GLADYS MATTHEWS
Camp Lejeune
Summary
Results-driven and mission-oriented human services professional with over 15 years of experience advocating for veterans, military families, and individuals with complex needs. Specialized in navigating federal regulations, including Title 38 of the Federal Code of Regulations, to secure VA disability compensation, healthcare access, pension benefits, and vocational support. Proven ability to educate and assist veterans in filing claims, coordinating appeals, and accessing long-term services through interdisciplinary collaboration, and trauma-informed care. Adept at managing high caseloads, handling sensitive documentation, and working across government, nonprofit, and clinical settings. Recognized for delivering empathetic, client-centered support that promotes stability, reduces benefit delays, and empowers veterans and their families to achieve lasting outcomes.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Family Preservation Specialist
Methodist Home for Children
Raleigh
01.2024 - Current
- Assisted veterans with mental health and IDD in navigating VA benefits access.
- Guided clients through application processes for compensation, pension, and healthcare under Title 38.
- Collaborated with VA social workers to ensure efficient referral pathways and benefit alignment.
- Delivered education on eligibility criteria and appeals, reducing benefit delays for veterans.
- Designed over 75 individualized case plans based on biopsychosocial assessments.
- Maintained caseload of 10–15 families, conducting weekly in-home visits for hands-on support.
- Secured housing placements for 78% of housing-insecure families through coordination with HUD.
- Linked 85% of families to food support services, enhancing nutritional stability and reducing absenteeism.
Human Resource Specialist
King Soopers
Denver
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Ensured 100% compliance with contract law principles in procurement processes.
- Achieved 95% success rate in negotiating favorable terms across various contracts.
- Conducted comprehensive contract analysis, reducing disputes and liabilities by 90%.
- Championed legal compliance by interpreting policies and regulations to mitigate risks.
- Facilitated communication of policies to enhance compliance awareness by 15%.
- Implemented safety protocols and training programs, decreasing accidents by 30%.
- Managed employee benefits, increasing satisfaction with packages by 15%.
- Forecasted talent needs, improving workforce agility by 25%.
- Managed employee onboarding and orientation processes for new hires.
- Facilitated training sessions on company policies and procedures for staff.
- Coordinated recruitment efforts, including job postings and candidate screenings.
- Conducted employee performance evaluations and provided feedback to management.
- Assisted with conflict resolution and mediation between employees and management.
- Supported benefits administration, including enrollment and inquiries from staff.
Police Officer
Commerce City Police Department
Commerce City
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Enforced laws and regulations within Commerce City neighborhoods, ensuring community safety.
- Conducted thorough investigations of crimes reported by citizens, achieving timely resolutions.
- Responded promptly to emergency calls, maintaining public safety and order.
- Navigated volatile incidents with composed decision-making during crises.
- Managed high-pressure scenarios, including hostage negotiations and active shooter incidents.
- Maintained emotional control during challenging encounters, facilitating unbiased conflict resolution.
- Produced detailed reports documenting incidents, arrests, and investigations for efficient progress.
- Collaborated with local organizations to promote crime prevention initiatives and build community trust.
Employment Specialist
Aurora Mental Health Center
Aurora
01.2020 - 01.2020
- Provided comprehensive employment services and benefits guidance to veterans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and co-occurring behavioral health challenges.
- Assisted veterans in navigating VA benefits applications, including compensation, vocational rehabilitation, housing assistance, and healthcare services under Title 38.
- Delivered job coaching, resume development, and interview preparation tailored for veterans transitioning to civilian workforce.
- Partnered with VA counselors, vocational rehab specialists, and federal/state agencies to align employment placements with benefit eligibility.
- Advocated for workplace accommodations and veteran-centered planning to enhance long-term employment retention.
- Implemented primary prevention strategies to proactively identify potential employment challenges, achieving a 15% reduction in job placement barriers.
- Monitored planning reports to ensure a 30% improvement in efficiency; optimized job placement outcomes resulting in a 25% success rate increase.
- Assisted clients with developing an appropriate career plan that incorporated their skills and interests.
- Counseled clients on resume writing, interviewing techniques, job search strategies, and other related topics.
