Diana Wood
Legal Administrative Specialist - Veterans Benefits Administration
Bradyville, TN 37026
******@*****.***
Seeking a challenging, position, which will allow for the creation of new programs, develop staff professionally, empower others, and strengthen systems and subsystems of the organization a part of and to further research and attain developmental pinnacles of human capital needs, organizationally directed along with other organizational programs, missions and goals. Seasoned administrator/business office and functional manager, to include: performance improvement, budgeting, project management; contract negotiations, scheduler, quality assurance, with strong personal traits as follows: exceptional people skills, with a competent ability to control extremely stressful situations enabling to connect with individuals at any level through the use of superior communications; handle all matters respectfully and with a high degree of professionalism, as a loyal representative of employer; maintaining a strong, fair, respectable reputation for organizational success.
Willing to relocate: Anywhere
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Work Experience
Cash Management Specialist / Accts Rec
Department of Veterans Affairs, Mid-South CPAC - Smyrna, TN September 2009 to Present
Perform work in support of the agency's cash processing operations, which involve the receipt, disbursement, examination, deposit, custody and other clerical or administrative tasks while exercising responsibility for the direct support of the agency
Review and examine collections for negotiability
Provide guidance, direction and leadership by: interpreting rules, regulations and policies; developing local policies; defining administrative requirements; establishing organizational goals, objectives and long-range plans; monitoring and evaluating administrative activities; implementing substantive recommendations for program improvements; ensuring effective use of office staff and resources; and recommending needed changes to enhance services
Utilize the VISTA system to record transactions. Monitor accounts and ensure necessary corrective actions are taken to reconcile discrepancies
Protects data from unauthorized release. Also protects data from unauthorized loss, alterations and unauthorized deletion.
Gather financial data as needed for financial reporting,
Daily use and preparation of financial data on the financial management system (FMS).
Responsible to the Treasury Department for any loss or shortage in funds under my control
Establish and maintains effective working relationships with others throughout the organization, as well as externally, to include officials of other governmental agencies, members of the public as well as colleagues and subordinates
Examine and perform quality audits of deposits in order to ensure regulatory issues are met, reconciles cash accountability and reviews vouchers for completeness, accuracy and propriety before making payment, referring questionable vouchers for audit prior to disbursement.
Research and analyze accounting entries using the agency's accounting information systems.
Verifies the mathematical accuracy of data presented on documents.
Ensures all adjustments are accurate and in accordance with procurement, invoices or contractual documents.
Verify that all expenditures are in accordance with regulatory controls.
Verify the accuracy of daily status of funds report
Evaluate, and Monitor Tops/DMC financial accounts
Protect printed and electronic files containing sensitive date in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy
Organized and developed the SOP's of the daily deposits electronically to FMS.
Trained 25 individuals in how to use the machines of the daily deposit operation
Assisted over the phone training to other CPAC's nationally on the use of the operational standards to FMS
Responds to external audits.
Meet the needs of the customers by consistently communicating and treating all customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner. Provides customers with consistent information. Handles conflicts and problems in a constructive way EXPERIENCE
Legal Administrative Specialist
Veterans Benefits Administration - Nashville, TN
April 2016 to October 2020
As a member of the National Call Center, I counsel veterans, their dependents, and their beneficiaries via telephone regarding the full array of benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as non-VA benefits available through other organizations concerned with veterans.
• I am able to explain the types of documents necessary to facilitate timely processing of claims and provide assistance in obtaining and completing such documents and forms in accordance with the type of claim being submitted.
• I am also able to explain decisions and reasons for the decisions made by the VA and communicate the information both orally and in writing to the veterans.
• I also perform claim-related work such as change of address, direct deposits, burial allowance, check tracers, claims, etc.
• I explain the types of documents necessary to facilitate timely processing of claims and provide assistance in obtaining and completing such documents and forms in accordance with the type of claim being submitted.
• I explore avenues of assistance available to Veterans, beneficiaries, and dependents and takes positive action to encourage individuals to fully utilize these benefits.
• I also assess with the claimant the short-term and long-term circumstances that might influence a choice between various benefits. Programs include compensation and pension benefits, home loan eligibility, education, health care, life insurance, burial benefits, vocational rehabilitation services, general Social Security Administration benefit program, other Federal, State, and local domestic relations and assistance programs.
