Elizabeth Schwanke

While maintaining my position and responsibilities at the Rose Garden site, I was seeking new opportunities to grow existing skills, and learn a new skill set. While at White Bear Lake I have guided staff through difficult situations with individuals served, created program plans, updated forms for individuals, created the schedule, audited, and organized paper and computer files to offer better organization. I have spent time building rapport with the individuals and their teams, as well as facilitated communication between a hospitalized individual and their expanded support team. As an SDS I am often sought after for guidance and support from Behavior Modification Assistants at White Bear Lake.

As an SDS I have assisted individual's reach their personal goals through motivational interviewing, using person centered tools, and modeling these skills for BMAs to assist individuals in successfully meeting their goals as independently as possible.

Providing and teaching on updated policies within DHS and CBS, facilitating staff meetings that encourage participation, inclusion, while offering all staff a platform to share or expand on their ideas to better the program and the individuals supported.

Working closely with CRS to schedule required staff trainings. Addressing and maintaining the vacation calendar while following the AFSCME contract. Staying up to date on the AFSCME contract to be a source of accurate information for union members. Creating the schedule while following contract requirements.

Creating, modifying, and simplifying daily, house, and client forms and procedures while using plain language to ensure accuracy of documented information.

Contribution, participation, and knowledge applied to Rose Garden through quarterly lead meetings hosted by CBS supervisors and managers.

Building and maintaining professional rapport with individual's expanded support team, along with internal supports ie; MSOCS RNs, CSS, Southern Cities Clinic, and CRSs.

Encouraging individual's to complete their daily goals and outcomes. Assistance with registering for special olympics activities and community activities.

Providing individuals with emotional regulation skills before, during, and after a crisis. Assisting individuals through challenges while encouraging independence and growth.

Encouraging individuals to maintain and grow their existing skills along with guidance with new life skills.