Social Worker III – Adult Services

County of Davidson; United States; On-site; USD 41,148 - 52,472; Full time

Job summary

The County of Davidson seeks an Adult Services Social Worker to provide crucial social work services for victims of abuse and neglect. Candidates must hold a Master's or Bachelor's degree in social work and have a valid North Carolina Driver License.

The role involves comprehensive assessments, collaboration with community resources, and developing goals with clients. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are essential, and candidates should be prepared for emergency situations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school required.
• Experience in social work or related human services is important.
• Valid North Carolina Driver License is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Provide social work services for victims of abuse and neglect.
• Assess client needs and determine appropriate services.
• Conduct thorough assessments of strengths and needs.

Skills

Social work principles

Assessment skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Crisis management

Education

Master’s degree in social work

Bachelor’s degree in social work

Job description

Job Description

$29.87 - $38.09 starting salary based on qualifications and experience.

The Davidson County Department of Social Services is seeking to hire an Adult Services Social Worker to provide social work services to individuals who have been identified as victims or potential victims of abuse, neglect, exploitation and/or dependency as defined by North Carolina General Statutes. The role includes Special Assistance In‑Home, Guardianship services, Adult Home monitoring, and/or complaint investigations of facilities/adult care homes and other Adult Services. The employee will provide services to families while conducting thorough assessments of strengths and needs, safety, and family supports.

Responsibilities

• Assess disabled adults in private living dwellings and long‑term care facilities for a wide variety of programs.
• Offer referrals to community resources to enhance independent functioning.
• Assess referrals of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of disabled adults to determine risk of harm and need for immediate intervention.
• Interview victims, families, caregivers and alleged perpetrators to complete a comprehensive assessment of risks, strengths and needs.
• React quickly to incoming reports and maintain efficient case documentation within state‑mandated processing time frames.
• Conduct in‑depth assessments of disabled adults and family dynamics; assess needs and treatment of adults with acute to severe medical and/or emotional disorders, mental illness, and provide information to the court.
• Prepare court documents and reports as required by law.
• Assess adult capacity to manage their own affairs and determine services needed.
• Collaborate with medical, mental health providers and law enforcement to determine if the client is in danger or at risk of harm and in need of immediate intervention.
• Work with clients and families to jointly develop realistic goals and identify activities to accomplish those goals.
• Review client progress and modify goals as needed.
• Consult with the supervisor to make case decisions and review progress in case planning.
• Complete annual re‑assessments to determine progress and identify new goals.
• Diffuse crisis situations, consult with other professionals, and provide counseling and education to clients, families and community agencies.
• Prepare and maintain all case records and documentation in accordance with state and agency protocol.
• File petitions for individuals who are alleged to be incompetent and in need of a substitute decision‑maker.
• File involuntary commitment petitions to ensure the safety of individuals who are a danger to themselves and/or others.
• Work after hours, nights and/or weekends to respond to emergency situations, as officers will be on the after‑hours rotation.
• Consult with agency attorney and represent the agency in court.
• Complete mandated state and local forms as required by policy.
• Attend routine progress conferences with the supervisor and discuss any concerns that arise.
• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality, as it is essential for providing critical adult protective services.
• Adhere to federal, state and county rules, policies and regulations.
• Perform mandatory emergency shelter duty should the need arise.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their application to complex casework, group work and community problems.
• Knowledgeable of policies and procedures pertaining to client eligibility and other internal programs.
• Knowledgeable of community agencies and resources to identify appropriate programs for client needs.
• Ability to accurately assess client needs and determine whether those needs can be met by available programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with case load members, their families and civic, legal, medical, social and religious organizations.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.
• Ability to provide written documentation in case records.
• Ability to provide expert resolution skills in the negotiation of complex cases.
• Ability to discern and document important information.
• Knowledge of community and area resources.
• Positive attitude and willingness to work with all types of people, including those who may be difficult.
• Ability to plan and organize work.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to counsel clients and effectively advocate for them.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with other units in the department, other county departments and outside local and state agencies.
• Ability to assess and evaluate human problems and needs.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform basic operational support functions: reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. Light work may be required, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or negligible force constantly to move objects. Requires close visual acuity for computer work and extensive reading. Contact with clients and/or family members who may be hostile, resistant or violent. Work may occur inside and outside; exposure to environmental conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases or poor ventilation in home or client locations. Possible exposure to infectious bodily fluids, insects, rodents and animals (e.g. fleas, roaches, mice, dogs).

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work.
• Or Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (child welfare positions only).
• Or Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience.
• Or Master’s degree in a human services field and one year directly related experience.
• Or Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years directly related experience.
• Or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years directly related experience.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid North Carolina Driver License.