Adult Protection Service Social Worker III – (DSS)

DEPARTMENT: Social Services

SALARY: Grade 65                                           $23.5878 Hourly /$49,062.52 Annually      

OPENING DATE: April 22, 2024                       CLOSING DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED    

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The primary purpose of this position is to provide services to disabled or aged adults who are in need of protection from abuse, neglect or exploitation. The Adult Protective Service (APS) worker provides a vast number of services to correct or prevent abuse, neglect or exploitation of incapacitated adults. Adult Protective Services differs from many of the other Social Services as it may be initiated without the consent of the adult. The Adult Protective Services worker receives alleged information, makes a diligent and thorough evaluation of that information, and determines if the adult is in need of protection. I f the adult is in need of protective services, the worker begins a multi-faceted approach to correct or prevent further abuse, neglect or exploitation. Services may include planning and counseling with the adult and his relatives or caretakers, assisting or arranging for alternative living arrangements, and arranging for legal, medical or other needed services. This position will also serve as perform duties as back-up Adult Home Specialist.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.  It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in this class.  The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from the assigned duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Receives intake report alleging neglect, abuse or exploitation of an incapacitated adult and complete intake form. Initiates the reports immediately if the individual is alleged to be in danger of death, within 24 hours if the individual is alleged to be in irreparable harm or within 72 hours in a less threatening situation.

Interview clients in the area of physical health, mental health, activities/instrumental activities of daily living, economic, environment, and social support. Evaluates the report by making home visits to the adult, telephone calls to collaterals and obtaining information from various computer systems such as Central Registry, NCFAST, OLV, DMV, AOC, ACTS and CLEAR.

Complete documentations from interviews, telephone calls and conferences.

Staff with the supervisor and/or unit to make a case decision to substantiate or unsubstantiated neglect, abuse and/or exploitation. Complete forms DAAS-5026, DSS-5027, Community Evaluation, Face Sheet, Notices to Reporters, Initial and Final Written Reports, Case Maintenance Forms, Mental Health Questionnaire, Determination of Capacity. Develop service plans that outline the adult goals and target date of achievement. Mobilize services for clients and/or refer for services to outside agencies.

Conduct home visits to evaluate the need of the adults. Find placements for disabled adults in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group home or the community. Meet with County Attorney to discuss court cases. Testifies in court regarding case findings. Files involuntary commitment papers as needed.

Collaborate with outside agencies to ensure the safety of adults in need of protection. Complete monthly reports regarding caseload activity. Rotate on-call nights, weekends and holidays.

Attends unit staff meetings, training through NC Di vision of Aging and Adult Services and Webinars.

Complete monthly reports regarding caseload activity. Works in disaster shelters as deemed necessary.

MINIMUM TRAINING 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 (Child Welfare positions only); Bachelor ‘s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience; Master’s degree in counseling in a human services field and one year of social work or counseling; 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices, and their application to complex casework, group work, and community problems. Considerable knowledge of a wide range of medical, behavioral, and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory. Considerable knowledge of family and group dynamics and a range of intervention techniques, governmental and private organizations, and resources in the community, laws, regulations, and policies which govern the program. General knowledge of the methods and principles of casework supervision and training. In certain settings, considerable knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes and their treatment as they relate to decisions regarding clinical interventions and appropriate therapies based on medical or psychological diagnosis. Skill in establishing rapport with a client and in applying techniques or assessing psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological aspects of client’s 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 case load 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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

All employees should possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

All employees may be requested to perform other duties as assigned.

All employees may be required to assist county operations during a State of Emergency, disaster or other county event.