Coleden R. Belknap
Burnsville,WV
Summary
Human Services professional with seven years of continuous experience across Child Protective Services, behavioral health, clinical support, and regulated case management environments. Currently serving as a Child Protective Services Worker with the West Virginia Department of Human Services, managing court-involved investigations, emergency responses, and high-risk family systems while maintaining strong compliance and documentation standards. Recognized for efficiency, professional judgement, and reliability. Seeking advancement within state or human services roles emphasizing accountability, coordination, and sustainable performance.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Nursing Assistant
William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital
Weston, WV
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Monitored patient behavior and reported changes to the nursing team.
- Maintained accurate patient records, documenting observations and care provided.
- Supported therapeutic activities by engaging patients in structured programs.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, de-escalating volatile situations while prioritizing patient safety at all times.
- Reduced the risk of self-harm or injury to patients by implementing appropriate safety measures and close monitoring.
- Contributed to a positive therapeutic environment through effective communication, active listening, and respectful interactions with patients and staff members.
- Promoted a culture of healing by consistently demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding towards all patients regardless of their diagnoses or backgrounds.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment by adhering to proper infection control practices and following established safety protocols.
- Maintained patient rooms by making beds, sweeping units and wiping down surfaces.
Behavioral Health Technician
United Summit Center
Sutton, WV
- Assisted clients with daily living activities to enhance independence and quality of life.
- Monitored patient behavior and reported changes to ensure safety and proper care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans.
- Documented patient progress accurately in electronic health record systems.
- Advocated for client needs, ensuring compliance with treatment goals and regulations.
- Provided crisis intervention services, successfully de-escalating situations and ensuring patient safety.
- Implemented therapeutic activities that promoted skill-building, self-awareness, and healthy coping mechanisms.
- Facilitated on-site activities, support groups, and outings for clients.
- Adhered to strict confidentiality guidelines while managing sensitive patient information, maintaining privacy and trust among clients.
- Completed documentation for every incident and forwarded to correct personnel for review.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based behavioral interventions and strategies.
- Mentored new Behavioral Health Technicians joining the team, sharing best practices and helping them acclimate quickly to their new role responsibilities.
- Enhanced patient engagement in their treatment plan through active listening and empathetic communication skills.
- Taught clients how to complete basic household chores and prepare food.
- Utilized creative problem-solving abilities to address complex patient needs and overcome barriers to treatment success, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism and ethical conduct.
- Intervened with clients' challenging behaviors by reinforcing therapeutic alternatives and coping mechanisms.
- Kept accurate records by documenting progress and adhering to prescribed behavior plan.
- Collaborated with client's support system and other allied specialists to implement positive interventions.
- Delivered compassionate patient care, focusing on safety, comfort and emotional support.
- Supported patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Monitored patient behavior and immediately reported changes to supervising physician.
- Maintained patient records, documenting changes in patient condition.
- Organized recreational activities to assist in patient recovery.
- Treated clients and families with respect and dignity.
Service Coordinator
United Summit Center
Sutton, WV
- Coordinated services for individuals with complex developmental and behavioral health needs in a regulated provider environment.
- Conducted eligibility redeterminations, developed individualized service plans, and ensured compliance with state and payer requirements.
- Served as liaison between clients, providers, and agencies while maintaining accurate, timely documentation.
- Facilitated home visits to evaluate client safety status and determine necessary support services.
Head Start Family Advocate
Central West Virginia Community Action
Weston, WV
- Facilitated family engagement activities to strengthen community connections and support child development.
- Provided resource referrals and information to families on health, education, and social services.
- Conducted regular home visits to assess family dynamics and provide tailored advocacy support.
- Organized workshops and training sessions for parents to enhance their parenting skills and knowledge.
- Monitored program compliance with federal regulations and agency policies to ensure quality service delivery.
- Facilitated parent meetings and support groups designed to foster a sense of community among Head Start families.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of family needs and strengths, developing tailored action plans to address identified areas of concern.
- Improved parental involvement in children''s education by organizing workshops, trainings, and events focused on child development.
- Provided crisis intervention services to families experiencing challenges such as homelessness or domestic violence, connecting them with necessary resources for safety and wellbeing.
- Assisted families in accessing community resources for housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities to promote selfsufficiency.
- Monitored child attendance records closely, addressing concerns about absenteeism through direct communication with parents.
- Enhanced family engagement by conducting regular home visits and establishing strong relationships with parents.
- Developed strong partnerships with local organizations that offer supportive services to low-income families, increasing resource availability for Head Start participants.
- Managed a caseload of Head Start families efficiently and effectively, ensuring timely completion of required tasks and thorough follow-up on identified areas for support.
- Maintained knowledge of current federal, state, and local regulations governing Head Start programs to ensure compliance with all requirements.
Child Protective Services Worker
WV Department of Health and Human Resources
Sutton, WV
07.2024 - Current
- Conducted thorough assessments of child safety and welfare in diverse family situations.
- Upheld professional standards by adhering to agency policies, state regulations, and ethical guidelines throughout all aspects of the job role.
- Facilitated communication between families and support services to ensure resource accessibility.
- Implemented case management strategies to monitor progress and resolve issues effectively.
- Engaged in crisis intervention techniques to stabilize high-risk situations promptly.
- Documented case findings and maintained accurate records in compliance with state regulations.
- Provided training and mentorship to new staff on best practices in child welfare policies.
- Reduced risk factors by developing individualized safety plans tailored to each family''s unique circumstances.
- Maintained confidentiality regarding sensitive client information while ensuring compliance with all legal and ethical requirements.
- Established trust with clients through empathetic communication, leading to more accurate case information gathering.
- Expedited permanency planning processes by working diligently toward adoption or guardianship when reunification was not possible.
- Promoted a safe living environment for children through regular home visits, inspections, and evaluations.
- Enhanced child safety by conducting thorough investigations and assessments of reported abuse and neglect cases.
- Increased efficiency in caseload management by maintaining accurate records and promptly addressing urgent situations.
- Provided critical testimony in court proceedings that contributed to positive outcomes for children under protection.
- Continuously expanded knowledge of child welfare best practices by participating in ongoing training, workshops, conferences.
- Facilitated successful reunifications by closely monitoring progress and adjusting case plans as needed.
- Boosted child well-being by connecting families with appropriate community resources and services.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive case plans for at-risk children and families.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Arranged medical and psychiatric tests to identify difficulties and indicate potential remedial approaches.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Behavioral Sciences
Glenville State University
GlenvilleSkills
- Conflict de-escalation
- Documentation skills
- Needs assessment
- Effective communication
- Organizational skills
- Computer literacy
- Mental health awareness
- Interviewing techniques
- Safety planning
- Court testimony
- Trauma-informed care
- Attention to detail
- Professionalism
- Home visits
Timeline
Child Protective Services Worker
WV Department of Health and Human Resources
07.2024 - Current
Nursing Assistant
William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital
Behavioral Health Technician
United Summit Center
Service Coordinator
United Summit Center
Head Start Family Advocate
Central West Virginia Community Action
Bachelor of Science - Behavioral Sciences
Glenville State University