Patricia L.

Highcove, MS, CRC, CVE, CCM

Baltimore, MD 21236
Voice: 410-529-3505 Fax: 443-927-7916
pathighcove@comcast.net * http://www.linkedin.com/pub/pat-highcove

QUALIFIED BY: Over 25 years of increasingly responsible positions in human services with an emphasis on:

Disability Management
Rehabilitation Counseling
Case Management
Injured Workers Rehab
Vocational Expert Testimony
Vocational Assessment
Labor/Job Market Research
Job Development/Placement
Vocational Evaluation
Rehab Plan Development
Job Seeking Skills Training
Team Development
Personnel Management
Staff Development
Video Job Analysis
Program Coordination
Office Administration
Internal Budgeting

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Independent Consultant 1997 - present
Expert witness in workers compensation, general liability, LTD, Divorce, and Social Security cases.
Vocational case management in workers compensation and Long Term Disability including vocational
assessment, job preparedness training, job placement, labor market surveys, and legal documentation.
Developed business plan for Start-up Company. Formulated the organizational structure, job descriptions,
budget, daily operational routines, hardware and software needs, staffing needs, and other start up concerns.
Co-chaired the successful presentation to venture capital organization

VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT SERVICES, INC.
Vocational Case Manager 2010 - present
Provide vocational case management, vocational assessment, job seeking skills training, job development,
placement assistance, vocational counseling, and coordination with various health care providers to injured
workers both telephonically and on field visits.

THE GUILFORD GROUP 1997 2001
Senior Executive
Management consulting functions in human resources, workers compensation, and integrated disability
management for multi-state employers with a combined work force over 30,000 employees.
Project management for self insured trust including the establishment of TPA required practices, injury
management training for employers, and establishment of behavioral and financial goals.
Data analysis of financial liability, employer performance on key cost factors, and reserving practices.

INTRACORP 1986 - 1997
Territory Director 1996 - 1997
Financial forecasting and budgeting responsibilities. Collaborated with multidiscipline team members in new
service definition and delivery and in proposal development.
Coordinated and implemented major downsizing and operational closures in local office. Wrote business
rationale, analyzed future needs and made necessary recommendations for the staff and departments in need of
work force management. Managed thirty-nine professionals and fifteen support personnel during the reduction
of 80% of the offices business. Created new focus and team spirit for the survivors of the downsizing, by
creating smaller units, building relationships, focusing on individual strengths, and working toward common
goals, while providing a supportive and respectful environment for those who did not remain.
Increased market share by 18% in three months and achieved a 70% growth in revenue in six months.
Conflict resolution among employees at various levels in the organization.


Field Service Manager 1989 - 1996
Supervision of rehabilitation specialists including case staffing, training, and specialist development.
Coordinated and developed mutually satisfying working relationship with five competitors as subcontracting
companies.
Structured relationship, agenda, responsibilities, quality control criteria, and operational details for
subcontractors. Wrote operational manual.
Increased profits and specialist billing capacity by providing effective time management seminars.
Acted as primary liaison for disability management service line to a major statewide insurance company client
that provided millions of dollars in annual revenue.
Developed problem solving strategy to realistically and practically correct problems impeding organizational
progress and performance.

Rehabilitation Specialist 1986 - 1989
Provided vocational case management, assessment, job seeking skills training, job development, placement,
vocational counseling, expert witness testimony, and coordination with various health care providers. Clients
were primarily from workers compensation and LTD carriers.

DIVISION OF REHABILITATION SERVICES 1984 - 1986
Rehabilitation Specialist IV - Maryland Rehabilitation Center
Responsible for comprehensive vocational evaluations of persons with various disabilities.
Administered work samples, reviewed medical data, produced diagnostic reports, and provided vocational
counseling. Developed and revised evaluation tools.

ALLIANCE, INC. 1983 - 1984
Counselor / Evaluator
Case manager and evaluator for an adult psychosocial program.
Placed job ready members both in-house and off site.
Provided group and individual crisis adjustment.

MERRIMACK VALLEY REHABILITATION CENTER 1982 - 1983
Vocational Evaluator - Lowell, MA
Responsible for vocational assessment of individuals with handicaps, and supervision of unit operations.

VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT AND CAREER CENTER 1982
Student Assistant
Evaluated and counseled career changers. Provided interest and temperament testing, ability and achievement
testing, resume preparation, interviewing skills, and job seeking skills.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

Master of Science, Rehabilitation Counseling, Syracuse University, 1982
Bachelor of Science, Rehabilitation Services, Syracuse University, 1981
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Certified Vocational Evaluator
Certified Case Manager
Certified Rehabilitation Service Provider Maryland #N0264
Certified Rehabilitation Provider - Commonwealth of Virginia - #0715005369

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals
Chesapeake Association of Rehabilitation Professionals in the Private Sector
Board Member for CARPPS, 1996 present
President Elect, 2002-2003
President, 2003-2004
Kids Chance of Maryland Board Member, 2012-present
National Association of Professional Women, 2013 to present