Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Theresa Kratochvil

Fremont,NE

Summary

Experienced in leading cross-functional teams, managing timelines, and developing and implementing policies and regulations for Childcare Subsidy and Development Fund. Reputation for creating best practices that streamline processes and achieve program objectives, with meticulous attention to detail ensuring accuracy in all tasks. Robust experience driving impactful initiatives and delivering measurable results as a program management professional. Strength lies in fostering team collaboration, adapting to evolving requirements, and maintaining a solutions-oriented mindset. Skilled in project coordination, strategic planning, and resource allocation, ensuring seamless execution and achievement of objectives. Proven track record of meeting organizational goals, reliable team player.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Child Care and Development Fund Program Specialist

State of Nebraska- DHHS
05.2021 - Current
  • Ensure compliance with regulations and standards and develop quality assurance processes to improve program effectiveness
  • Research policies to ensure cases are being completed correctly
  • Develop new and revised statues, rules, policies, and procedures to respond to change in program needs to improve the effectiveness of the Child Care Subsidy Program
  • Flexibility to do any duties needed to ensure clients are receiving their benefits timely
  • Provide support and guidance to staff and interested stakeholders regarding the rules and regulations of the Child Care Subsidy Program
  • Work closely with eligibility staff and other internal programs to provide guidance on the Child Care Subsidy Program
  • Interpret and/or clarify policy to interested groups; conduct formal presentations to provide education and share information
  • Perform program planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of program activities to manage the day-to-day operational and technical functions of childcare and development fund program
  • Research, review, analyze, and interpret federal regulations, federal laws, state laws and their administrative requirements to formulate appropriate policies, procedures, and interpretations of Childcare Subsidy and Development Fund
  • Draft, develop, and implement policy, procedure and program regulations related to the Child Care Subsidy Program and ensures staff and service providers are working with uniform guidelines by evaluating and coordinating program policies and regulations
  • Assess program effectiveness, identifies training needs/requirements, and develops and presents educational skills-based training to agency staff and service providers to enhance program services
  • Develop quality assurance processes, program improvement plans and processes for performance accountability
  • Coordinate and lead desk audits and on-site reviews of service providers and collects necessary data to evaluate, analyze and prepare written reports and recommendations
  • Research established best practices and makes recommendations to agency staff, service providers and other community organizations for quality program service delivery
  • Develop the necessary resources and administrative support to ensure the program operates effectively and efficiently by coordinating with other departmental divisions or outside agencies
  • Monitor, assess, and evaluate service provider activities for compliance with policies, procedures, and legal mandates; ensures all contractual requirements are met and in compliance with program standards
  • Review and monitor service provider and client historical data to ensure improper utilization of services has been avoided through comparison of established standards to actual services delivered and payments received
  • Prepare and present informational presentations to agency staff, clients, and service providers to explain the types of services and benefits available and the requirements of such, education on new or revised assistance programs and services and promote participation

Social Services Lead Worker

State of Nebraska- DHHS
04.2017 - 05.2021
  • Completed Appeals
  • Handled difficult cases, policy questions, compliant calls
  • Researched policies to ensure cases are being completed correctly
  • Created training and provide training to staff
  • Maintained flexibility to do any duties needed to ensure clients are receiving their benefits timely
  • Increased team productivity by effectively delegating tasks and setting clear expectations
  • Improved customer satisfaction rates through diligent oversight of service delivery standards and prompt resolution of any issues encountered
  • Conducted regular progress reviews with individual employees to assess performance levels and identify areas for improvement
  • Facilitated open lines of communication between team members, promoting transparency and collaboration in decision-making processes
  • Streamlined workflow processes, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced bottlenecks
  • Championed company values within the workplace by modeling exemplary behavior at all times
  • Resolved conflicts within the team swiftly and professionally, maintaining a harmonious work atmosphere
  • Implemented new training programs that increased employee skillsets and boosted overall job satisfaction
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams on projects, leading to successful outcomes and improved interdepartmental communication
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging innovation and creative problem-solving among team members
  • Mentored junior employees, providing guidance on career development opportunities and growth strategies
  • Coordinated staff recruitment efforts to attract top talent capable of contributing positively to the organization’s objectives
  • Ensured timely completion of projects by actively monitoring progress against set milestones and adjusting plans accordingly when necessary
  • Drove process improvements by identifying inefficiencies and proposing effective solutions for their rectification
  • Established a strong rapport with team members, fostering a positive work environment conducive to high performance

