Wanda Elkins
Fairfield,CA
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven leader with extensive experience in managing teams, driving process improvements, and ensuring compliance in high-stakes environments. Proven track record in supervising, training, and developing staff across multiple departments, fostering a collaborative and efficient work culture. Skilled in overseeing complex risk management processes, including Leave of Absence, ADA accommodations, and Workers Compensation claims, while maintaining strict adherence to regulations. Experienced in coordinating team efforts to meet department goals, resolving operational issues, and managing performance to ensure excellence. Adept at advising management, facilitating interactive meetings, and driving strategic initiatives that enhance team productivity and organizational outcomes.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Analyst - Risk
Solano County
09.2024 - Current
- Assist the Risk Management team in producing timely, data-driven reports analyzing Leave of Absence and ADA Accommodation trends to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
- Review and evaluate requests for Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Medical Leave, and Pregnancy Disability Leave, determining employee eligibility and verifying compliance with guidelines and regulations.
- Ensure compliance with government regulations by meticulously reviewing and validating documentation for accuracy and adherence to required standards.
- Manage Workers Compensation claims by applying internal risk management policies, minimizing liability through strategic use of available tools, and advising employees on the claims process and required documentation.
- Act as an intermediary between employees, department heads, and third-party claims administrators to facilitate claims processing, resolve issues, and secure required information.
- Design and deliver HR training sessions for staff, managers, and executives to enhance understanding of risk management policies and procedures.
- Schedule and lead interactive meetings with employees and departments regarding Leave of Absence histories and ADA accommodations, providing written summaries and actionable outcomes.
- Develop and roll out new processes for the Risk Management team, including creating comprehensive documentation for operational guidelines and ensuring seamless execution.
- Coordinate employee return-to-work processes following extended leave of absences, collaborating with department heads, managers, and unions to facilitate smooth transitions.
- Maintain effective working relationships with 10 department heads, their managers, supervisors, and five different unions to ensure consistent and cooperative risk management operations.
Eligibility Benefits Specialist Supervisor
Solano County
01.2023 - 09.2024
- Supervised and evaluated the work of a staff of 11, and assisted another team of 11 engaged in determining eligibility for public assistance benefits.
- Coordinated activities and ensured timely completion of tasks and projects to meet departmental goals and deadlines.
- Interviewed candidates and participated in the selection process for new staff members.
- Provided training, coaching, and staff development opportunities to enhance team performance and ensure compliance with procedures.
- Ensured that staff maintained appropriate workflows to meet department standards and achieve operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented unit work goals, monitoring progress and adjusting strategies to meet objectives.
- Conducted group and individual employee conferences to discuss departmental rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and address performance issues.
- Identified operational problems and implemented solutions to resolve issues and improve efficiency.
- Managed employee complaints, providing recommendations to superiors for handling complex personnel matters.
- Addressed and resolved a variety of complaints from the general public, recipients, and denied applicants, ensuring resolution in a timely manner.
- Served as a technical resource for management, line staff, attorneys, and external organizations on interpreting and applying regulations and local procedures.
- Engaged in the progressive discipline process, addressing performance issues and ensuring consistent application of policies to promote employee improvement and adherence to department standards in conjunction with employee's MOU and Civil Service Rules.
Eligibility Benefits Specialist I/II/III
Solano County
12.2019 - 01.2023
- Interviewed clients to assist them in completing application and declaration forms used for eligibility determinations, gathering key information on parental status, income, property, financial obligations, medical condition, and other resources.
- Interpreted and explained regulations, rules, and policies to clients, apprising them of their rights, responsibilities, and eligibility for program participation.
- Reviewed application documents for completeness and consistency, requesting additional information from clients to resolve discrepancies and initiating requests from external sources (e.g., banks, insurance companies, public agencies) to assess eligibility.
- Evaluated all gathered information against complex program regulations to assess initial eligibility for various public assistance programs.
- Established client household budgets based on the type of assistance and computed authorized grant amounts, ensuring compliance with established procedures.
- Handled crisis situations by authorizing benefits within specific guidelines or making appropriate referrals to staff and community resources for immediate assistance.
