Social Worker III - APS Initiator

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Gaston County Department of Social Services, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 1717
Department: SOCIAL SERVICES
Opening Date: 05/25/2026
Closing Date: 6/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.

As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.

Description


Gaston Social Services: Protecting, caring for and empowering children and adults who are temporarily or permanently unable to care for themselves through the administrating of federal, state and county programs focused on improving the well-being of our citizens.
Examples of Duties

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $27.45 - $31.91
The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.

• Investigate reports containing allegations of the abuse, neglect, and /or exploitation of disabled adults by conducting home visits and making collateral contacts in order to evaluate the disabled adult's situation and determine whether or not there is a need for protection.
• Respond immediately to allegations that involve information about disabled adults who are at risk of death or irreparable harm, coordinating with community resources such as Mental Health or Emergency Medical Services, and Law Enforcement and using immediate court actions to acquire emergency custody of the adult in order to preserve his/her health and safety.
• Mobilize the provision of adult protective services by initiating actions in collaboration with community resources, service providers, and family to provide support for disabled adults who have been abused, neglected, or exploited and have no one who is able, willing, and responsible to protect them.
• Mobilize the provision of adult protective services by initiating appropriate court procedures (protective services order or hearings of incompetency and guardianship) when client is in need of a surrogate decision-maker to assume responsibility for his/her protection.
• Document the Adult Protective Services process by preparing written narrative and reports for client record so that information will be preserved and available for use or review.
• Receive and document allegations of disabled adults being abused, neglected, or exploited by asking questions of reporter and assessing information given regarding physical/mental disabilities, how those disabilities incapacitate the individual, and if the individual is in need of protecting according to NC GS108-A. Notify DA and/or Law Enforcement if necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work.
• Bachelor's degree in social work and one year of experience in the area of case management, assessment and referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho-social therapy or treatment planning.
• Bachelor's degree in a human service field with at least 25 semester hours of approved coursework and two years of experience in a related area.
• Bachelor's degree and three years of related experience.

A copy of a transcript must be included with the application. Failure to include a copy of your transcripts may result in your application being rejected.

Social Work Assessment and case management skills needed, as well as knowledge of medical and mental health issues/terminologies, knowledge of geriatrics/aging issues. Computer skills required.

A valid driver's license is required.

Additional Information
The applicant selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment


At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.
At Gaston County, we are committed to providing our full-time employees with a comprehensive total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, a range of benefits, and incentives.

A few key components of our total compensation package include:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plans
  • Pension
  • 401K (with 5% county contribution annually)
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Discounted YMCA Membership

To learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our


Overall, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, Gaston County is the place for you.
01


Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

02


If you do not have a BSW or MSW, please select the type of major that you possess from the following list:

• Counseling and Guidance
• Rehabilitation Counseling
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Family Studies
• Criminal Justice
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Special Education
• Child Development and Family Relations
• Other

03


If your major was not listed, please list the major you possess:
04


Do you have valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

05


Have you attached a copy of your college transcripts as required?Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.

• Yes
• No

Required Question