Michael S. Email & Phone Number

Greater Houston

As the Senior Veterans Benefits Service Advocate I manage all VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) claims obtained in the field and also manage Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Veterans Benefits Service Advocates within my area of jurisdiction (assigned military facility).Essential Job Functions•Extensive knowledge and experience involving all DOD programs and VA laws and regulations•Work within DOD, VBA and VHA offices to ensure timely and professional care of warriors•Develop and maintain relationships with related health care and social service providers•Train, develop and mentor Veterans Benefits Service Advocates•Remain current with all VA laws and regulations•Remain current with all DOD regulations and benefits•Plan, organize and conduct all benefit educational seminars within their area•Recruit new volunteers, Alumni and Interns to support the WWP needs•Maintain and update all WWP intranet electronic tracking systems•Develop community support and to speak on behalf of WWP•Assist in all grassroots efforts and support specific campaigns as needed•Develop relationships that will foster and engage warriors and caregivers with all WWP programs•Maintain yearly VA laws and regulations certification•Support WWPO, WWDP and other events with warriors in their facilities as needed•Provide mentorship and training to the interns hired to work within the military facilities•Dedication to travel in support of the outreach needs of the organization•Demonstrated commitment to the organization and able to timely complete required assignments•Ability to take initiative, multi-task and work well under pressure•Effectively manage multiple priorities with a strong attention to detail in a fast paced environment•Organized, diligent, and able to troubleshoot, problem-solve and prioritize•Strong organizational and time management skills with a highly developed attention to detail

Directly supervised 5 Marines in a administrative position, ensured that they were following proper procedures for conducting good business and provided any necessary guidance for mission accomplishment. Established good communication with the Marines under my supervision. Able to quickly resolve individual problems that could adversely affect the work environment and mission. Consistently advocated high safety standards among supervised Marines resulting in mishap free safety record for my team through effective training.Operated independently as a senior enlisted within my job function. Tracked and distributed in excess of 2 million in government funds for reenlist bonuses in the Marine Corps. This was done with the cooperation with the other administrative sections and with a developed database. Instituted a tracking system for all the bonus paperwork to ensure that the appropriate parties received the required documentation in a timely manner for quick payout of reenlist incentive to the individual Marine. This system made the process for a payout allot faster and has tracked the paperwork for more that 300 Marines from the time that it was created in 2006.Conducted career interviews on up to 200 Marines per year, guided in right direction during interview for proper advancement in the Marine Corps for promotion and job opportunities. Counseled individuals on requirements needed to make career moves into different types of jobs that fit their interest. Acted as a liaison between Headquarters Marine Corps Washington D.C. and the individual Marine in discussing future assignment opportunities. Briefed the Battalion Commander (CEO) on the statistics for the battalion for interviews conducted, reenlists completed, and pending actions for attention on a daily basis when necessary. Briefs were given by use of power point presentation to the staff and handouts were distributed as needed. Maintained open door policy to enhance communication within the workplace.

Hines, Illinois

Served as the Administration Officer for Patient Administration Service. My duties and responsibilities were coordinating with the different sections in the service to resolve workplace issues and ensure that the service standards, procedures are followed and in line with the hospitals rules and regulations. Perform daily monitoring and updating staffing and organizational chart matrix. Facilitated the hiring actions in the service and closely monitor the vacancies and allowable FTE in our section. Assisted the Chief of Patient Administration Service (PAS) on staff issues, union work, budget, awards, personnel actions and facilitating training sessions to the staff. Assisted with the creation and implementation of program changes that are a result of participation in the System Redesign process. Assisted service supervisors with system redesign projects to improve processes in their work area. Facilitated service projects, enforce deadlines, and provide workable data to the applicable supervisors and service chief. Have the ability to multi task with proper organization and effective time management.Served in the position of Contracting Officers Representative for Patient Administration Service. In this capacity I organized and maintained the transportation service contracts, travel payout, and service funds. Tracked and maintained with the assistance of created databases the use of funds in the different sections in our service. In frequent contact with the Contracting Officers and the Contract Holders with renewing existing contracts and creating new ones

Chicago, Illinois

Conducted interviews with veterans and dependents; reviewed and evaluated background data and current medical and financial information to determine the veteran's potential eligibility for Federal and State veteran’s benefits and other related programs. Developed and submitted claim packages for veterans and dependents seeking disability, education, medical, and compensation-related benefits; completed claim forms and ensured proper certification of related documentation based upon the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) laws and regulations. Assisted with developing formal appeals of VA claims decisions. Prepared, maintained, and monitored beneficiary's claim file to ensure continual receipt of VA benefits, prepared annual verification of VA pension eligibility, and reports medical expenses and other expenditures. Consulted with technical experts to determine specifics related to eligibility standards and application requirements for Federal and State veterans benefits. Advised veterans and family members regarding non-veteran benefits for which they may be eligible such as Social Security, welfare, and vocational rehabilitation. Served as program and benefits representative in a designated geographical area; developed and/or presented informational speeches, benefits awareness fairs, programs, and problem-solving sessions to increase awareness of veterans benefits and programs. Responded to veterans, dependents, and legislators regarding benefit questions. Performed specialized informational and administrative tasks for applicants and residents of State veterans homes, private nursing homes, and patients in both VA and community hospitals. Attended and participated in conferences and training programs. Exercised independence with general administrative direction; work is reviewed through reports and quality review process. Performed other related work as assigned.

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, History

History

Business Administration And Management, General

Business Management

Bachelor Of Business Administration (Bba), Business Administration And Management, General

Business Management