Open to opportunities

Kiana Zaragoza

@kianazaragoza

Message

Detail-oriented benefits specialist who manages complex eligibility and documentation to resolve issues fast.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role where I can own eligibility and documentation workflows, ensure compliance, and resolve discrepancies end-to-end. I thrive in fast-paced environments with clear deadlines and strong cross-functional communication.

I’m a detail-oriented Benefits Specialist with experience in insurance benefits, documentation management, and cross-functional coordination. I interpret medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, help with eligibility, enrollments, and changes, and investigate issues tied to claims, coverage, and reimbursement. I maintain accurate records across systems to ensure compliance and continuity while tracking open items until resolution by strict deadlines.

Before my current role, I strengthened my workflow and compliance skills in housing and eligibility work, managing documentation and program requirements while keeping files audit ready in Yardi. I also conducted detailed eligibility reviews for Medi Cal and CalFresh, verified income and household information, and processed applications with strict regulatory timelines. Earlier, as a Legal Assistant, I drafted and reviewed documents for accuracy and completeness—experience that fuels my careful, process-driven approach when resolving discrepancies for members, clients, and internal teams.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Benefits Specialist

Current

Benefit Service Center

Sep 2025 - Present (8 months)

Interprets medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to support eligibility, enrollments, and changes while resolving claim, coverage, and reimbursement issues. Maintains accurate records across systems, tracks open issues to resolution, and clarifies benefit details with members and internal teams.

Insurance Benefits Documentation Management Record keeping & Compliance Audit Readiness

Property Management Representative

Housing Authority Of The City Of Santa Barbara

Nov 2024 - Aug 2025 (9 months)

Managed documentation and compliance for four properties totaling over 290 tenants, maintaining audit-ready records in Yardi. Tracked deadlines for certifications and inspections and coordinated with multiple departments to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate processing.

Regulatory Compliance Yardi Audit Readiness Workflow Management

Housing Representative

Housing Authority Of The City Of Santa Barbara

Jun 2023 - Nov 2024 (1 year 5 months)

Managed a caseload by tracking client documentation, deadlines, and program compliance while verifying information accuracy and completeness before processing. Maintained detailed, audit-ready records in Yardi and coordinated with landlords and internal teams to resolve eligibility and documentation issues.

Caseload Management Program Compliance Yardi Audit Readiness Record keeping Deadline Follow Up

Eligibility Worker

Department Of Social Services

Jun 2022 - Jun 2023 (1 year)

Conducted detailed eligibility reviews for Medi Cal and CalFresh by verifying income, household information, and supporting documentation for regulatory compliance. Processed applications, managed high-volume caseloads with strict deadlines, and maintained accurate, audit-ready case records.

Eligibility Medi Cal CalFresh Income Verification Household Documentation Regulatory Compliance Case Processing Audit Readiness Medical

Legal Assistant

Monica Robles Law Firm

Sep 2020 - Oct 2021 (1 year 1 month)

Drafted and reviewed legal documents for accuracy and completeness while maintaining organized case files and tracking key deadlines. Ensured documentation met legal and regulatory requirements and communicated with clients to collect and verify required information.

Regulatory Compliance Legal Documentation Client Communication Organized Records Administrative Support