Adult Protective Service Worker; Continuous - Statewide

Adult Protective Service Worker

Protect adults who are experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation, or who may be at risk of immediate danger; provide access to services that support adults and families during times of hardship; and work with families to access social services. This position is critical to the health and safety of West Virginia's vulnerable adults. After completing an in‑house training program, the employee performs complex social casework and family intervention services, including evaluating risk and coordinating with law enforcement when necessary.

Travel is required and the role may include being on call during non‑traditional hours. Ongoing training and support services are provided. This position is eligible for overtime pay.

• Attend ongoing training to develop comprehensive knowledge of state and federal social welfare laws, rules, regulations, and evolving protocols regarding adult abuse and neglect.
• Conduct investigations concerning allegations of abuse or neglect by talking with affected individuals and their families, neighbors, teachers, nurses, doctors, and others, and reviewing pertinent records.
• Make an initial assessment of the validity of allegations and the degree of danger that adults are in, documenting the results of investigations.
• Complete family assessments to determine dynamics and problems that may precipitate abuse or neglect situations.
• Develop effective interventions to strengthen families that address safety, well‑being, and permanency of adults.
• Prepare safety, service, and treatment plans to remedy contributing problems and stop behavior patterns of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and solicit family cooperation.
• Engage families in counseling to resolve problems, refer them to other available resources, and monitor safety and risk of further abuse or neglect to prevent recurrence.
• File petitions with the court as needed to ensure the safety of adults, testify before the court, and make appropriate placements of adults, including but not limited to staying with relatives, residential treatment facilities, or in an emergency shelter.
• Evaluate the progress of families or living environments toward meeting objectives of safety, service, and treatment plans, the need to modify plans, and the eventual disposition of cases.
• Maintain a caseload for programs and services with the adult population. Accept, evaluate, and approve client applications for services and eligibility criteria. Responsible for maintaining active cases for Health Care Surrogate, Guardianship, Homeless, Adult Family Care and Assisted Living.

• Berkeley/Jefferson Counties
• Boone and Lincoln Counties
• Braxton, Clay, Gilmer, and Webster Counties
• Brooke, Hancock, and Ohio Counties
• Cabell County
• Calhoun, Jackson, and Roane Counties
• Fayette and Nicholas Counties
• Grant, Mineral, Tucker, Morgan, Hampshire, Hardy, and Pendleton Counties
• Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Monroe, and Summers Counties
• Harrison County
• Kanawha County
• Lewis, Upshur, Doddridge, Pleasants, and Ritchie Counties
• Logan and Mingo Counties
• Marion County
• Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel Counties
• Mason and Putnam Counties
• McDowell and Wyoming Counties
• Mercer County
• Monongalia County
• Raleigh County
• Randolph County
• Preston, Barbour, and Taylor Counties
• Wayne County
• Wirt and Wood Counties

Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. They must have strong communication skills, both oral and written, and maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation. Overtime hours and frequent travel may be required. Successful completion of a background check is required for employment.

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: None.

Special Requirement: Valid driver’s license and access to a phone.

Applicants hired into this classification must obtain licensure as a Social Worker from the West Virginia Board of Social Work within a timeframe established by the appointing agency. Until licensure is obtained, they may not perform duties that require a licensed social worker under state law or Board regulation.

The Bureau for Social Services champions the security, permanence, and welfare of children and vulnerable adults, empowering individuals and strengthening families. Operating under the West Virginia Department of Human Services, the Bureau delivers social services, healthcare access, and supportive environments for at‑risk populations across the state.