Social Worker III - Adult Protective Services

Buncombe County is hiring one (1) Adult Protective Services Worker.  This individual will report to an Adult Protective Services Supervisor who has a team of five (5). This team is part of the larger Adult Services Team of twenty-five (25) 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 (2) 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.

• 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 protective service needs, including creating resources when they are lacking.
• Establish rapport with clients, families, and appropriate professionals/non-professionals in the community to provide a strengths-based, person-centered approach in working with aged and disabled adults throughout the protective services system.
• Collaborate as needed with peers, adult leadership, and agency attorney in weekly case decision and guardianship case staffing's.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Thorough understanding and working knowledge of State and federal policy, agency procedures, Adult Services Standards and mandates for adult protective service practice and service delivery.
• Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices, and their application to complex casework, group work, and community problems.
• Knowledge of basic community systems and resources, including physical and mental health services, adult services, substance abuse resources, domestic violence, housing, and other applicable areas.
• Considerable knowledge of medical and psychological illnesses which impair an adult’s decision-making abilities.
• Must be proficient in preparing petitions requesting protective services, exparte emergency and regular orders, guardianship petitions for the protection of aged and disabled adults and at providing expert testimony when needed in court cases.
• Ability to prioritize, identify and assess risks, problems and needs often in stressful situations with clients who are hostile, have a history of trauma and may be resistant.
• Able to identify and/or develop resources when none are known or available and to coordinate services for clients with multi-disciplinary professionals.
• Skill in establishing constructive relationships with clients who may be resistant and utilizing person-centered SW practice.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.