Social Worker III - Adult Protective Services

Salary : $61,983.02 - $105,371.14 Annually
Location : Johnston County DSS, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 02694
Department: Social Services
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Johnston County Department of Social Services has an immediate opening for an Adult Services Social Worker III - Adult Protective Services.

The Adult Services Unit of the Johnston County Department of Social Services provides services to individuals over the age of eighteen. These individuals have a wide range of needs, lifestyles and handicaps. They may be physically and/or mentally handicapped, or they may have no medical problem at all. These individuals have a wide range of needs, lifestyles and handicaps. They may be physically and/or mentally handicapped, or they may have no medical problem at all. Adult services offer the following SA-In Home/CAP Services, Adult Home Specialist, Placement Services, Protective Services, Intake, Guardianship, and Services for the Blind.

Will accept work against or trainee status if fully qualified applicants are not located.

Regular office work hours will be maintained with the expectation of working whatever hours are necessary or indicated for the necessary 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 for disabled adult's ages age 18 and over and take whatever protective measures are required to ensure the protection of this vulnerable population. Often these adults may be abused, neglected or exploited by a caretaker or they may be neglecting themselves. Adult Protective Services is initiated without the consent of the adult and is administered without regard to income. After a thorough investigation and evaluation of the individual's living environment and situation, a determination is made if the adult is in need of protective services or should be directed to other agency or community resources. If the adult is in need of protective services, the worker begins a complex, decision making and multi-faceted approach to correct or prevent further abuse, neglect or exploitation. Services include, but not limited to, planning and counseling with the adult and his relatives/caretaker, assisting in arranging alternative living arrangements in the community or in an institution and arranging for medical, legal or other services as needed.

Other Duties:

• 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 (Child Welfare positions only); Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience.

Or

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.
Preference:
Prior knowledge and experience in Adult Services.

It is preferred that a copy of an unofficial transcript be attached to the application at time of submission for qualification purposes. Please note should a transcript not be attached, it may be requested.

*Please document all work history relevant to the position for which you are applying. Determination of qualifying for the position and salary may be based on years of experience listed on the application itself, not in supplemental documents attached. Failure to document complete work history may affect qualification determination and salary. Electronic applications cannot be amended once submitted.*

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.

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.

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 www.myjcbenefits.com
*This description applies to benefits eligible positions.
01

Please select your highest level of education completed.

• MSW
• BSW
• Master's degree in Human Services
• Bachelor's degree in Human Services
• PhD or other professional degree

02

Have you ever worked in an Adult Protective Services position in North Carolina?

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of experience do you have in child or adult services?

• None
• 1 - 4 years
• 5 - 9 years
• 10 + years

04

Please describe your prior Adult Services experience?
05

Do you have a valid Class C North Carolina Driver's License or the ability to obtain prior to your hire date?

• Yes
• No

Required Question