Social Worker III

Adult Protective Services (APS) Position Overview

Location:

Adult Services Section.

The primary purpose of the Adult Protective Services (APS) position is to improve the quality of life of vulnerable adults through immediate and intensive interventions to prevent death, irreparable harm, inappropriate institutionalization, or continuation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This position also provides temporary supportive and specialized services to non‑Protective Services classified elderly and/or disabled adults, encouraging customers to develop healthy coping skills through linkage with local community resources.

This program provides emergency and essential services to disabled adults who are in need of protective services. This position is responsible for investigating all screened‑in referrals within twenty‑four or seventy‑two hours depending on the immediacy of the situation. Services focus on the safety of the customer and the possibility of remaining in his/her physical and social environment utilizing the strengths of the customer, his/her family, or social network to create a positive alternative to the current situation.

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

Applicants may qualify for a work against appointment with a certain degree of education and experience.

Employee should have knowledge of state and federal licensure laws and regulations, fire and building codes, social work theory and practice, general knowledge of State/County Special Assistance for Adults policy, Adult Protective Services, Guardianship, Adult Placement, Medicaid, and Adult Care home Case Management policies, Ombudsman duties, DFS policies and practices, normal aging processes, mental illness, and basic medical terminology.

Skills and abilities

required for job include relationship building, conflict resolution, ability to apply knowledge, mediation, judgment, ability to evaluate and propose desired outcomes, ability to work independently, ability to express oneself clearly orally and in writing, ability to elicit information and assemble relevant facts to prepare assessments and reports, ability to deal with conflict situations and contentious personalities, ability to organize workload to meet responsibilities, ability to function under stress, and ability to respond supportively in emotion‑laden or crisis situations.

• Each applicant who is tendered an offer for employment for any position with Cumberland County shall be tested for the use of drugs specified in the County policy. Refusal to submit to testing or a confirmed positive test shall be a basis for withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.
• Law enforcement background check is required and may include fingerprinting.
• Has or is able to obtain a valid North Carolina Driver's License.
• This position will require assisting in emergency and/or disaster situations.
• The Cumberland County Department of Social Services has a dress code policy that must be adhered to.

Contact Human Resources at  with any questions regarding this vacancy.

The Cumberland County Department of Social Services stands united to strengthen individuals and families and to protect children and vulnerable adults. We collaborate with our community partners to provide programs and services which engage our customers in improving their quality of life.

We envision our Department as a catalyst for improving quality of life through teamwork, partnership, forward thinking, and cutting edge service delivery. We envision our customers as partners, motivated and empowered to improve their quality of life.

A quality customer experience, business operations and employee experience represents our three Core Standards that guide our principles and values. We have identified eight core values and validating behaviors that define our Departments:
Service, Teamwork, Accountability, Diversity, Innovation, Optimism, Integrity and Flexibility.