, 40 hrs/wk)

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
06.2013 - 03.2015
  • Used the IFCAP procurement system for supply order processing for four clinical sections in DTCL (Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care Line)
  • Utilized, managed, and reconciled transactions initiated by use of government-issued purchase card and Form 90-2237
  • Assisted with care line overtime tracking, fund control point utilization and other fiscal projects as assigned
  • Received and reviewed invoices, purchase orders, contracts, and other documents for accuracy of information, identify and resolve discrepancies and certify payment from all DTCL control points, assuring compliance with terms
  • Maintained a record on submission of all purchase card transactions and requests so that required actions are completed within established time limits
  • Provided DTCL supervisory staff with justification and requirements for additional funding when it is necessary to extend financial obligations beyond original funding due to unexpected workload or unforeseen price and procedural changes
  • Received, examined, and analyzed financial documents for validity, completeness, and correctness of accounting data to reconcile discrepancies or inconsistencies.

Education

FAC-COR Level II, Recertification -

Defense Acquisition University
04.2024

Report of Survey Training -

Talent Management System
Houston
04.2024

Introduction to GovTA-Timekeeper Training -

Talent Management System
Houston
02.2024

GSA SmartPay Purchase card training for cardholders -

Talent Management System
Houston
01.2024

Unauthorized commitments Training (UAC) -

Talent Management System
Houston
12.2023

VA Online Purchase Card Training -

Talent Management System
Houston
05.2023

Associate in accounting -

SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE
HINESVILLE, GA
10.2001

hs dIPLOMA -

KASHMERE SENIOR HIGH School
HOUSTON, TX
06.1990

Skills

  • Process Improvement
  • Organization & Prioritization
  • Financial Management
  • Adobe Acrobat (Pro)
  • Project Planning and Management
  • Accounting & Budgeting Operations
  • Process Control
  • Written Skills
  • Timekeeper
  • Administrative & Management
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
  • Contracting Officer Representative (COR – Level II)
  • Analytic Skills
  • Information Management
  • Compliance
  • Government Purchase Card
  • Resource Allocation
  • Quality Assurance
  • Customer Relations
  • Documentation Management
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Decision-Making
  • Effective Communication
  • Logistics Coordination

References

  • Lara Horvith, Department of Veterans Affairs, Facility & Strategic Planner, 713-703-0939, Supervisor
  • Charles Miles, Dept of Veterans Affairs, Retired Vocational Rehab Specialist, 713-502-2002, Personal/Professional
  • Sonja White, Dept of Veterans Affairs, Nurse Executive, 713-794-4718, Professional
  • Charles Jones, Dept of Veterans Affairs, Imaging Program Administrator, 713-202-1222, Professional

Timeline

Acting Facility Planner/Supervisory HSS (-13, TEMP, 40

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
06.2023 - 01.2024

Healthcare Facility Specialist, GS-12, FT, 40hrs/w

Dept Of Veterans Affairs
04.2022 - Current

INterior designer (GS-11, ft, 40 hrs/wk)

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
04.2018 - 04.2022

INTERIOR DESIGNER ASSISTANT (GS-07, FT, 40 HRS/WK)

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
03.2015 - 04.2018

Budget and financial tech (gs-06, ft, 40 hrs/wk)

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
06.2013 - 03.2015

FAC-COR Level II, Recertification -

Defense Acquisition University

Report of Survey Training -

Talent Management System

Introduction to GovTA-Timekeeper Training -

Talent Management System

GSA SmartPay Purchase card training for cardholders -

Talent Management System

Unauthorized commitments Training (UAC) -

Talent Management System

VA Online Purchase Card Training -

Talent Management System

Associate in accounting -

SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE

hs dIPLOMA -

KASHMERE SENIOR HIGH School
Sonja Francis