- Assisted clients in identifying and accessing additional services, including behavioral, employment, mental health, and substance abuse support, through appropriate community resources.
- Analyzed changes in clients' financial, employment, family, and personal circumstances to determine and authorize continuing eligibility for multiple aid programs.
- Entered required information into automated systems, managed caseloads, and ensured compliance with time limits established by regulations and policies.
- Maintained accurate case record files, updated employment plans, and monitored client compliance with program standards and agreements.
- Collaborated with other staff and service providers to coordinate case management and provide comprehensive support to clients.
- Identified potential fraud and made appropriate referrals for investigation.
- Identified clients' needs for work registration and arranged for basic employment activities required to receive public assistance benefits.
- Performed additional duties as assigned, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the department.
Medical Billing Specialist/Supervisor/Manager
SELECT Physician Services
04.2004 - 01.2021
- Performed billing, collection, and reporting functions for an office generating over $10 million annually.
- Worked with customers to develop payment plans and bring accounts current, improving cash flow and reducing overdue balances.
- Managed the monthly billing process to complete billings and returns, ensuring compliance with company revenue recognition policies.
- Reviewed billing issues, researched problems, and resolved concerns to ensure timely and accurate payments.
- Trained and mentored staff on billing procedures, compliance requirements, and effective collections techniques, leading to improved team performance.
- Conducted performance reviews and implemented improvement plans for team members, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
- Reviewed payroll, vendor payments, commissions, and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance with company standards.
- Analyzed business processes to identify cost savings and operational efficiencies, driving improvements in the billing department.
- Established and monitored coding procedures, updated internal files, and ensured consistency in billing practices.
- Verified proper ICD-9 coding on claims and analyzed medical records to satisfy insurance company mandates.
- Developed new methods to improve billing workflows, resulting in streamlined processes and reduced errors.
- Maintained current accounts through aged revenue reporting, ensuring optimal cash flow management.
- Submitted electronic and paper claims to insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid to collect medical payments, reducing claim rejection rates.
- Enforced operational compliance with state and federal laws and Joint Commission standards, safeguarding patient information.
- Oversaw billing for Medicaid PCA, waiver and skilled claims, commercial insurance, and private pay clients.
- Prepared accurate billing statements for patients and ensured correct diagnostic coding.
- Delivered timely and accurate charge submissions, improving collection timelines.
- Communicated with insurance providers to resolve denied claims and successfully resubmitted claims for payment.
- Collected payments and applied them to patient accounts, ensuring proper allocation of funds.
- Posted payments and collections on a regular basis, maintaining up-to-date financial records.
- Acted as a liaison between patients, insurance companies, and the billing office to ensure seamless communication and resolution of issues.
- Verified patient insurance coverage and eligibility, ensuring proper billing and claim submissions.
- Accurately entered patient demographic and billing information into the billing system, enabling effective tracking and maintaining accurate records.
Education
Master of Public Administration - Public Administration
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA05-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA05-2021
Associate of Arts - Liberal Studies, Social Science
Solano Community College
Fairfield, CA05-2019
Skills
- Leadership coaching
- Team building
- Training and mentoring
- Employee relations
- Goal oriented
- Operations management
- Complex Problem-solving
- Staff discipline
- Process improvement
- Policy and procedure development
- Relationship building
- Coaching and mentoring
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
HybridRemoteImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsPaid time off401k matchPaid sick leaveHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionTeam Building / Company Retreats4-day work weekStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingQuote
"Always look to be uncommon amongst uncommon people. Never look to just get the invitation and fit in".
David Goggins
Timeline
Human Resources Analyst - Risk
Solano County
09.2024 - Current
Eligibility Benefits Specialist Supervisor
Solano County
01.2023 - 09.2024
Eligibility Benefits Specialist I/II/III
Solano County
12.2019 - 01.2023
Medical Billing Specialist/Supervisor/Manager
SELECT Physician Services
04.2004 - 01.2021
Master of Public Administration - Public Administration
San Diego State University
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Sonoma State University
Associate of Arts - Liberal Studies, Social Science
Solano Community College
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