Consultant Name: Lisa Karau
Company Name: Progressive Community Services, Inc.
Phone Number: 608-393-7165
Email: lisak@pcsdane.org
Work History
Job Title: IRIS Consultant
Care Responsibilities: I currently serve as a Support Broker for 25 clients with Developmental Disabilities. My clients range in age from students transitioning from high school at the age of 21 to elderly clients. As a Support Broker, I am responsible for making sure all requirements are met to assure the clients funding including paperwork and face to face contacts. I am responsible for documenting all contact with my clients and collaterals. As a Support Broker I am also responsible for working with my clients to assure they have the necessary services to assure their health and safety. Part of my job duties also includes making sure my clients are aware of the services available to them and helping them to make changes to their Individual Service Plan as requested.
Prior to working at Progressive Community Services, I worked at the Aging and Disability Resource Center for 8 years providing assistance to individuals with Physical and Developmental Disabilities as well as the elderly. Before working at the Aging And Disability Resource Center , I worked for the Sauk County Department of Human Services for 12 years as a Social Worker in the Developmental Disabilities serving a caseload of about 40 clients. My last three years I worked as the Lead Worker In the unit. I have spent the last 20 years of my career serving people with various disabilities.
Educational Background
Name of Institution: University Of Wisconsin Madison, University Of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Major/Degree: Masters in Science and Rehabilitation Psychology, Bachelors in Social Work
Credentials
Name of Certification/Accreditation: Masters in Science and Rehabilitation Psychology, Bachelors in Social Work
Certifying Agency: State of Wisconsin CRCC
Date Certification was Obtained: 1996
Specialties
I have worked as a Social Worker with Individuals with Developmental Disabilities for 12 years. I have also worked at the Sauk County Aging And Disability Resource Center as an Information And Assistance Specialist serving clients with Physical Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities and also the Elderly.
County/Region I’m familiar with
The majority of my current clients are on the west side of Madison. I currently live in Baraboo and worked in Sauk County for 19 years prior to my employment with Progressive Community Services.
Languages or Communication Skills
American English
I’m comfortable with pets in the home
Yes
More about me
I started working for Progressive Community Services in 2016 after working in Sauk County for 19 years. I missed working as a Long-Term Care Manager and developing a long-term relationship with my clients. At the Aging and Disability Resource Center, I was able to work with a wide variety of clients, but my contact with clients was very short-term. I have really enjoyed working with my current clients at PCS.
Currently I live in Baraboo with my 12-year-old daughter. I enjoy watching her participate in various sports. Our family also includes my significant other Ken and our 8-year-old dog Mickey. We enjoy spending time with our family including my parents who live in Wausau and my siblings, nieces and nephews. We also enjoy going to my parents cabin in Medford during the summer.