Adult Protective Services Social Worker

Catawba County, North Carolina; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Catawba County Social Services seeks a committed Adult Protective Services (APS) Social Worker to safeguard vulnerable adults and coordinate essential services for families in crisis. You will respond to abuse, neglect, and exploitation reports, conduct safety assessments, and connect clients to supports while upholding rights and dignity.

The role emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and collaboration with families, courts, medical providers, and community partners in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or related field with social work experience
• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field with child welfare emphasis
• Valid Driver’s License with clean driving record
• Experience in crisis intervention and safeguarding vulnerable adults

Responsibilities

• Respond to reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of disabled adults
• Conduct face-to-face assessments, evaluations, and safety evaluations
• Apply crisis intervention techniques in high-risk situations
• Determine substantiation of allegations and take protective action
• Establish protection and service plans to support safety and well-being
• Mobilize medical, mental health, legal, financial, and social services
• Assess capacity and ensure client rights to self-determination
• Assess need for legal guardianship and facilitate court-ordered proceedings
• Prepare legal documentation, court reports, and testify as required
• Provide ongoing case management and long-term service coordination

Skills

Strong assessment, investigative, and

Ability to exercise sound judgment and

Valid Driver's License

Education

Master's degree in social work

Master’s degree in counseling or human services

Bachelor’s degree in social work with Child Welfare Collaborative

Bachelor’s degree in social work

Job description

Catawba County Social Services is seeking a committed and compassionate Adult Protective Services (APS) Social Worker to join our team. In this critical role, you will be at the forefront of efforts to protect vulnerable adults and support individuals and families facing complex and often crisis-driven circumstances. APS Social Workers respond to reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of disabled adults, ensuring their safety, rights, and well-being while connecting them to essential services and supports.

We’re looking for individuals who embody our core values – those who act with integrity and professionalism, provide thoughtful, person-centered assessments and interventions, work collaboratively with families, courts, medical providers, and community partners, and strive for excellence in a fast-paced and highly impactful environment. If you are passionate about protecting vulnerable adults and supporting their ability to live safely with dignity and self-determination.

Trainees, those with a Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees in other areas of human services, but do not have the required experience, may be considered. Trainee salary starts at $59,457.24.

• Initial response to reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of disabled adults
• Conduct face-to-face assessments, evaluations, and safety evaluations
• Apply crisis intervention techniques and respond to urgent or high-risk situations
• Determine whether allegations are substantiated and take appropriate protective action
• Establish protection and service plans to support adult safety and well-being
• Mobilize and coordinate medical, mental health, legal, financial, and social services
• Assess capacity and assure client rights to self-determination
• Assess the need for legal guardianship and facilitate court-ordered evaluations and proceedings
• Prepare legal documentation, court reports, and testify as required
• Provide ongoing case management and long-term service coordination

• Master's degree from an accredited school of social work and 1 year of social work experience; OR
• Master’s degree in counseling or human services field and 2 years of social work experience, OR
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work with Child Welfare Collaborative and 1 year of social work experience; OR
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and 2 years of social work experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and 3 years of social work experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a non-human services field and 4 years of social work experience

• Valid Driver’s License with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position)
• Strong assessment, investigative, and documentation skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and remain calm in crisis situations
• This position is considered light work, lifting up to 20 pounds on a regular basis.

Preferences:

• Experience working with vulnerable adult populations, including individuals with disabilities, dementia, mental illness, or substance use disorders
• Experience working with courts, guardianship, or legal processes
• Experience conducting psychosocial assessments and crisis intervention

• Applicants with bilingual ability (English/Spanish).