Xhiomara Rodriguez
Eagle Pass,TX
Summary
I am a hard worker. I adapt and learn quickly. I love finding truth. I have been mostly working as an advocate but I love finding facts.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Ombudsman
OFFICE OF INJURED EMPLOYEE COUNSEL
05.2024 - Current
- My manager commended me for having a 90 % cases in active and not stalled. The only cases that have been delayed are out of my control. He has also stated that I have done the work of four people. Also commanded me for having great interpersonal skills.
- Assisting the injured employee one-on-one throughout the dispute resolution process; answering questions from the injured employee; reviewing claims for medical and income benefits; studying the case background on each claim; gathering and evaluating information (including medical records and letters from doctors); reporting and referring complaints; and tracking and providing information and claim status.
- Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
- Assists and prepares the injured employee in mediations and/or formal hearings (proceedings) and provides routine updates to OIEC customers about the status of their claim.
- Assists in resolving disputes throughout the administrative law process; properly organizes documentation and records information on contacts and case action; advises and explains relevant state and federal rules, regulations, and procedures, such as those relating to workers' compensation, employment rehabilitation, return to work, or other specific topics.
- Educates the injured employee about the workers' compensation dispute process and workers' compensation law/rules; and assists with referrals to social services with other state agencies.
- Contacts insurance carriers and medical providers to identify and resolve disputes; provides assistance in filing claims; and assists with obtaining supporting claim documentation from doctors.
- Ability to clearly express ideas, instructions, and reports orally and/or in writing.
- Ability to learn, remember and integrate complex concepts, difficult procedures, or complicated processes.
- Ability to communicate effectively to groups through either practiced or extemporaneous presentation.
- Ability to perform visual activities requiring prolonged attention to detail such as editing and proofreading, or continuous use of personal computers.
- Ability to continually read, interpret and compose as a primary job function, such as produce technical reports of ongoing research activities, or other predominately writing jobs using handwritten or mechanical means.
- Answers general customer service questions
- Demonstrate resolution
- Observes all applicable agency policies and procedures, including adhering to established leave and attendance policies, safety rules and regulations, travel procedures, and use of state property.
- Exhibits key competencies necessary to role including flexibility in dealing with adverse and demanding situations, conducting independent studies, developing, and maintaining knowledge of workers' compensation laws, rules, Appeals Panel decisions, medical terminology, and other relevant subject matter.
- Assists in resolving disputes throughout the administrative law process; properly organizes documentation and records information on contacts and case action; advises and explains relevant state and federal rules, regulations, and procedures, such as those relating to workers' compensation, employment rehabilitation, return to work, or other specific topics.
- Meets with unrepresented claimants, a private meeting prior to the informal or formal hearing, and with employers and other participants to help prepare for Pre-Hearing/Benefit Review Conferences, Contested Case Hearings, appeals to Appeals Panel, arbitration proceedings and proceedings under the Administrative Procedures Act.
- Investigates complaints concerning workers' compensation matters; may participate in public speaking.
- Spanish/English language skills-fluent oral and writing.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
PUBLIC Benefit Paralegal B
Texas Riogrande Legal AID
01.2020 - 05.2024
- Provide direct representation of clients in administrative or judicial proceedings as Person-in-Charge of individual cases in Texas Health and Human Services or Social Security Administration hearings.
- Maintain a large client caseload, while exercising independent professional judgment required of an advocate on all aspects of each individual case.
- Operate under the supervision of Supervising Attorney or Branch Manager.
- Conduct eligibility and substantive interviews in person and by telephone, which interviews may at times take place outside the regular office setting.
- Assist clients with legal education and referrals to applicants, including those that are ineligible for services.
- Interview clients and witnesses.
- Conduct follow-up of assigned cases, including investigation of facts, and researching law.
- Analyze and research pertinent issues to be considered at the hearing level.
- Analyze, develop cases and identify issues from case development to hearing level.
- Collect and review medical records in preparation of case development and hearings.
- Prepare legal arguments for hearings.
- Prepare legal documents, motions, and appeals.
- Notarize legal documents.
- Attend and participate in community group meetings and educational forums to conduct intake and make community legal education presentations, community outreach and legal support services in the following counties: Dimmit, Zavala, Uvalde, Kinney, Real and Edwards.
- Maintain calendar with appointments and hearings, as well as keeping organized and on task Investigation.
- Translation and Interpretation. I assisted as a court interpreter for our District Court.
- Maintain accurate and complete client files and administrative records including data entry into client database and other requirements.
- I worked my cases promptly.
- Conducted legal research and analysis to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and court personnel to facilitate case progress.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Social Security non attorney representative.
Verbatim Hearing Recorder
Stratcomm, inc.
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Conduct pre-hearing recording activities.
- Set up recording equipment to ensure that testimony given by the witnesses are properly recorded.
- Test the recording equipment and prepare the recording media.
- Travel consistently throughout Texas, as well as Minnesota and North Dakota.
- Provide excellent Customer Service skills and interpersonal skills.
- I sat in hundreds of hearings listening to testimonies and observing credibility and cross examination.
- Coordinated documentation processes to ensure compliance with company standards.
- Developed and maintained effective filing systems for accurate record-keeping.
- Streamlined reporting workflows, reducing processing time for critical documents.
Spanish Interpreter
Trusted Translations
03.2014 - 12.2019
- Consecutive interpretation between the Limited English Speaker and the client.
- Simultaneous interpretation of expert testimony.
- Translating.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish Language And Literature
Sul Ross University
Eagle Pass, TX12.2015
Associate of Arts - English
Southwest Texas Junior College
Eagle Pass, TX07.2012
Skills
- Spanish Interpreter and Translator
- Case Management
- Problem Solving and attention to detail
- Skilled in interviewing and gathering information
- Interpreting laws and Regulations
- Interpersonal skills
Timeline
Ombudsman
OFFICE OF INJURED EMPLOYEE COUNSEL
05.2024 - Current
PUBLIC Benefit Paralegal B
Texas Riogrande Legal AID
01.2020 - 05.2024
Verbatim Hearing Recorder
Stratcomm, inc.
01.2017 - 01.2020
Spanish Interpreter
Trusted Translations
03.2014 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish Language And Literature
Sul Ross University
Associate of Arts - English
Southwest Texas Junior College