Progressive Community Services

Support Broker Interest Questionnaire

Name:Kristen Helgestad                            Date: 5/15/09

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

I can offer people a competent, caring, and dedicated support broker. I have 3 years experience providing direct care services to adults experiencing developmental disabilities and other behavioral challenges in a residential setting. My experiences include coordinating community integration activities, skills training, monthly goal monitoring, medication management and personal cares. I have worked with clients experiencing autism, violent and aggressive behaviors, different medical issues, psychotic disorders, and self injurious behaviors. I have over two years experience doing case management and therapeutic interventions with children, adolescents and their families. I can offer my clients a broker with a flexible schedule and availability around their schedules. I feel that my previous employment and internship experience paired with my education and passion for learning will make me an effective and helpful support broker.

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 recently graduated from UW-Madison with my Master’s degree in Social Work with an emphasis in mental health. I have experience working with people experiencing multiple mental health diagnoses including; major depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. I have experience facilitating individual, group, family, and play therapy. My academic field placements have given me experience doing intensive case management which has equipped me with the problem solving and advocacy skills needed to succeed as a support broker. I am passionate about self directed services and strive to empower the lives of the individuals I support.

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 experience working with individuals with multiple complex issues. Some of these issues include mental illness, child and domestic abuse, juvenile delinquency, and issues related to developmental and physical disabilities. My employment and internship experiences have equipped me with strong networking and advocacy skills. I have a passion for learning and will enjoy researching and discovering new community services for the individuals that I support.

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

I have experience working and volunteering with people that have diverse backgrounds including adolescents in the Dane County juvenile justice system and children and families with maltreatment concerns. Most of my experiences have been with children and adolescents but I have also worked with older adults with developmental disabilities.

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

I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with my Master’s degree in Social Work. My education is an accomplishment that I pride myself on. I feel that my educational accomplishments are a testament to my dedicated, hard working, and motivated work ethic.

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 believe in providing competent, caring, and efficient services that empower individuals to realize their goals and dreams for their lives.