• I am proficient in the use of Windows operating system - Microsoft software applications: MS Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Works, Front Page, Publisher - Vista, other medical software and military software and systems. Share, VBMS, Birls, DPRIS, CRM, Aspen, Share, VETSNET as well as others. EXPERIENCE
Veteran Service Representative
Veterans Benefits Administration - Nashville, TN
May 2015 to April 2016
I currently work on Veteran benefits claims and provide comprehensive services to Veterans in regard to drill pay and dependency eligibility.
I make the determination as to the eligibility type of benefit that the veteran is trying to establish. I also question the veteran in regards to their military service, medical evidence, and testimony to establish a claim.
I determine my priorities with balancing conflicting demands daily.
I analyze, develops, and request required evidence for claims that does not requiring a rating decision as well as analyze and research for documentation that is needed for rating and non-rating issues.
I review cases to assure all issues have been addressed and apply and interpret VA laws, including the veterans' case law, existing statutes and procedures, precedent rulings and state law in the adjudication process.
I prepare and release the certificate for use by other federal, state, and local agencies.
I prepare and release correspondence daily in response to miscellaneous inquiries.
I utilize various electronic data processing (EDP) systems for inputting data related to claims adjudication, processing, monitoring, and correspondence preparation. Examples include Veteran Benefits Management System (VBMS), Participant Profile, and Map-D along.
I work as an employee in the Veterans Service Center (VSC) and I effectively work well with others in a team environment as well as communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
I explain benefit programs and entitlement criteria, conduct interviews, identify issues, gather relevant evidence, adjudicate claims, and input any data necessary to generate an award and notification letter to the veteran describing the decision and the reason for it. EXPERIENCE
Regional Financial Manager
Scripps Treasure Coast - Stuart, FL
July 2005 to October 2007
Gathered statistical data as needed for budgeting.
Oversaw all retention, collection and distribution efforts of District Managers and Independent Contractors in a specific geographic area
Negotiated, administered and terminated contracts with Independent Contractors
Oversaw the running of one Distribution Center
Responsible for delivery of the Stuart News, alternate products and associate products
Created plans that increase and promote circulation growth in assigned areas
Ability to always meet deadlines and extreme changing situations
Promoted excellent customer service, including communicating with people from various backgrounds both internally and externally
Maintained division service standards and ensures on - time deliveries
Emphasized resolving customer delivery problems and monitored overall service level
Provided service in person and over phone to public
Trained and coordinated staff as well as contractors daily on routes, billing, and customer satisfaction
Purchased a variety of supplies and managed and controlled all inventory not exceed monthly budget
Forecasted future ordering for budgeting
Review, monitor and tracked all expenditures for office.
Prepared annual budget reports.
Maintained all purchase transactions
Development of Management/Leadership skills for District Managers
Processed all incoming and outgoing material
Created a good working atmosphere and promoted a safe working environment
Prepared and administered payroll, credits and debits for managers and contractors
Maintained calendar for appointments, meetings and schedules
Inventoried all stock and office supplies
Leadership qualified
Experience with contracting laws and policies.
EXPERIENCE
Circulation Division Manager
Media General - Tampa, FL
November 1999 to September 2004
Oversaw all retention, collection and distribution efforts of District Managers and Independent Contractors in a specific geographical area
Responsible for running of one Distribution Center
Responsible for delivery of the Tampa Tribune, alternate products and associate products
Created plans that increased and promoted circulation growth in assigned areas
Experienced with contracting laws and policies, and procedures of departments' contracting requirements Negotiated administered and terminated contracts with Independent Contractors
Promoted excellent customer service, including communicating with people from various backgrounds both internally and externally
Trained and coordinated staff as well as contractors daily on routes, billing, and customer satisfaction
Maintained division service standards and ensured on time delivery
Maintained calendar for appointments, meetings and schedules
Inventoried all stock and office supplies
Ability to always meet deadlines and extreme changing situations
Purchased a variety of supplies and managed and controlled all inventory not exceeding monthly budget
Forecasted future ordering for budgeting
Maintained all purchase transactions
Emphasized resolving customer delivery problems and monitored overall service levels
Developed Management/ Leadership skills for District Managers
Created a good working atmosphere and promoted a safe working environment
Prepared and administered payroll, credits and debits for managers and contractors
Involved in creating yearly budget reports for upcoming years
Review, monitor and track all office expenditures. Education
Bachelor of Arts
Sullivan University - Clinton, IA
2017
Accounting and Business Studies
Rasmussen College Holiday
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
St Petersburg College St Petersburg
Skills
• Outlook
• Billing
• Receptionist
• Filing
• Debits & Credits
• Benefits Administration
• General Ledger Accounting
• Financial Management
• Accounts Receivable