Nominee for National Board President
Lisa Bortner
Current Province VII Representative to the National Episcopal Church Women Board
Cedar Creek, Texas
lisafromlsu@gmail.com
Experience
Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Disability Determinations Services
6101 East Oltorf, Austin, TX 78741
Operations Unit Manager
I managed and directed the day-to-day operations and activities of a Disability Determinations Services (DDS) Operations Unit and supervised 16-19 case adjudication professionals responsible for the timely and accurate disposition of disability cases filed by applicants under the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability program. All employees managed by this position were college graduates, including a significant number of licensed professionals (Nurses, Doctors and Lawyers) and other post-graduate degrees. I oversaw and directed adjudicators as they developed, analyzed, and evaluated disability case files to determine if an applicant met the SSA definition of disability. I developed and implemented performance evaluation criteria and participated in creating the guidelines, procedures, policies, and regulations to ensure compliance with Federal disability laws and with SSA, state, local and agency regulations, policies, and procedures. I analyzed and appraised individual and group performance; approved and monitored work schedules; assigned work; issued instructions; coordinated workflow; and monitored quality, processing time, and production. Duties also included reviewing cases to maintain compliance with program standards. I developed, designed, and implemented unit and agency training. I also managed all personnel actions including hiring, firing, disciplinary action, granting raises and promotions. I managed a unit budget to ensure appropriate, effective use of funds. I routinely dealt with unit and other DDS staff, claimants and their representatives, medical and mental health care providers, advocacy groups, and other interested parties at the local, state and national level, providing subject matter expertise on complex medical, vocational, legal, technical, and administrative issues related to the SSA disability program. I was chosen to start new training units for the agency. I routinely trained new Operations Managers for the agency and served on agency workgroups.
Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Disability Determinations Services
6101 East Oltorf, Austin, TX 78741
Case Adjudication Specialist
I was the principal resource person for the unit in regard to technical and substantive issues including guidance on complex medical and vocational topics. I served as the principal trainer of Disability Examiners both for new hires to the agency and also for career advancement. I maintained an up-to-date program policy manuals and other regulatory directives. I coordinated and provided back-up for absent Disability Examiners. I maintained a partial caseload and adjudicated all prisoner claims within the unit. I assumed responsibility for unit operations in the supervisor’s absence. I reviewed all requests for medical examinations. I assisted the supervisor with and performed any duties that were required to maintain unit operations. In June 1998 I participated in the round table discussion regarding computer system software upgrades with Booz-Allen and Hamilton during their DDS site visit.
Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Disability Determinations Services
6101 East Oltorf, Austin, TX 78741
Disability Examiner
I was responsible for adjudicating all levels of disability cases filed under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Programs of the Social Security Administration with specialization in initial, reconsideration, and Continuing Disability Review (CDR) cases. I was responsible for analyzing medical, vocational, and technical data in order to adjudicate SSA disability claims. My primary caseload consisted of CDR claims, which entailed knowledge of complex policies and procedures. I trained new employees and provided backup for absent employees. I developed a CDR training packet for the unit that included an instructional manual as well as a technical completion guide. In October 1996 I was detailed to the Social Security Administration’s Headquarters in Baltimore for a two week period for Reengineered Disability System (RDS) Usability Testing. This was the precursor to a new electronic case system tool. I tested the software and then provided feedback and input to SSA as to how the system could be improved upon both from the SSA Field Office standpoint and from the DDS standpoint.
Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Disability Determinations Services
6101 East Oltorf, Austin, TX 78741
Automation Trainer
I was responsible for all automation training conducted in the DDS. I developed policies and procedure manuals and presented training in order to meet Division objectives. I worked in a team setting to establish the goals and curriculum of the training. In addition to classroom training, I provided in-unit training and served as a resource for trainees who had completed classroom training. I tested VERSA applications prior to the rollout of VERSA to the MDU Unit. I assisted with the preparation and maintenance of the computer training library. I also developed the curriculum for and implemented training of software computer system classes. I taught classed on Microsoft Word, Outlook, Queries, VERSA, and POMS. I planned and hosted the VERSA User’s Group Conference in 4/96 which included personnel from SSA, other state DDSs, and VERSA. I served as the Mistress of Ceremony for this conference.
FAITH BASED ACTIVITIES
Member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Austin, TX
Past member of St. Mark’s Vestry
Past President of St. Mark’s, Daughters of the King
Past President of St. Mark’s, Episcopal Church Women
Past mentor and graduate of Education for Ministry classes
Past Austin Convocation Coordinator, Vice President and President for the Diocese of Texas Episcopal Church Women
Past Secretary of the Province VII Episcopal Church Women Board
Current Coordinator of the Women of St. Mark’s Shower Ministry
Current Diocese of Texas Daughters of the King Service Project Chair
Current Correspondence Secretary of the Myra McDaniel Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians
Current Province VII Representative to the National Episcopal Church Women Board
Education
Louisiana State University, Bachelor of Arts
Louisiana State University, Masters of Social Welfare