Melinda Patton Email and Phone Number

Responsible for using appropriate resources to bring claims to conclusion. Rendered sound and timely decisions to determine benefit entitlement by interpreting and applying Oregon workers’ compensation statutes, rules and case law and SAIF policies, procedures and resources. Analyzed claim documents and legal and medical resources to objectively rate permanent disability. Facilitated correspondence to clarify or expand the medical record. Provided customer service and meaningful collaboration with Claims Adjusters, injured workers’, medical providers, and the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Department. Developed and provided technical training. Served as a technical resource and mentor for adjusting staff and peers. Maintained Claims Examiner Certification.

Responsible for managing an active claim load of workers’ compensation claims. Provided responsive service focused on returning injured workers to a productive life. Facilitated delivery of quality medical care to injured workers by eliminating bureaucracy. Mitigated claim costs through leveraging knowledge and aggressive case management. Identified significant issues, analyzed claim documents, estimated future costs of a claim and made decisions on compensability. Utilized investigative, medical, and legal resources to assure appropriate benefit entitlement. Managed claims from conception to resolution.

Participated in the Ford Institute Leadership Program which included over 48 hours of classroom instruction on developing community leadership capacity of individuals. Curriculum concepts included: community capacity and social capital, personality types and leadership styles, community development models, Catalytic Leadership Model, asset mapping, group development, models for group decision-making, communication strategies, and volunteerism. Following training, the class selected community improvement project to provide welcome signs to the four rural communities represented in our Leadership class. My role was facilitator of the meetings, as well as participating in project management including; design, fundraising, coordination between the local and county governments and other community organizations, solicitation of volunteers, marketing, public relations, and development/completion of the signs which included finding locations, obtaining permits, coordinating site prep, clean up, construction of the signs and landscaping.

One on one mentoring of an at-risk juvenile with the goal of preventing of recidivism, decrease involvement in gangs, drugs, alcohol and/or crime, improve academic achievement, and provide social and emotional support to increase positive development of youth. At-risk youth include those that are in foster care, have incarcerated parents, on probation and/or have a combination of risk factors.