Job Description

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on April 14, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on April 14, 2026.Job Title: Social Worker III- Adult Protective Services Department: Social Services - Adult ServicesExternal Hiring Range: $29.51 - $34.96Compensation Grade: 2009Posted Internally and ExternallyBuncombe County offers in-office, hybrid, and remote positions. Employees in positions that are approved for remote work must work at a location within a 2-hour drive from the position's assigned Buncombe County facility.

This is a Social Worker III position that specifically provides Adult Planning and Mobilization services to adults that have a substantiation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and have consented to services to provide for their safety. The social worker is responsible for connecting the individual to services in the community to address their protective service needs. This position also does overflow Adult Protective Services evaluations as needed.

The start date for this position will be June 1st.

This position will be hired as a fully-qualified Social Worker III or a Social Worker III Trainee depending on candidate qualifications. Salaries are calculated based on education and experience above minimum qualifications.

The Pay Range for a Social Worker III is $29.51 - $34.96 an hour
The Pay for a Social Worker III Trainee is $27.58 an hour

Social Workers are required to work in the office (no teleworking) for their first 6 months of employment to ensure they receive the appropriate level of support and training.

The selected candidate for this position will be required to submit to a drug test. Please note that CBD or Delta-9 Hemp products may cause a positive drug test.

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of this position is to ensure safety of aged and disabled adults in compliance with state and federal statutes regarding adult protective services.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): Master's degree in Social Work; or a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and one (1) year of directly related experience; or a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or Human Services and two (2) years directly related experience; or Bachelor’s degree in another field and three (3) years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. *BSW and Social Work Collaborative Students preferred.

Additional Training and Experience: English/Spanish bi-lingual speakers preferred.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: A current, valid driver's license.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Evaluate reports of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation of aged and disabled adults, meeting mandated requirements as set forth in Adult Protective Services policy and statutes.
• Develop and implement service plans to provide for the safety and wellbeing of all aged and disabled adults who are found to be in need of protection and either adult or legal representative consents to such services.
• Assess individual need for Guardianship and when appropriate petition the court to carry out the intent of the Guardianship Statues 35A.
• Evaluate the needs of individuals in the 6 domains to include social support, environment, economic functioning, mental/emotional functioning, activities of Daily Living/Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and Physical health.
• Identify, develop, and coordinate community resources to address protective service needs, including creating resources when they are lacking.
• Establish rapport with clients, families, and appropriate professionals/non-professionals in the community to provide a strengths-based, person-centered approach in working with aged and disabled adults throughout the protective services system.
• Collaborate as needed with peers, adult leadership, and agency attorney in weekly case decision and guardianship case staffing.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Thorough understanding and working knowledge of State and federal policy, agency procedures, Adult Services Standards and mandates for adult protective service practice and service delivery.
• Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices, and their application to complex casework, group work, and community problems.
• Knowledge of basic community systems and resources, including physical and mental health services, adult services, substance abuse resources, domestic violence, housing, and other applicable areas.
• Considerable knowledge of medical and psychological illnesses which impair an adult’s decision-making abilities.
• Must be proficient in preparing petitions requesting protective services, exparte emergency and regular orders, guardianship petitions for the protection of aged and disabled adults and at providing expert testimony when needed in court cases.
• Ability to prioritize, identify and assess risks, problems and needs often in stressful situations with clients who are hostile, have a history of trauma and may be resistant.
• Able to identify and/or develop resources when none are known or available and to coordinate services for clients with multi-disciplinary professionals.
• Skill in establishing constructive relationships with clients who may be resistant and utilizing person-centered SW practice.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.