Christy Ellerbee

• Conducted comprehensive assessments of child protection cases to ensure safety and well-being of children.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement effective intervention strategies.
• Guided new staff through comprehensive training on child protection protocols and best practices to enhance operational compliance.
• Reviewed case documentation for compliance with state regulations and policies, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness.
• Coached and supported CPS staff in conducting child safety assessments, service planning, and decision‑making.
• Participated in and prepared staff for court hearings, MDT meetings, forensic interviews, and other case‑planning activities.
• Represented team members in meetings and court proceedings when staff are unavailable.
• Lead daily immediate‑danger staffing decisions and provided after‑hours on‑call supervisory support. Mentored specialists in effective interviewing, information‑gathering, and accurate evaluation of family needs.
• Coordinated child placements during removals, including after‑hours emergency support.

• Served in multiple Child Protection Specialist roles, including Ongoing CPS, Intake CPS, and One‑Case/One‑Worker, managing cases from initial removal through reunification, guardianship, adoption, or termination of parental rights.

• Demonstrated strong case management skills by consistently completing timely transitions from intake to ongoing duties. Successfully applied 18 years of experience working with ICWA families in Missoula and Yellowstone counties, maintaining culturally responsive communication and effective collaboration with tribal partners and ICWA specialists.

• Conducted thorough safety assessments in birth, kinship, and foster homes, using clear communication to explain safety concerns, expectations, and develop effective case plans with families and caregivers.

• Coordinated out‑of‑state child placements, completed ICPC’s and transported youth to residential facilities or medical settings, maintaining calm, supportive communication with children and families during stressful transitions. Assisted parents in securing resources and services while completing treatment plans while working towards reunification.

• Completed comprehensive onboarding training in child protection practice, safety assessment, and state CPS standards.
• Shadowed senior staff to build skills in child interviewing, trauma‑informed engagement, and effective family interaction while also being responsible for investigative reports.
• Gained experience in legal documentation and court processes, including affidavits, reports, and testimony expectations. I wrote affidavits and testified in court cases.
• Trained in crisis response, emergency decision‑making, and on‑call safety procedures. I was responsible for after hours on call and staffing with my supervisor when making safety decisions.
• Developed cultural responsiveness and family‑centered practice techniques to support diverse families. Worked very closely and successfully with multiple tribes and other cultures while adhering to ICWA laws.