Progressive Community Services

Support Broker Interest Questionnaire

Name: Jaimie Zadra                            Date: 12/28/10

What do you feel you could offer people as a Support Broker?

I feel that I could offer a lot of compassion, hard work, and dedication to people if I were their support broker. I also work really hard to understand people and do whatever I can to help get people's needs met.

Do you have specific talents, skills, or expertise that might help in considering which people may be referred to you? (Examples: proficient in sign language, foreign language, experience with residential or vocational service coordination, person-centered planning, etc.)

I am familiar with many different resources available in Dane County and I have worked with many different populations. (adults and adolescents with alcohol/drug and mental health diagnoses, children with disabilities, elderly persons, etc.) I have worked on teams composed of many different professionals and clients, so I have learned to work with a variety of people really well.

Do you have experience helping people around certain issues e.g., medical, psychological or physical challenges? Are you familiar with housing programs like Section 8 or Movin’ Out?

I have worked with people of all financial backgrounds, some who have received Section 8, food share, and medical assistance, for example. I have experience working with people who have challenges ranging from a physical and developmental disability to someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I have assisted people with their medical assistance as well as transporting to medical appointments.

Have you worked with people from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds? Older people, younger people?

I have experience working with people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds as well as the elderly population, children, and adolescents. I worked with children with Autism as well as two young girls with Rett's Syndrome. I also worked in-home with two women that were elderly who struggled with mobility issues. I am comfortable working with any population because I have had at least some exposure with most populations.

Are there any recent accomplishments, personal or professional, that you are proud of and willing to share?

I did intensive therapy with an adolescent male who was prescribed medication for Attention Deficit Disorder, as well as self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. By the end of our time together, he was able to discontinue his prescription for his A.D.D. and he quit using drugs and alcohol. Prior to therapy, he had quit going to school and was behind in credits. At the end of his treatment he was able to get all A's and B's in his classes. The best accomplishment of all in this situation is that he reported being happier than he had ever felt in his entire life.

Is there any additional information you care to include? Is there anything about yourself (experiences, education, personal interests) that you feel distinguishes you from other Support Brokers?

I work really hard to put my clients first and to help accommodate any need they may have. I like to be unique and think of ideas outside of the box. I really pride myself on going the extra mile to find a solution or resource for someone's problem. Furthermore, I work hard to treat people the way that I want to be treated, with dignity and respect.