Social Worker III - Adult Services

Salary: $24.84 - $38.50 Hourly
Location : NC 28712, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00439
Department: Social Services
Division: ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Opening Date: 01/23/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt

About
Transylvania County is a community with a rich cultural scene, grounded in tradition and history and with a vision for the future. We are a community that has a wonderful public and private education system that provides our region with a well-trained and viable workforce. Transylvania County has a population of 33,211, featuring over 250 waterfalls with the highest, Whitewater reaching a staggering 411ft.

For the outdoor enthusiast there are 1000+ miles of trails, 300+ miles of cycling territory including single tracks and fire roads; fly fishing from the many streams, pristine swimming holes and even mountain climbing at the famous Looking Glass Rock scaling 60ft of granite face rock. Come join and see what our community is all about!

The Adult Services Social Worker has a primary responsibility with Transylvania County Department of Social Services to meet the requirements of Adult Protective Services and laws for the care and protection of disabled adults in whatever setting the client is located. These services are mandated in accordance with

Essential Functions

Protective Services for Adults

• Receive and respond to reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of disabled adults.
• Initiates evaluations within the required statutory time frames and determine whether abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred.
• Conduct interviews, home visits, and comprehensive psychosocial assessments.
• Consult with clients, family members, caregivers, medical providers, law enforcement, and district attorney.
• Develop, implement, and monitor service plans.
• Arrange and coordinate services to ensure client safety.
• Provide case management and follow up services as needed.
• Prepare court documentation and provide court testimony when required.
• Consuls with supervisors and DSS legal counsel regarding guardianship and protective interventions.

Special Assistance in Home Case Management

• Provide additional support services and income to individuals who would prefer to live at home and meet eligibility requirements.
• Conduct assessments to identify how factors that would affect an individual's ability to live at home.
• Determine services needed to ensure that the applicant's needs are met.
• Work directly with the recipients, families, and other caregivers to develop a service plan that enables the recipient to live at home.

Adult Home Specialist (Back-Up)

• Serve as backup to the Adult Home Specialist as assigned.
• Assist with monitoring licensed adult care homes, family care homes, and adult day programs.
• Investigate rule-based complaints and ensure corrective action and follow up.

Intake and On Call

• Provide backup intake service for Adult Services by taking APS reports, complaints, and/or addressing inquiries and concerns.
• Participate in a rotating after hours, weekend, and holiday on call coverage (on call stipend and compensatory time or overtime provided.)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of social work principles, methods, and practices
• Knowledge of medical, behavioral, and psychosocial issues affecting adults
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies
• Skill in assessing complex client situations and determining appropriate interventions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, and community partners
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment

Education and Experience

Candidates' experience and education will determine the starting salary and level of position. The following tiers are used:

• 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 one year directly related experience; or
• Master's degree in human services field and one year of 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 of directly related experience.

Note:

Candidates who do not meet these standards are still encouraged to apply and may be considered for SW Trainee, SW I, or SW II depending upon relevant education and experience. (Work against rate applied)
Additional Requirements:

• Valid North Carolina Driver's License
• Successful completion of SBI background check with required fingerprinting by Sheriff Office. (Instructions issued by HR at pre-boarding)
• Successful completion of Transylvania County standard background check. (Instructions issued by HR at pre-boarding)
• Successful completion of drug screening. (Instructions issued by HR at pre-boarding)

Physical Demands
Frequent travel for home visits, meetings, and court appearances is…