Social Worker III - Adult Protective Services

Social Worker III – Adult Protective Services

The Carteret County Government’s Department of Social Services is seeking an Adult Protective Services Social Worker to join the team. The role requires good coping skills, ability to meet deadlines, excellent documentation skills, and objectivity. This position offers an opportunity to make a difference in the community.

Department of Social Services, Beaufort, NC.

Salary range: $57,702.20 - $63,472.42.

Posting extended and expires 6/22/2026.

Full‑time with benefits including paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement and 401(k) plans; paid sick, vacation, and holiday leave.

Must complete background checks (criminal, fingerprint, drug test, motor vehicle report, education screening) and other conditions of employment.

Performs intermediate human support work assessing social service needs, counseling, and assisting clients. Determines eligibility, develops service plans, manages cases, prepares records and reports, and collaborates with community providers.

Assists clients, processes applications, interviews applicants, interprets policies, provides counseling, investigates abuse or neglect, coordinates services, and ensures compliance.

• Develops and prepares service plans for health and housing; handles referrals.
• Interprets laws, policies, and regulations.
• Completes home studies, conducts visits, testifies in court.
• Provides counseling on housing, substance abuse, disease processes; conducts assessments.
• Investigates complaints, determines abuse/neglect, notifies law enforcement.
• Arranges placements in care facilities; monitors placement.
• Prepares forms, reports, correspondence; maintains records.
• Coordinates services with other agencies and contract providers.
• Reviews client records and plans with supervisors; consults with Social Workers.
• Develops placement plans for foster care; recruits families.
• Receives calls, determines investigations.
• Assists with guardianship arrangements.
• Serves as advocate for clients’ medical, social, environmental needs.
• Acts as surrogate decision maker when needed.
• Communicates and educates stakeholders.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Extensive knowledge of county/dept policies and procedures.
• Comprehensive knowledge of local, Federal, and State laws, rules, regulations.
• Familiarity with Medicaid, food & nutrition, emergency assistance, crisis intervention, home health, hospice, and related programs.
• Knowledge of interviewing, counseling, investigating techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources for social services.
• Proficiency with standard office equipment and software (e.g., Compass).
• Strong organizational, analytical, and judgment skills.
• Proficient in calculations and financial record maintenance.
• Capable of multitasking with high accuracy.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with clients and stakeholders.

• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting up to 100 pounds.
• Requires sitting, standing, walking, repetitive motions; possible climbing or balance tasks.
• Standard vision and hearing requirements.
• Requires vocal communication and written/computer data handling.
• Exposure to outdoor weather, mechanical parts, fumes, blood‑borne pathogens, and mental health clients.
• Moderately noisy environment.

Degree in human services, social work, or related field from a four‑year college or university; moderate experience in human services; or equivalent education and experience.

Valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Specific certifications, licensures, registrations, and training may be required.