Social Worker III - Adult Protective Services

County of Mecklenburg, NC•Charlotte, NC

2d•$63,080 - $78,850

About The Position

This position with the Adult Protective Services unit provides social work services to older adults and adults with disabilities that are referred to the agency. The APS Social Worker III evaluates and assesses the need for protective services for adults that are alleged to be abused, neglected, or exploited. The position requires direct social work intervention with adult clients, contacts with collaterals, interaction with other professionals, and contacts with community resources. Services For Adults seeks a candidate who is comfortable with a rapid pace, legal interventions, crisis situations (i.e. medical and mental health), and in-home / community visits. Candidate must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends, including making in-home visits on weekends. Candidate may also be required to complete after hours and weekend in-home visits due to delays in processing of adult protection cases (as needed). May also be required to work during emergency situations and at the emergency shelters. A written assessment may be required to complete by those candidates selected for interview consideration.

Requirements

Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited school of social work and three (3) years of social work experience; or a qualifying internship;
or a bachelor's degree in a related field with 15 hours of social work/counseling courses and four (4) years of social work experience;
or Master's degree from an accredited school of social work (MSW);
or a master's degree in a related field with three (3) years of social work experience.
Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
Requires County Driving Privileges
Knowledge of General social work principles and available resources
Knowledge of Social services procedures, practices and methods
Knowledge of Social services related federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations relating to provision of public assistance, and social welfare
Knowledge of Case management methods and techniques
Knowledge of Services offered by the county and other local public and private community-based service agencies
Skills Prioritizing work
Skills Managing and executing multiple tasks
Skills Maintaining various confidential records
Skills Evaluating records to ensure accreditation standards are met
Skills Using computers and related software applications
Skills Exercising judgment and discretion
Abilities Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures
Abilities Building Customer Loyalty: Effectively meeting customer needs; building productive customer relationships; taking responsibility for customer satisfaction and loyalty
Abilities Building Partnerships: Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, units, or organizations to help achieve business goals
Abilities Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
Abilities Care Management: Having the knowledge and skills to secure relevant patient care data and identify key issues and relationships in the management of patient care; understanding the relationships among assessments, interventions, and patient responses; skilled in documentation of assessments and adjusting physical and cognitive prescriptions as needed
Abilities Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information received
Abilities Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ and own organization’s needs
Abilities Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences
Abilities Inspiring Others: Using interpersonal styles and methods to inspire and guide individuals toward higher levels of performance
Abilities Managing Conflict: Dealing effectively with others in an antagonistic situation; using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people
Abilities Work Standards: Setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed
Proficient in applicable computer programs

Nice To Haves

Master’s in Social Work (MSW) or closely related degree preferred.
Previous Adult Protective Services experience highly preferred.
Have at least two years of recent experience working directly with adults diagnosed with mental illness and have knowledge of services and resources available in North Carolina for people with mental illness.
Have at least two years of recent experience as a social worker working with adults with dementia and have knowledge of services and resources available in North Carolina for people with dementia.
Have excellent writing and verbal skills to discuss and present information in various settings including court.
Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn programs used by the Department.
Can travel in North Carolina in a county vehicle.
Have organizational skills to set priorities while having the flexibility to handle crises and emergency situations without compromising deadlines.

Responsibilities

Assess needs of individuals and families
Interview clients, obtain family, social, and medical information; collects supplementary information needed to assist client such as employment records or school reports
Determine clients' eligibility for financial assistance and if referrals are appropriate
Discuss goals, expected outcomes, and means with which to meet goals and expected outcomes
Assist clients in the completion of required paperwork for items that may determine program eligibility, referrals, or provide job assistance, such as job applications
Manage records and maintain history records and prepare reports of services provided
Refer clients to community resources for services and coordinates benefits and referrals to other agencies
Develop and evaluate service plans in consultation with clients, and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided
Help clients work with government agencies to apply for and receive benefits
Transport clients to appointments such as medical, job-related or others, if appropriate
Manage records and documentation of services provided and participate in team case conferences
Act as a liaison with other staff with referrals and transitioning of clients
Counsel and consult with individuals or families in a variety of settings including parents, parents, and teachers; addresses behavior arranges for services, and diagnoses problems
Address legal issues and evaluates the need for protective services, assists with hearings, and providing testimony to inform custody arrangements
Provide, find, or arrange for support services, such as childcare, homemaker service, prenatal care, substance abuse treatment, job training, counseling, parenting classes or behavioral health treatment to prevent more serious problems from developing
Place and facilitate appropriate placements for adults commensurate with the level of identified need; evaluates personal characteristics and home conditions
May be required to staff shelters in the event of a disaster