SOCIAL WORKER III (ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES)- MULTIPLE 1

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THIS POSITION HAS BEEN REPOSTED; ALL PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS REMAIN UNDER CONSIDERATION AND NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUIRED.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Work in this class involves providing intensive social work services in serious and complicated cases which require the flexible use of a wide range of social work skills and intervention techniques. Services are provided in a variety of settings including local human services agencies, public health departments, correctional facilities, teaching hospitals, medical schools, juvenile training centers, and state institutions. Work may involve investigation of alleged neglect or abuse; providing in-depth assessment of family dynamics and needs, assessment, intervention and treatment of patients and or families with acute to severe medical and/or emotional disorders and mental illnesses; serving as expert witness at court hearings; or advanced social work intervention, instruction, and research in a teaching hospital. Work is distinguished from the Social Worker II classification by greater involvement in sensitive and traumatic situations such as custody and removal of client from homes, catastrophic and terminal illness, and/or family dysfunction. Employees supervise and train lower level social workers, students, and interns. Employees report to clinic managers, program directors, or unit supervisors. 

The person in this position will be responsible for conducting a prompt and thorough evaluation to determine if the disabled adult is a victim of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and is in need of protective services.  If it is determined the disabled adult is in need of protective services, this person will also be responsible for developing and implementing a service plan that addresses any identified protective service needs.  After services are mobilized, ongoing follow up and assessment of the disabled adult’s status to determine continued needs and risks are provided.  Counseling with the adult and/or family is essential.  A service record is maintained to reflect the adult’s services and progress, including State-suggested forms that assist with documenting the social worker’s activities.  The person's duties also include being On Call after regular business hours.  On Call duties include receiving and documenting reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and communicating this information with the On Call After Hours Supervisor.  The person may be required to initiate cases accepted for evaluation.  Other On Call After Hours duties may include receiving and handling concerns about Durham County DSS Persons Under Guardianship. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary

• Conduct prompt and thorough evaluations of disabled adults to determine protective service needs.
• Develop and implement individualized service plans addressing identified risks.
• Provide ongoing follow-up and reassessment to monitor client safety and well-being.
• Offer counseling to adults and/or their families.
• Maintain accurate service records using state-approved documentation tools.
• Participate in a rotating weekly on-call schedule as assigned:
• Receive and document reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Communicate with the On-Call After Hours Supervisor.
• Address concerns regarding individuals under DSS guardianship.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices.
• Ability to think critically and apply sound professional judgment in complex and high-risk situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and educate the community about DSS services.
• Strong understanding of medical, behavioral, and psychosocial issues and treatment theories.
• Knowledge of family and group dynamics, intervention strategies, and community resources.
• Familiarity with laws, regulations, and policies governing adult protective services.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for building rapport and maintaining professional relationships.
• Strong organizational and communication skills for planning and executing work effectively.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

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

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. 

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.