- Advocated for clients in workplace settings to ensure fair treatment.
- Searched for qualified job candidates using computer databases, media advertisements or employee referrals.
- Facilitated job placement services for clients with mental health challenges.
- Developed individualized employment plans tailored to client needs.
- Conducted workshops on resume writing and interview skills for participants.
Lead Administrator
United States Marine Corps
Oceanside
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Guided active-duty Marines through civilian transition with individualized support for Veterans Affairs benefits.
- Monitored inventory levels of office supplies and equipment; placed orders as necessary.
- Collaborated with other departments on special projects as needed.
- Oversaw the preparation of contracts, agreements, invoices.
- Supervised administrative operations ensuring compliance with military regulations.
- Coordinated communication between various departments and military personnel.
- Managed scheduling and logistics for training exercises and missions.
- Educated service members on initiating VA claims for disabilities, healthcare, and vocational rehabilitation.
- Provided step-by-step assistance in collecting medical records and verifying eligibility to prevent claims delays.
- Collaborated with Family Advocacy Program and Military OneSource to coordinate referrals to VA resources.
- Ensured access to accurate and timely information regarding federal benefit programs and post-service entitlements.
- Engaged in collaborations across support programs to enhance well-being of Marines and families.
- Partnered with Base Chaplain and Naval Hospital Mental Health Services to address spiritual and mental health needs.
- Demonstrated exceptional customer service by efficiently resolving inquiries for over 500 personnel daily.
- Maintained personnel records for military service members and their families.
- Processed enlistment paperwork and updated status changes in the system.
- Ensured compliance with regulations regarding personnel documentation and privacy.
- Supported administrative functions by managing correspondence and communication channels.
- Trained new clerks on procedures and best practices for personnel management.
- Collaborated with various departments to streamline personnel processes and workflows.
- Assisted with the preparation of awards packages for service members.
- Compiled data from multiple sources into a single document or report format.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
King University
Bristol, TN12-2025
Bachelor in Sociology - Minor in Psychology
University of Houston
Houston, TX12-2019
Skills
Veterans benefits and programs expertise
Title 38 CFR knowledge
VA disability claims support
VA pension guidance
VA medical center enrollment
VA education and vocational rehabilitation
Burial benefits assistance
- VA life insurance navigation
- Appeals support services
- Case management
- Client advocacy
- Benefit navigation
- Crisis intervention
- Program evaluation
- Conflict resolution
- Family assessment
Certification
- Colorado Peace Officer Standard and Training Certification
- Flatrock Training Academy
- United States Marine Corps-Supply Warehouse Clerk Supply School Camp Lejeune, NC
- United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC
- SHRM Certification
Awards
Certificate of Appreciation, National Defense Service Medal, Letter of Appreciation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Combat Action Medal – Marine Corps Honorable Discharge
Accomplishments
I have personally assisted over 150 veterans and their families in successfully navigating complex VA systems, including claims for disability compensation, pension benefits, healthcare enrollment, and education support under Title 38 of the Federal Code of Regulations. I helped reduce benefit delays by up to 40% by proactively guiding clients through initial applications and appeals, often serving as their primary liaison to VA representatives, medical providers, and legal aid. In my previous roles, I regularly managed high call volumes and fast-paced caseloads—completing over 50 benefit-focused consultations per month while maintaining a 98% documentation compliance rate. I developed trauma-informed service plans tailored to veterans with PTSD, IDD, and co-occurring mental health needs, which contributed to a 30% increase in benefit retention and long-term housing stability. I take pride in empowering veterans by demystifying complicated systems, advocating fiercely on their behalf, and ensuring they receive every benefit and support they’ve earned through service.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Family Preservation Specialist
Methodist Home for Children
01.2024 - Current
Human Resource Specialist
King Soopers
01.2022 - 01.2023
Police Officer
Commerce City Police Department
01.2020 - 01.2022
Employment Specialist
Aurora Mental Health Center
01.2020 - 01.2020
Lead Administrator
United States Marine Corps
01.2006 - 01.2010
Master of Science - Social Work
King University
Bachelor in Sociology - Minor in Psychology
University of Houston
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