Tine'tta Cortez-McNeill
Houston,USA
Summary
Proactive, goal-oriented tech-savvy innovator with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and passion for continuous improvement. Skilled in identifying opportunities for technological enhancements and implementing effective solutions. Adept at leveraging new tools and methods to solve problems and enhance productivity. Known for reliability and excels in adapting to fast-paced environments and driving technological advancements.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Rating Veterans Service Representative
Veterans Benefits Administration
07.2023 - 06.2024
- Daily I exercise sound, equitable judgment in applying stated policies to ensure accurate and timely decisions on compensation and pension benefit claims administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I reviewed and analyzed Federal and State laws; along with complex medical information (i.e., diagnostic tests, office notes, operative reports, etc.) to determine service connection and disability entitlement. I communicated and interacted with Veterans and their representative/advocates to facilitate timely, and proper decisions. I worked independently as a decision-maker as I reviewed and analyzed complex medical information.
- Developed strong relationships with internal stakeholders to foster a collaborative work environment which focused on achieving results.
- Conducted thorough research on claim-related issues, leading to more informed decisions on benefit entitlements.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge of VA regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Provided support to Veterans by addressing inquiries, guiding them through the claims process, and ensuring timely responses and adjudication.
- Contributed to team success by sharing expertise in VA benefits administration during training sessions and workshops.
- Enhanced claim processing efficiency by streamlining workflow processes and implementing best practices.
- Resolved complex issues related to appeals or discrepancies in initial findings after conducting thorough investigations.
- Maintained accurate records of all Veteran interactions, resulting in streamlined communication and improved case management.
- Delivered high-quality customer service to Veterans, addressing concerns and providing guidance on benefits eligibility.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to accurately evaluate disability claims and determine appropriate ratings.
- Assisted colleagues as needed, demonstrating flexibility while contributing positively towards overall team performance.
- Ensured consistent application of legal standards across all cases by adhering to established guidelines when rating disabilities.
- Educated Veterans regarding their rights under various compensation programs or vocational rehabilitation services available.
- Maintained confidentiality and sensitivity when dealing with personal information, adhering to privacy laws and ethical standards.
- Reduced processing time for claims by identifying areas for improvement and implementing new strategies.
- Worked closely with medical professionals to obtain necessary documentation for proper evaluation of disability claims.
- Prepared detailed reports on assigned cases for review by senior staff members and decision-makers.
- Validated claim determinations through meticulous analysis of relevant evidence before finalizing decisions.
- Managed high caseloads efficiently while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy in disability evaluations.
- Stayed up-to-date with policy changes for accurate representation of Veterans'' rights, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
- Checked documentation for accuracy and validity on updated systems.
- Verified client information by analyzing existing evidence on file.
- Maintained strong knowledge of basic medical terminology to better understand services and procedures.
- Generated, posted and attached information to claim files.
- Carried out administrative tasks by communicating with clients, distributing mail, and scanning documents.
- Processed and recorded new policies and claims.
- Reviewed outstanding requests and redirected workloads to complete projects on time.
Veterans Liaison Officer (VLO)
Veterans Evaluation Services
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Daily, I addressed Veterans, as well as their Power of attorneys (POA’s) concerns regarding disputes, scheduling requests, and issues that may arise throughout the course of handling VA requested Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations.
- I Educate Veterans on Veterans Evaluation Services (VES) and VA’s procedures and resolve potential problems. Respond to negative feedback from Veterans and/or Providers. Respond to feedback/follow ups via email or follow calls.
- I facilitated inbound calls directly from distressed Veterans in a call center environment. I reviewed and processed no-shows and cancelled appointments accordingly.
- I coordinated with other internal departments to schedule transportation for severely disabled Veterans for their Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam (in accordance with VA contractual guidelines).
- Delivered comprehensive reports summarizing project progress, challenges faced, and potential solutions in a timely manner .
- Supported organizational goals by facilitating the exchange of information among team members and departments.
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
Management & Program Analyst
Department of Energy
11.2016 - 12.2019
- As a Management & Program Analyst for the Department of Energy (DOE), assigned to the Information Technology Services Office (ITSO), Utilizing a foundation of information technology and business management, I managed the development and deployment of innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy (EERE) technologies and practices.
- I oversaw the full scope of business transformation activities, including strategic planning and visioning, business process improvement, change management, and especially information technology (IT) systems implementation. I coordinated across functional teams, internal resources and vendors for flawless execution of project delivery on-time, in scope and within budget. Ensured successful delivery of critical projects by closely monitoring timeliness, budgets, resources, and stakeholder expectations. I developed detailed project plans and tracked progress utilizing computers daily. I led testing teams to deliver complex technology projects.
- I provided support on all aspects of development of recommendations on continual process improvement for EERE standard operating procedures (SOP). Developed, implemented, evaluated and monitored procedures and policies for process improvement and sound business practice with goals of timeliness, maximum customer service, and efficient use of resources. Maintained in-depth knowledge of relationships with other programs and key administrative support functions with employing agencies. Knowledge of a comprehensive range of administrative laws, policies, regulations, and precedents applicable to the administration of one or more important public programs.
- As a Program & Management Analyst I managed the development and implementation of policies, plans, guidelines and proposals specific to the agency's goals and mission. Prepare short -and long- term complex action plans and schedules for various phases of project accomplishments, ensuring that plans were consistent with service goals, schedules and policies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure effective communication and alignment on key initiatives.
