Social Worker III - Adult Protective Services

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Description The Johnston County DSS mission is to serve, aid and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families. We provide human services programs that are intended to promote the health, well-being, self-sufficiency and protection of families, children and adults within our community. Johnston County Department of Social Services has an immediate opening for an Adult Services Social Worker III – Adult Protective Services. Adult Services Unit Scope Services include: SA‑In Home/CAP Services Adult Home Specialist Placement Services Protective Services Intake Guardianship Services for the Blind Regular office work hours will be maintained with the expectation of working whatever hours are necessary for performance of job duties. Periodic performance of emergency on‑call duties will also be required. Duties and Responsibilities The primary purpose of this position is to investigate allegations of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of disabled adults ages 18 and over and take protective measures to ensure their safety. The worker conducts thorough investigations, evaluates living environments, makes determinations, and coordinates medical, legal, and other services as needed. Be able to quickly ascertain facts on accepted reports to determine within mandated time frames what if any steps are necessary to protect and ensure the safety of the alleged victim. Have and maintain a knowledge family dynamics, social worker assessment techniques, consultations and teaching techniques to help the adult to eliminating or addressing the problems, causing abuse or neglect or exploitation. Possess interviewing skills for adult of all ages, ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Ability to obtain appropriate background checks and information on offending and non‑offending adult and caretakers and the ability to interview adults with limited mental functioning and capacity. Be able to function in chaotic and potentially hostile environments and be knowledgeable of appropriate legal statutes that must be used when necessary to protect victim adults. Ability to provide intensive in‑home guidance to all adults pertinent to the achievement of the goal of maintaining the disabled adult in the least restrictive home environment and a minimal standard of care. Prepare reports, necessary court paperwork, and potential witnesses and testify if needed during various incompetency hearings. Provide and ensure compliance with ward’s care coordination. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices, and their application to complex casework, group work and community problems. Thorough knowledge of a wide range of behavioral and psychosocial problems and their treatment. Thorough knowledge of family and group dynamics and a wide range of intervention techniques. Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community. Considerable knowledge of the methods and principles of casework supervision and training. General knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies which govern the program. Considerable knowledge of disease pathos‑physiologies in order to explain/present treatment alternatives to patients and families is required. Skill in establishing rapport with a client and applying theories, principles, and techniques of assessing psychological, behavioral, and psychological aspects of client problems. Ability to supervise, train, or instruct lower‑level social workers, students, or interns in the program. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of caseload and their families as well as civic, legal, medical, social, and religious organizations. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively. Desired Education and Experience Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work. Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (for Child Welfare positions only). Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year of directly related experience. Master’s degree in counseling in a human services field and one year of social work or counseling experience. Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years directly related experience. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience. Preference Prior knowledge and experience in Adult Services. Important Pre‑Employment Information If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire. A pre‑employment reference check will be conducted. A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre‑employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis. Benefits Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program. Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no‑cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on‑site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no‑cost. Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit This description applies to benefits eligible positions. #J-18808-Ljbffr JCI