Tabatha Chambers
Riegelwood
Summary
Experienced Long-Term Care Medicaid professional with 25+ years in eligibility determination, policy interpretation, compliance monitoring, and staff development within North Carolina county DSS/DHHS agencies. Proven leader with extensive expertise in Medicaid for the Aged, Blind & Disabled (MAABD), Nursing Home Medicaid, Special Assistance, CAP, PACE. Recognized for strengthening quality assurance processes, improving case accuracy, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with state and federal Medicaid regulations.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Services Economic Caseworker Supervisor
New Hanover County Department of Health & Human Services
Wilmington
01.2023 - Current
- Supervise and coach a team of five Long-Term Care Medicaid and Special Assistance caseworkers.
- Provide technical guidance on complex eligibility cases involving institutional care, transfers of assets, and special budgeting scenarios.
- Conduct quality assurance reviews to ensure compliance with NC Medicaid policy and federal regulations.
- Monitor timeliness, accuracy, and regulatory documentation standards.
- Lead performance conferences, corrective action planning, and staff development initiatives.
- Collaborate with nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, CAP providers, and community partners to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Prepare reports and maintain detailed documentation to support agency accountability and audit readiness.
Human Services Economic Leadworker
New Hanover County Department of Health & Human Services
Wilmington
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Supervised nine Long-Term Care Medicaid and Special Assistance caseworkers in management's absence, ensuring continuity of operations.
- Conducted preliminary and secondary case reviews for both new and experienced staff to ensure policy compliance and quality standards.
- Functioned as subject matter expert on Medicaid eligibility policy and automated eligibility systems.
- Developed performance improvement plans and corrective training strategies to enhance staff compliance and service quality.
- Communicated policy updates and recommended targeted staff training based on trends and quality findings to address identified gaps.
- Contributed to agency-wide special projects and performance initiatives.
- Oversaw and organized vacant caseloads to ensure continuity of care.
Human Services Economic Caseworker - Zone 3 (LTC & ABD Medicaid)
New Hanover County Department of Social Services
Wilmington
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Determined initial and ongoing eligibility for Medicaid for the Aged, Blind & Disabled (private living and institutional cases).
- Coordinated LTC Medicaid cases, CAP, PACE, SA, and SAIH to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Verified income, assets, transfers, and financial documentation in accordance with state guidelines.
- Maintained comprehensive case records in automated eligibility systems to support accurate eligibility determinations.
- Supported fraud investigations and administrative hearings to uphold program integrity and accountability.
- Maintained performance standards during emergency and disaster response operations.
Human Services Economic Leadworker/Trainer
New Hanover County Department of Social Services
Wilmington
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Developed and delivered structured training curriculum for new caseworkers for Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled.
- Evaluated trainee casework for accuracy, policy adherence, and documentation compliance.
- Confirmed trainee compliance with agency standards before independent case assignment.
- Developed weekly and final performance evaluations to assess trainee progress and readiness.
- Designed and updated internal training materials and job aids to enhance training effectiveness.
Economic Services Caseworker III - LTC Medicaid
New Hanover County Department of Social Services
Wilmington
01.2005 - 01.2015
- Managed LTC Medicaid cases, including CAP, PACE, SA, and SAIH, ensuring compliance and proper service delivery.
- Reviewed income/resources and verified documentation to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and accurate eligibility determinations.
- Determined initial and ongoing eligibility for Medicaid for the Aged, Blind & Disabled (private living and institutional cases).
- Supported hearings and fraud-related investigations, contributing to program integrity and accountability.
Income Maintenance Caseworker II - Medicaid
Columbus County Department of Social Services
Whiteville
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Determined eligibility for Medicaid Aged, Blind & Disabled, ensuring accurate access to benefits for private living cases.
- Conducted interviews and verification, completing documentation and eligibility determinations to facilitate timely assistance.
- Assessed client eligibility for various income maintenance programs.
- Reviewed and maintained case files for accuracy and compliance.
- Processed applications for food assistance and Medicaid benefits.
Administrative Assistant III
Bladen County Department of Social Services
Elizabethtown
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Coordinated administrative and clerical support for Child Support Establishment & Enforcement to streamline operations.
- Managed scheduling and logistics for departmental meetings and community events.
- Assisted staff with case management documentation and record-keeping processes.
- Coordinated communication between clients and social service programs effectively.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Office Systems Technology
Bladen Community College
Dublin, NCCape Fear Community College
Wilmington, NCUniversity of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NCSkills
- Long-Term Care Medicaid Eligibility
- Income & Resource Evaluation
- State & Federal Medicaid Policy Interpretation
- Regulatory Compliance & Documentation Standards
- Case Reviews & Quality Control
- Hearings & Fraud Investigations Support
- Fraud investigations support
- Staff supervision
- Training development
- Emergency/Disaster Operations Support
Timeline
Human Services Economic Caseworker Supervisor
New Hanover County Department of Health & Human Services
01.2023 - Current
Human Services Economic Leadworker
New Hanover County Department of Health & Human Services
01.2022 - 01.2023
Human Services Economic Caseworker - Zone 3 (LTC & ABD Medicaid)
New Hanover County Department of Social Services
01.2016 - 01.2022
Human Services Economic Leadworker/Trainer
New Hanover County Department of Social Services
01.2015 - 01.2016
Economic Services Caseworker III - LTC Medicaid
New Hanover County Department of Social Services
01.2005 - 01.2015
Income Maintenance Caseworker II - Medicaid
Columbus County Department of Social Services
01.2001 - 01.2005
Administrative Assistant III
Bladen County Department of Social Services
01.1998 - 01.2001
Associate of Applied Science - Office Systems Technology
Bladen Community College
Cape Fear Community College
University of North Carolina at Pembroke