- Developed comprehensive reports to inform senior management of program progress and areas for improvement.
- Balanced competing priorities and resource constraints to ensure timely completion of all assigned tasks, maintaining a high level of performance under pressure.
- Provided training to team members on new processes or tools, promoting a culture of continuous learning within the organization.
- Enhanced overall productivity by identifying process bottlenecks and recommending innovative solutions for resolution.
- Conducted regular audits of program activities, ensuring compliance with policies, regulations, and best practices.
- Championed data-driven decision making throughout the organization by creating user-friendly dashboards that provided real-time insights into key performance indicators.
- Proactively identified risks to program goals, developing mitigation strategies to address potential issues effectively.
Supervisory Program Analyst
Veterans Benefits Administration
03.2013 - 11.2016
- As a Supervisory Program Analyst for Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) Project Management Office (PMO), I serve as analyst and advisor to Director and Deputy on the development and solutions for Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) that promoted VBA’s transition to a strategic business systems revision.
- As acting Assistant Director of the VBMS Business Testing Division, I provided oversight and coordination of services and responsibilities for the appropriate integration and communication associated with program management, requirements traceability, system validation/testing, testing validation and communications to the Office of Field Operations (OFO), subject matter expert (SME) training and detailed personnel management within the division. I would ensure that the business requirements were aligned in an effort to conduct usability testing. Moreover, I would apply standardized Human Resources rules, procedures, and operations.
Program Analyst
Veterans Benefits Administration
11.2012 - 03.2013
- As a Program Analyst for Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) Project Management Office (PMO), I advised upper- management on the potential benefits, system effectiveness, as well as negative implications of government technology applications.
- I provided objectively based oral and written reports, e-mails, white-papers and communications, to diverse audiences, both internal and external, while focusing on customer service.
- I reviewed, examined and applied information obtained from multiple sources of data. Such as, , business requirement documents, system specifications and results of data gathering sessions.
- As VBMS User-Acceptance-Testing (UAT) co-lead, I facilitated integrated testing efforts with national field subject-matter-experts (SME) and information Technology (IT)developers.
- Monitored program performance against established benchmarks, taking corrective action as needed to realign with desired outcomes.
- Trained team members on new software tools, improving overall productivity and efficiency.
- Developed detailed project plans outlining tasks, timelines, dependencies, and resource requirements for successful execution of complex initiatives.
- Managed cross-functional teams, resulting in successful completion of program objectives.
Veterans Claims Examiner (Business Analyst)
Veterans Benefits Administration
07.2011 - 11.2012
- I defined business rules and requirements for the development and maintenance of new technology products and services, such as Veterans Benefits Management System-Rating (VBMS-R) and Veterans Benefits Management System- Correspondence (VBMS-C). While, managing newly launched technology products and services at all phases of the software development lifecycle, to include legacy applications.
- As the National Standard Data Business Analyst, I implemented, updated, corrected, eliminated and incorporated standard data fragment changes within VBMS-R production and all lower environments. I developed step-by-step directional documents and corresponding Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs), to ensure continuity of work processes.
Rating Veterans Service Representative
Veterans Benefits Administration
11.2008 - 07.2011
- Daily I exercised sound, equitable judgment in applying stated policies to ensure accurate and timely decisions on compensation and pension benefit claims administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. I would use Federal and State laws pertaining to compensation and pension to accurately rate claims. I would work independently as a decision-maker and review and analyze complex medical information. I awarded compensation benefits to uniformed services personnel, retired permanently or temporarily, or discharged for physical and/or mental disabilities with or without severance pay.
- As as a training coordinator I implemented VBA’s RVSR formal training and performance support systems (TPSS). I would utilize unique case/scenario based, cooperatively structured, web-based training modules.
- As a mentor, I reviewed accuracy and quality of completed rated cases from newly employed RVSR’s. I provided technical guidance and direction to staff and developed various quality assurance processes with emphasis on work procedures and techniques that address unique work conditions and practices.
- As a RVSR Challenge instructor, I conducted evaluations and reviews on a quantitative and qualitative basis of claims development programs and operations on the effectiveness of meeting established national goals and objectives.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Computer Science
Pierce College
Puyallup, WASkills
- Veterans benefits consultation
- Proficient in medical terminology
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Customer engagement
- Strategic issue analysis
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Analytical problem-solving
- Effective multitasking
- Excellent Verbal and written communication
- Analytical decision-making
- Claims processing
- Computer proficiency
- Technical documentation expertise
- Proficient in medical terminology
- Process quality management
- Skilled in Microsoft Office applications
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeContract WorkWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPaid time offStock Options / Equity / Profit Sharing401k matchHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionPaid sick leave4-day work weekPersonal development programsTimeline
Rating Veterans Service Representative
Veterans Benefits Administration
07.2023 - 06.2024
Veterans Liaison Officer (VLO)
Veterans Evaluation Services
01.2023 - 05.2023
Management & Program Analyst
Department of Energy
11.2016 - 12.2019
Supervisory Program Analyst
Veterans Benefits Administration
03.2013 - 11.2016
Program Analyst
Veterans Benefits Administration
11.2012 - 03.2013
Veterans Claims Examiner (Business Analyst)
Veterans Benefits Administration
07.2011 - 11.2012
Rating Veterans Service Representative
Veterans Benefits Administration
11.2008 - 07.2011
Associate of Applied Science - Computer Science
Pierce College
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