Experience

Lerch, Early & Brewer

• United States
• Law Practice
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Director of Human Resources

  • Nov 2011 - Present



UNITED HEALTH GROUP / OPTUMHEALTH EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

• Human Resources and Management Consultant

  • Sep 2004 - Apr 2011

  Provided expertise, counseling and advice related to HR program management, problem solving, staff relations and process improvement. Interacted with CEOs, HR managers, union officials, legal counsel and stakeholders about employment law, policy questions, substance abuse, violence in the workplace and other complex issues. Led training sessions. Ensured compliance with federal, state and local regulations and laws including EEOC, ADA, FMLA, Drug Free Workplace Act and requirements of the… Show more Provided expertise, counseling and advice related to HR program management, problem solving, staff relations and process improvement. Interacted with CEOs, HR managers, union officials, legal counsel and stakeholders about employment law, policy questions, substance abuse, violence in the workplace and other complex issues. Led training sessions. Ensured compliance with federal, state and local regulations and laws including EEOC, ADA, FMLA, Drug Free Workplace Act and requirements of the Department of Transportation and Nuclear Regulatory Commission as well as internal policy and procedures. Prepared confidential reports. Selected Contributions: ** Recognized as HR subject matter expert and consulting business partner for the National Football League, Xcel Energy, Duke Energy, Scholastic Corporation, Syngenta, State of Rhode Island and other clients. ** Designed and facilitated customized training programs to HR and management teams to deliver immediate and tangible results in employee satisfaction, health, safety, workplace productivity and efficiency. ** Improved employee performance and retention for major organizations by establishing connections between employers and healthcare/community benefit resources. ** Hand-selected to assist in rewriting policies and procedures for HR and executive management. ** Successfully drove profitability by providing a level of service that prompted several clients to sign high-value, multi-year contracts. ** Expertly communicated insights and information in a manner that was meaningful and "actionable" for managers and staff in tackling highly sensitive, intricate issues of substance abuse, violence, reduction in force (RIF) and other topics. ** Earned recognition from executives, managers and staff from respected national companies for demonstrating expertise in HR management and a tireless work ethic in solving complex organizational and employee-related issues. Show less



THREE LOWER COUNTIES COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. / CHESAPEAKE MENTAL HEALTH

• Team Lead

  • May 2002 - Sep 2004

  Supervised and led daily operations, including interviewing, training and managing staff. Evaluated and documented performance; provided constructive feedback. Facilitated staff meetings. Created and coordinated programs including confidential and professional consulting, counseling, educational and stress reduction sessions. Leveraged clinical expertise and knowledge of mental health, substance abuse and other issues to assist clients in overcoming obstacles, working toward personal and… Show more Supervised and led daily operations, including interviewing, training and managing staff. Evaluated and documented performance; provided constructive feedback. Facilitated staff meetings. Created and coordinated programs including confidential and professional consulting, counseling, educational and stress reduction sessions. Leveraged clinical expertise and knowledge of mental health, substance abuse and other issues to assist clients in overcoming obstacles, working toward personal and career-focused goals and achieving work-life balance. Selected Contributions: ** Established consistent knowledge base among new employees by leading new hire orientation and conducting hands-on training workshops for cross-functional personnel. ** Expertly balanced client relations with in-house administrative and human resources functions. ** Cultivated alliances with community and professional organizations to boost capabilities and strengthen the reputation of the agency. Show less



SOMERSET COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT/ BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM

• Program Coordinator

  • Aug 2000 - May 2002

  Pioneered and implemented a new treatment program from the ground up, including creating policies, procedures and training staff. Supervised clinical and administrative team members while providing clinical services and mental health counseling to individuals, groups and families for chemical dependency, dual diagnosis and personal/professional issues. Enforced organizational, industry and regulatory requirements; oversaw and tracked corrective actions. Participated as key member of the Quality… Show more Pioneered and implemented a new treatment program from the ground up, including creating policies, procedures and training staff. Supervised clinical and administrative team members while providing clinical services and mental health counseling to individuals, groups and families for chemical dependency, dual diagnosis and personal/professional issues. Enforced organizational, industry and regulatory requirements; oversaw and tracked corrective actions. Participated as key member of the Quality Assurance Program team. Selected Contributions: ** Restructured and revitalized the Co-Occurring Treatment Program to meet changing community needs and earn a reputation as the #1 program of its kind in the state of Maryland. ** Led initiatives to eliminate inefficiencies and close performance gaps through long-range planning and continuous process improvements. ** Consistently achieved the highest retention rate in the program. ** Gained valuable experience that later applied to HR/management consulting work, particularly in counseling employees and leadership in dealing with substance abuse and other complex and challenging issues in the workplace. Show less