Velvet Elkins
Moundsville,USA
Summary
Child protective services worker with extensive experience in West Virginia, specializing in advocacy for social justice and child welfare. Demonstrated success in developing safety strategies and engaging families, leading to effective reunifications and enhanced outcomes for vulnerable children. Proficient in analytical problem solving and fostering community involvement.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Protective Services Worker
State of West Virginia
Wheeling, USA
12.2023 - 02.2026
- Conducted thorough investigations of child welfare cases to assess safety and risk factors.
- Conducted thorough assessments of child safety and welfare in high-risk situations.
- Completed interviews with children and family members during investigation of Child Abuse and Neglect gather information.
- Conducted initial assessments of maltreatment and family functioning to inform case planning.
- Promote a safe living environment for children through regular home visits, inspections, and evaluations.
- Reduced risk factors by developing individualized safety plans tailored to each family's unique circumstances.
- Completed and implemented safety plans within the home.
- Facilitated successful reunification by closely monitoring progress and adjusting case plans.
- Established trust with clients through empathetic communication, improving accuracy of gathered case information.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Facilitated multidisciplinary team meetings to coordinate and enhance services for vulnerable children and families.
- Advocated for children's rights within the legal system, ensuring compliance with state regulations and standards.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Provided critical testimony in court proceedings that contributed to positive outcomes for children under protection.
- Drafted legal petitions for submission to the Circuit Court.
- Worked with the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.
Wraparound Facilitator and Outreach Coordinator
Home Base, INC
Wheeling, USA
08.2021 - 09.2023
- Worked with West Virginia CESD Waiver Program for emotionally disturbed children. Aetna Insurance company.
- Created individualized teams for each child to prevent placement in restrictive environments like lockdown facilities or group homes.
- Coordinated a team to provide in-home support for children and their parents.
- Wraparound Facilitator assisted during crises and identified necessary resources.
- Wraparound Facilitator completes critical incident reports upon report of crisis or incidents.
- Wraparound Facilitator conducts via zoom all team meetings, 7-30-day meeting and every 90 days after that.
- Completed CANS Assessment, Family Crisis Plan, and Plan of Care, while managing budget requests for necessary services.
- Coordinated supervised visits and facilitated parenting classes in collaboration with the court system.
- Assist parents with receiving their children back by court ordered improvement period.
- Research adaptive equipment for therapeutic purposes for the child.
- Complete reports to the court system, and CPS workers.
Behavior Management Specialist and Case Manager
Youth Services Systems, Inc.
Wheeling, USA
07.2016 - 06.2021
- Developed and presented solutions to team aimed at reducing behaviors in children affected by trauma.
- Trained staff at Youth Achievement Center on Positive Behavior direct care and ABC chart documentation to enhance behavior management.
- Analyzed client's psychological evaluation, list of medications, diagnosis, family history, birth, and environment raised.
- Rule out any medical reasons for behavior or find the answer for the behavior.
- Collected and analyzed staff-documented behavior data for functional assessment to inform development of Positive Behavior Plans.
- Completed dysfunctional sensory processing assessments and developed sensory diets.
- Completed communication, learning profile, assessment, likes and dislikes, family circle.
- Trained staff on the Behavior Plan after being presented and approved by Human Rights Committees.
- Attended team's treatment plan meetings reported on client's progress and attended IEP meetings at school.
- Outlined clients progress to Judge, at scheduled court meetings.
- The goal is to reduce children's behavior; teach parents what strategies decrease behavior to keep children within the home.
Education
Authorized Trainer in Positive Behavior Support Direct Care Overview -
West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Morgantown, WV02.2017
Certificate of Training in Foundations of Positive Behavior Support Curriculum -
West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Morgantown, WV01.2013
Master of Arts - Teaching and Learning with Technology
Ashford University
Clinton, Iowa10.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Leadership and Development
Wheeling Jesuit University
Wheeling, WV08.2006
Skills
- Child welfare advocacy
- Case management
- Foster youth support
- Risk assessment
- Safety strategy
- Client engagement
- Interviewing techniques
- Analytical problem solving
- Time management
- Social justice advocacy
- Community involvement
- Substance support
- Family guidance
Timeline
Child Protective Services Worker
State of West Virginia
12.2023 - 02.2026
Wraparound Facilitator and Outreach Coordinator
Home Base, INC
08.2021 - 09.2023
Behavior Management Specialist and Case Manager
Youth Services Systems, Inc.
07.2016 - 06.2021
Authorized Trainer in Positive Behavior Support Direct Care Overview -
West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Certificate of Training in Foundations of Positive Behavior Support Curriculum -
West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Master of Arts - Teaching and Learning with Technology
Ashford University
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Leadership and Development
Wheeling Jesuit University