Social Service Worker

State of Nebraska
02.2015 - 04.2017
  • Responsible for multitasking with multiple software's, computers, and phones when under considerable amount of pressure
  • Provide clients with resources promptly to help meet their emergent needs
  • Receives and maintains sensitive information in a discrete and professional manner by maintaining confidentiality
  • Daily tasked with working with individuals from varied socio-economic levels
  • Collect financial and demographic information from the individuals to determine eligibility for economic assistance benefits
  • Established and delivered comprehensive social service program to support residents and their families while ensuring compliance with federal, state and company guidelines
  • Assisted in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the social service programs
  • Responsible for paperwork, answer phones, admissions, data entry, speaking with employers, hospitals, police officers, Doctors' offices, other agencies
  • Drove process improvements by identifying inefficiencies and proposing effective solutions for their rectification
  • Used problem-solving and issue-resolution skills to promptly and successfully address production problems
  • Collaborated with other departments to optimize production workflows
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions

Workforce Investment Act Coordinator

State of Nebraska- DOL
02.2011 - 01.2015
  • Performed case management with clients
  • Researches and recommends clients for intensive and various training services including Re-Employment Services, Workfare, Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), Rapid Response, Veterans and Workforce Investment Act (WIA) which requires in-depth case management and vocational guidance
  • Research policies to ensure cases are being completed correctly
  • Coordinates services with local community development entities to promote community growth
  • Utilizes various means of technology to provide needed data
  • Flexibility to do any duties needed to ensure clients are receiving their benefits timely
  • Markets Career Center services to the community and employers; contacts, schedules and conducts visits with employers to explain staff-assisted and self-service service options
  • Plans, implements and presents workshops relevant to business and job seeker needs; plans and presents presentations at schools, job fairs, etc
  • And develops informational briefings/presentations to promote workforce development services

Education

Psychology

University of Nebraska At Lincolnss
Lincoln, NE

Psychology Associates Degree -

Central Community College
Columbus, NE
01.1997

Skills

  • Attention to Detail
  • Flexible, Adaptable
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Excellent Communication
  • Computer Skills/Knowledge of N-Focus, Excel, Word, One Note, PowerPoint, Outlook
  • Dependable and Responsible
  • Critical Thinking
  • Report generation
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Team collaboration
  • Training development
  • Process improvement
  • Document preparation
  • Quality assurance
  • Policy implementation
  • Leadership development
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Client relations
  • Workshop facilitation

Accomplishments

  • DHHS- Excellence in Leadership Award, 12/2020, The Excellence in Leadership Award recognizes teammates who job performance has exceeded the highest standards and contributed to the overall effectiveness of the agency. This is awarded on behalf of the Governor’s office.
  • Employee of the Month, Multiple, This award is directed to individuals who go above and beyond in their performance and dedication. They provide a positive work environment and foster team spirit.

References

  • Alyssa Pullen, Child Care Program Manager I, State of Nebraska- DHHS, 850-980-8553
  • Sarah Carnahan, Child Care Program Specialist (Retired), State of Nebraska- DHHS, 402-936-1815
  • Melissa Haynes, Child Care Program Specialist, State of Nebraska- DHHS, 402-753-5546

Timeline

Child Care and Development Fund Program Specialist

State of Nebraska- DHHS
05.2021 - Current

Social Services Lead Worker

State of Nebraska- DHHS
04.2017 - 05.2021

Social Service Worker

State of Nebraska
02.2015 - 04.2017

Workforce Investment Act Coordinator

State of Nebraska- DOL
02.2011 - 01.2015

Psychology

University of Nebraska At Lincolnss

Psychology Associates Degree -

Central Community College
Theresa Kratochvil