Dynamic leader with extensive experience at the Department of Transitional Assistance, specializing in project management and team development. Successfully led initiatives that improved operational efficiency and promoted diversity and inclusion. Skilled in coaching and mentoring, enhancing employee engagement, and achieving strategic objectives through innovative approaches.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of the Centralized Assistance Office
Department of Transitional Assistance
Boston
07.2022 - Current
Provide direct supervision to the Assistant Director and unit supervisors, fostering a strength-based culture that enhances job satisfaction and retention through team-building activities and recognition programs.
Transfer essential leadership skills to new managers and supervisors, promoting growth, communication, and collaboration within each team.
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and implement a staff rotation system to ensure continuous growth and learning across teams.
Lead high-profile projects with tight deadlines, including addressing CCMO DTA employee discrepancies and system improvements to support timely processing and reduce workload.
Present system discrepancies and potential resolutions to Quality Control, enhancing departmental efficiency.
Promote an inclusive environment by engaging with diverse cultures and backgrounds, strengthening departmental collaboration.
Enhance cultural competency through training and applied knowledge in team meetings and collaborations.
Foster a mindset of continuous improvement through regular meetings focused on motivation, education, and innovation.
Identify and implement projects that significantly benefit the department, enhancing team capabilities and mission support.
As a Mentor Co-chair, increase enrollment in mentorship programs, promoting a culture of lifelong learning and employee growth.
Utilize coaching methods to develop self-awareness and leadership skills among management and staff.
Leverage empathy-driven motivation to improve client service and team impact, conducting compassion fatigue and empathy listening sessions.
Ensure timely reviews and processing of EAEDC, SSI, and SSPS cases, maintaining efficiency and accuracy.
Streamline office trends and identify areas in need of improvement, requiring training, systems changes, or policy clarifications.
Coordinate flex schedules and vacation requests to ensure coverage and meet deadlines.
Ensure program integrity and clear communication of policies and procedures to staff and clients.
Assistant Director of Special Projects for Field Operations
Department of Transitional Assistance
Boston
07.2017 - 07.2022
Managed high-priority actions for SNAP and Economic Assistance programs, ensuring efficient service delivery and responding to community stakeholder requests.
Responded to requests from community stakeholders, overseeing and managing delivery needs across the Central Case Management Office.
Oversaw Central Case Management Office needs, coordinated projects, and provided innovative solutions to meet tight deadlines.
Enhanced operational efficiency by presenting recommendations, authoring EPRS evaluations, and delivering learning opportunities to promote best practices.
Conducted LEAD reviews, ensured policy compliance, and motivated the Specialized Unit to achieve goals.
Coordinated schedules, promoted diversity, and facilitated project completion.
Represented DTA as a subject matter expert, offered translation support, and managed complex relationships to ensure open communication and consistent decision-making.
Benefit Eligibility & Referral Supervisor
Department of Transitional Assistance
Chelsea
07.2010 - 07.2017
Led the supervisory unit in aligning with the agency's mission, developing innovative techniques to enhance unit performance and address areas needing improvement, maintaining high service standards, and address improvement areas.
Conducted professional evaluations and adhered to EPRS procedures, while fostering a cooperative work environment that enhanced team synergy.
Conducted thorough professional evaluations for all unit staff, adhering to Employee Performance Review System (EPRS) time frames and procedures.
Motivated and empowered team members to deliver timely, accurate services, and cultivated harmonious relationships among diverse populations.
Played a key role in recruiting top talent, providing comprehensive training for new hires, and serving as the Appeals Liaison for the EOHHS Chelsea Center to facilitate effective communication and resolution of appeals.
Benefits Eligibility & Referral Social Worker A/B
Department of Transitional Assistance
Boston
11.2005 - 07.2010
Determined client eligibility for assistance programs and employment services, managed case maintenance and referrals to necessary resources.
Explained eligibility decisions clearly to clients, provided authorizations, guidance, and placement assistance.
Monitored cases for compliance with rules and regulations.
Assisted individuals and families in transitioning to work.
Adhered to department policy and collective bargaining agreements.
Intern
Roxbury District Court
Boston
01.2005 - 05.2005
Conducted interviews with probationers to assess risk and needs for informed case management.
Maintained accurate and clear case records for stakeholders, analyzed case data to support investigations and supervision.
Facilitated interagency communication with courts, social services, and police, supported court procedures, assisting judges and legal professionals.
Delivered Portuguese and Spanish translation services, updated probationers' folders and recorded depositions and fees.
Provided community service information to offenders for rehabilitation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, English, Psychology
Newbury College
Brookline, MA
01.2005
Skills
Project management
Employee training
Performance evaluation
Stakeholder engagement
Process improvement
Team building
Cultural competency
Conflict resolution
Communication strategies
Mentorship program development
Diversity promotion
Operational efficiency
Coaching and mentoring
Team management
Decision-making
Data analysis
Policy writing
Multitasking and organization
Program management
Problem-solving
Leadership development
People management
Performance management
Verbal and written communication
Relationship building
Team collaboration
Creativity and innovation
Staff management
Industry knowledge
Hiring and retention
Visionary leadership
Project coordination
Goal setting
Operations management
Strategic planning
Client relations
Rules and regulations
Charismatic leader
Change management
Analytical thinking
Business strategy
Organizational development
Risk management
Issues resolution
Staff development
Cross-functional team leadership
Employee development
Task delegation
Content development
Strategies and goals
Innovation management
Legal and regulatory compliance
Crisis management
Time management
References
Available upon request.
Languages
English
Portuguese
Spanish
Cape Verdean Creole
Core Qualifications And Trainings
Transformational Leadership, Tony Robbins' 'Unleash the Power Within', 11/01/24, Jay Shetty Coaching Certification, 04/01/24
Strategic Management and Leadership, CORE Management Program, 06/01/20, MASSP Succession Planning Program Certificate, Office Director Track, 06/01/13, Commonwealth Supervisor Certificate Program, 06/01/12
Academic Excellence, Dean’s List for six consecutive semesters
Technical Proficiency, Proficient in BEACON, Microsoft Office Suite, data processing, and Electronic Document Management
Policy Expertise, Exceptional knowledge of TAFDC, EAEDC, and SNAP laws and regulations
Adaptability and Resilience, Thrives in high-stress, fast-paced environments
Interpersonal and Coaching Skills, Skilled in interpreting rules and regulations
Personal Attributes, Exceptionally detail-oriented, Motivational leader, Unwavering reliability