October 2009 Jen Branham Specialist Behavioral Health Services

Congratulations to Jennifer Branham, Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Specialist in Behavioral Health Services, on being named the recipient of the MDH APPLE Award for October 2009. APPLE stands for "Achieving outstanding Performance in Patient care, Leadership, Loyalty and Enthusiasm for MDH."

Jen earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Western Illinois University in July 2006. Soon after her graduation, Jen began her employment with MDH on August 1, 2006, as a BHS Specialist in Behavioral Health on a registry basis. In September 2006, Jen transferred to Advocacy Services as a Social Services Associate while remaining on registry for Behavioral Health. In August 2007, Jen returned to Behavioral Health on a full-time basis as a BHS Specialist. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois with plans to graduate this December.

Jen is an asset to her department. Her colleagues appreciate her consistently positive, energetic approach to her job that she also shares with her patients and their families. She is funny and very smart. Jen is willing to assist where and whenever needed and has a great work ethic. She pays attention to details and has excellent follow-up skills. Jen is as dedicated and conscientious as you could hope for in any employee.

Her nominators are very complimentary of her actions: “Jen does a great job [of] determining the disposition and needs of the patient then working to make [meeting those needs] happen—whether a referral to another agency, setting the person up with a follow-up appointment with BHS, or arranging an in-patient placement. She does so with professionalism mixed with a level head and humor. . . . She is a joy to work with due to her way of always being cheerful and upbeat. I think she exemplifies providing quality service to patients and their families.”

Another nominator states that Jen, as the crisis worker, begins each day not knowing what will come her way. She is the one who meets the patient at the lowest point and greatest distress. Her kindness and compassion for others is clearly demonstrated. She knows how to make people feel comfortable and able to share their concerns even in the most trying of circumstances while presenting a sense of calmness and professionalism. Her knowledge of local resources helps her connect patients expeditiously with the assistance they require and need. “Our [BHS] is acutely aware that, without her help, the work day would be chaotic and inefficient. We are extremely fortunate to have her be a part of our team,” one nominator shares.

Jen has one son, Marcus. She enjoys crafts and scrapbooking. Jen especially loves this time of year because she enjoys decorating for Halloween.