Yahaira Vargas

Answered hospital provider calls for BCBS and accurately interpreted claim information, insurance benefits, and policy details for members, claims, and appeals. Documented call interactions and exchanged information with providers to ensure timely, accurate responses.

Developed personalized treatment plans using cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, in coordination with a multidisciplinary team. Facilitated group therapy, conducted assessments and vocational evaluations, coordinated community referrals, and maintained accurate, compliant documentation.

Supported reentry clients with job placement, employer outreach, and career counseling, including resume/cover-letter support and mock interview coaching. Managed individualized employment plans through ongoing case management, on-site job coaching, and program outcome reporting on placements and retention rates.

Evaluated patients' psychosocial, environmental, and economic needs, assisting with care plans that include measurable goals and timeframes. Helped patients apply for benefits (ACA, Allkids, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP), provided crisis intervention, and coordinated referrals while following HIPAA and patient confidentiality requirements.

Produced fiscal and programmatic grant reports and ensured grant compliance across required areas. Managed a six-figure multi-site grant budget, performed grant research and writing, and tracked grant expenditures for reporting accuracy.

Provided high-volume customer service with 96% first-contact resolution, assisting members with inquiries and performing administrative management of contracts. Helped resolve insurance/claims issues within association guidelines and supervised 10+ customer service agents while maintaining inventory operations.

Researched Illinois education policy and supported Paul Simon Public Policy Institute activities. Helped plan and execute events, supported event marketing, and assisted with fundraising materials and recruitment packets for co-hosted events.

Provided guest services and front-end shift support, serving as a shift lead responsible for delegation, customer routing, de-escalation, and end-of-night till balancing. Supervised 5+ employees per shift and trained 80+ staff on Workday HR software and customer service protocols.

Assisted the Political Science Department with professorial duties, including grading, maintaining attendance and score records, and supporting coursework clarifications. Led weekly class discussions for an introductory course and prepared instructions and exam grading parameters.

Provided students with information about resources to help them complete their education and feel welcomed. Developed and executed 60+ programs/events to improve retention and cultural competency, including supporting a peer-to-peer mentorship program and helping increase the Latino student population from 3% to 12% within one academic year.

Provided customer service to tenants, guests, and clients while monitoring access control and verifying guest appointment times. Maintained incident and daily activity log books and supported administrative data entry for payroll and scheduling.

Performed data entry, accounts receivable clerical work, and supported shipping and receiving document preparation for imaging. Balanced batch teller transactions, managed check accountability for Chicagoland branches, and supervised/trained 5 employees for shipping and receiving duties.

Completed a Master’s in Public Administration at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2019.

Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2016.

Completed an Associate degree in Arts at Richard J. Daley College in 2014.