Social Worker III - Adult Protective Services

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on August 01, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on August 01, 2026.

Job Title:

Social Worker III
- Adult Protective Services

Department:
Social Services
- Adult Services

External Hiring Range: $29.51-$35.50

Compensation Grade: 2009

Posted Internally and Externally

Buncombe 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.

Buncombe County is hiring one Adult Protective Services Worker. This individual will report to an Adult Protective Services Supervisor who has a team of five. This team is part of the larger Adult Services Team of twenty-five that includes Adult Protective Services social workers, Adult Case Management social workers, Adult Home Specialists, and an Age Friendly Coordinator.

The primary goal of Adult Protective Services is to ensure the safety of disabled adults. This is done by completing assessments to determine if there has been abuse, neglect or exploitation, and if so, refer the client to appropriate services. Priority is given to individuals who have done social work within Adult Services or similar experience.

This position will start in-person. Over time, a hybrid schedule will be allowed. The employee must reside within a two hour drive from 40 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801, in order to be considered for the position.

Anticipated start date for this position is Monday, August 24th, 2026 or earliest available.

This position will be hired as a fully qualified Social Worker III or a Social Worker III Trainee depending on candidate qualifications.

The Pay Range for a Social Worker III is $29.51 - $35.50 an hour
The Base Pay for a Social Worker III Trainee is $25.77 an hour, until fully qualified.

Salaries are calculated based on education and experience above minimum qualifications.

As a Social Worker III Trainee, candidates will be hired with the expectation that to continue employment the selected candidate will successfully advance to a Social Worker III position once the employee is fully qualified. At that time the selected candidate will be promoted and compensated as a qualified Social Worker.

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.

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.

Master’s degree in Social Work; or a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and one year of directly related experience; or a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or Human Services and two years directly related experience; or Bachelor’s degree in another field and three years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. BSW and Social Work Collaborative Students preferred.

English/Spanish bi-lingual speakers preferred.

A current, valid driver’s license.

• 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…