Adult Protective Services Social Worker

Catawba County Social Services is seeking committed and compassionate Adult Protective Services (APS) Social Workers to join our team. In this critical role, you will be at the forefront of efforts to protect vulnerable adults and support individuals and families facing complex and often crisis-driven circumstances. APS Social Workers respond to reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of disabled adults, ensuring their safety, rights, and well‑being while connecting them to essential services and supports.

We’re looking for individuals who embody our core values – those who act with integrity and professionalism, provide thoughtful, person-centered assessments and interventions, work collaboratively with families, courts, medical providers, and community partners, and strive for excellence in a fast-paced and highly impactful environment. If you are passionate about protecting vulnerable adults and supporting their ability to live safely with dignity and self‑determination, we encourage you to apply.

Trainees, those with a Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees in other areas of human services, but do not have the required experience, may be considered.
Trainee salary starts at $54,967.43

• Initial response to reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of disabled adults
• Conduct face-to-face assessments, evaluations, and safety evaluations
• Apply crisis intervention techniques and respond to urgent or high-risk situations
• Determine whether allegations are substantiated and take appropriate protective action
• Establish protection and service plans to support adult safety and well‑being
• Mobilize and coordinate medical, mental health, legal, financial, and social services
• Assess capacity and assure client rights to self‑determination
• Assess the need for legal guardianship and facilitate court‑ordered evaluations and proceedings
• Prepare legal documentation, court reports, and testify as required
• Provide ongoing case management and long‑term service coordination

• Master's degree from an accredited school of social work and 1 year of social work experience; OR
• Master’s degree in counseling or human services field and 2 years of social work experience, OR
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work with Child Welfare Collaborative and 1 year of social work experience; OR
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and 2 years of social work experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and 3 years of social work experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a non-human services field and 4 years of social work experience

• A valid Driver’s License with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position)
• Strong assessment, investigative, and documentation skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and remain calm in crisis situations
• This position is considered light work, lifting up to 20 pounds on a regular basis.

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
• Experience working with vulnerable adult populations, including individuals with disabilities, dementia, mental illness, or substance use disorders
• Experience working with courts, guardianship, or legal processes
• Experience conducting psychosocial assessments and crisis intervention
• Applicants with bilingual ability (English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply