Social Worker III - Adult Protective Services

Johnston County•Johnston County DSS, NC

About The Position

Johnston County Department of Social Services is hiring an Adult Services Social Worker III in its Adult Protective Services unit. The department serves adults over age 18 with a wide range of needs, lifestyles, and disabilities. Adult services include in-home and CAP services, adult home specialist services, placement, protective services, intake, guardianship, and services for the blind. The position investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation involving disabled adults and takes protective measures to safeguard them. After evaluating the adult’s circumstances and living environment, the worker determines whether protective services are needed or whether referral to other agency or community resources is appropriate. When protective services are needed, the worker develops and coordinates interventions to address or prevent further harm. These may include counseling and planning with the adult and relatives or caretakers, arranging alternative living settings, and coordinating medical, legal, and other services. The role requires regular office hours, with additional hours as needed to perform job duties, and periodic emergency on-call duties. The county may consider work-against or trainee status if fully qualified applicants are not found. The description notes that duties and qualifications are not exhaustive and other duties may be assigned. Pre-employment reference checks will be conducted; other background checks and drug screening may be required. If a degree is required, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; or a qualifying bachelor’s degree and experience as specified in the posting.
Qualifying alternatives include a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school and one year of directly related experience; a master’s degree in counseling in a human services field and one year of social work or counseling; a bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years of directly related experience; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience.
Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices and their application to complex casework, group work, and community problems.
Thorough knowledge of behavioral and psychosocial problems and their treatment, family and group dynamics, and intervention techniques.
Knowledge of community governmental and private organizations and resources, casework supervision and training principles, and applicable program laws, regulations, and policies.
Knowledge of disease pathophysiology sufficient to explain or present treatment alternatives to patients and families.
Skill in establishing rapport and applying assessment theories, principles, and techniques to psychological and behavioral aspects of client problems.
Ability to interview adults of varied ages, ethnicities, cultures, and economic backgrounds, including adults with limited mental functioning or capacity.
Ability to work in chaotic and potentially hostile environments and understand applicable legal statutes used to protect adults.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, and civic, legal, medical, social, and religious organizations.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.
Regular office hours are maintained, with an expectation of working additional hours as necessary; periodic emergency on-call duties are required.
If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Prior knowledge and experience in Adult Services is preferred.
An unofficial transcript is preferred with the application for qualification purposes; it may be requested if not attached.

Responsibilities

Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation involving disabled adults age 18 and over, and take protective measures to ensure their safety.
Quickly assess accepted reports and determine within mandated time frames what steps are needed to protect the alleged victim.
Evaluate the adult’s living environment and circumstances to determine whether protective services or referrals to other resources are appropriate.
Develop and coordinate interventions to correct or prevent further abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Plan and counsel with adults and their relatives or caretakers.
Help arrange alternative community or institutional living arrangements and medical, legal, or other services as needed.
Provide intensive in-home guidance to help maintain disabled adults in the least restrictive home environment and at a minimal standard of care.
Obtain appropriate background checks and information about adults and caretakers, and interview adults with limited mental functioning or capacity.
Prepare reports and court paperwork, identify potential witnesses, and testify when needed during incompetency hearings.
Provide and ensure compliance with ward care coordination.
Maintain knowledge of family dynamics and use assessment, consultation, and teaching techniques to address causes of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Supervise, train, or instruct lower-level social workers, students, or interns as needed.
Perform periodic emergency on-call duties and work whatever hours are necessary for job duties.