Brunswick County Department of Social Services is accepting applications for an Adult Protective Services Social Worker position. We are a forward thinking, creative organization that truly believes in treating others as we want to be treated.
The Ideal Team member:
We are looking for an ethical, team oriented, confident, compassionate, family centered, self-starter with a capacity for critical thinking and problem solving.
Willingness to work in a fast paced, challenging environment that offers opportunities to grow both personally and professionally
Have a desire to create a positive impact on adults, children and families living in our community
Ability to interpret and apply state and agency policies and procedures with the goal of meeting the needs of the community
Capacity to work and thrive in a team environment
Job Description
Adult Protective Services Social Worker – APS Evaluations
An adult Protective Services Social Worker in APS Evaluations is assigned reports accepted by the agency with allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation involving disabled, vulnerable adults. The primary responsibility of the person in this position is to evaluate the allegations presented and determine whether the adult was abused, neglect and/or exploited and needs Protective Services. Services may include counseling and planning with the adult and/or caretakers, arranging for medical, legal and in home care, and assisting with alternate living arrangements when needs can no longer be met in their home. Depending on the situation, the person in this position may also have to work with the courts to file Adult Guardianship paperwork and provide Case Management services.
Please note this is a fast-paced, multi-faceted short-term intervention and requires the Social Worker to have crucial conversations with families about uncomfortable topics. There will be a significant amount of time spent in the adult’s home and in the community. This is not a telecommuting position.
Job responsibilities include:
Complete face to face interviews with adults, caretakers, and family members to assess the safety and wellbeing of the adult
Connect adults to community resources to address risk factors and needs
Complete timely, concise, detailed documentation
Gather and analyze collateral information from service providers, members of the community, medical providers/records, and agency information to assess the safety and need for services
Upon completion of the assessment, make an informed decision regarding the need for ongoing Adult Protective Services involvement
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of Adult Services policies and legal mandates
Knowledge of social work and practices and principles (particularly strengths-based)
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Assessments Skills:
Ability to gather facts
Detail oriented
Observant
Ability to assess safety and risk
Interview skills
Sound judgment/decision making
Communication Skills (oral and written):
Ability to engage with resistant clients and gain buy in to promote positive change in adults and families
Ability to actively listen
Ability to have difficult conversations with resistant adults and caregivers
Ability to clearly and concisely document all casework in a timely manner
Ability to clearly communicate with others
Must be able to relay case facts to your supervisor concisely
Ability to de-escalate
Ability to quickly build rapport and show empathy while still holding caregivers accountable when necessary
Organizational Skills:
Ability to prioritize tasks and reassess as priorities change in a fast-paced environment
Ability to meet deadlines
Ability to quickly identify and utilize essential resources
Critical thinking:
Ability to collect, analyze and interpret information gathered
Ability to logically determine next steps when given conflicting information
Ability to make logical informed decisions based on safety and risk
Brunswick County Department of Social Services is a part of a consolidated Health and Human Services agency, with roughly 250 dedicated professionals seeking to serve the citizens of our county through providing essential human services. The department is a part of a dynamic, professional county organization with a clear vision as a vibrant, prosperous, diverse coastal community, committed to building a sustainable future for generations to come. Ideal candidates for the department of social services have excellent customer service, organizational and computer skills, the ability to problem solve and make critical decisions and above all, an overwhelming desire to serve the citizens of our county.
Other Information
Hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday. Must be available to work during emergency situations.
Qualifications
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 one year directly related. Master’s degree in a human services field and one year of social work or counseling; Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
**Please submit a copy of college transcripts with application**
Physical Requirements
Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines, which include typewriters, calculators, copiers, facsimile machines, etc. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pound of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
General Information
Brunswick County is the fastest-growing county in North Carolina, experiencing a growth rate of 47% since 2000. There are approximately 145,000 residents. Brunswick County North Carolina is located between historic Wilmington, NC and lively Myrtle Beach, SC. Brunswick County is steeped in history and hospitality. We appreciate your interest in Brunswick County, and welcome the opportunity to show you why so many chose to work where they play in North Carolina.
Brunswick County provides equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Brunswick County is required by law to verify identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired. Brunswick County participates in E-Verify to determine employment eligibility to work in the United States.
All positions with Brunswick County require a valid Driver’s License and candidate must be current on all Brunswick County taxes. A background check and drug screen will be conducted with a contingent offer of any position.
