SOCIAL WORKER III - ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES

To perform advanced level professional social work providing services in serious and complicated cases that require the flexible use of a wide range of social work skills.
An employee in this class provides professional social work services to Department of Social Services clients in assigned program(s). Work is distinguished from the Social Worker II classification by the greater involvement in sensitive and traumatic situations such as custody and removal of client from homes, catastrophic and terminal illness, therapy/treatment of emotional disorders and/or family dysfunction.  Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated on the basis of knowledge and demonstrated proficiencies, compliance with legal requirements and standards, and other performance criteria.

• Provides professional social services to Department of Social Services clients in assigned program(s), which may include child protective services, adult services, foster and adoption services.
• Manages assigned caseload; maintains accurate and complete case records; accurately records services provided.
• Assesses client needs; prepares, implements and monitors care plans, making changes when necessary.
• Refers clients to other department divisions and outside agencies for services as appropriate; assists clients in accessing needed services.
• Conducts home visits to perform initial assessment, monitor progress and ensure clients are receiving necessary care and/or assistance.
• Provides client transportation as needed.
• Attends staff meetings to discuss and coordinate cases; communicates with other professionals to coordinate client care.
• Conducts case audits.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints regarding assigned programs and projects.
• Works on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week, on a rotating basis.
• Gathers information for and prepares various reports as required by the County and/or other agencies.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of office equipment, including a computer, printer, typewriter, copier, telephone, calculator, etc.; uses clerical and computer supplies.
• Interacts and communicates with the immediate supervisor, other County department heads and employees, clients and family members, other social service and health professionals, various outside social service / health agencies, attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement personnel, school personnel, and the general public.
• Attends meetings, training, workshops, conferences, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Performs intake procedures.
• Processes applications for crisis intervention funding.
• Staffs emergency shelters as necessary.
• Performs general administrative/office work as required, including attending meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, sending and receiving faxes, copying and filing documents, reviewing correspondence, answering the telephone, etc.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Investigates reports of abuse, exploitation or neglect of disabled, vulnerable adults; evaluates risk or damage to adult; photographs adults with significant bruised, scratches, welts and other marks as appropriate; arranges medical examinations as needed.
• Reports suspected or confirmed criminal offenses against adults to law enforcement officials; initiates court action when necessary.
• Assists adults / families in locating care facilities to meet their needs and in securing needed funding.
• Processes federal energy program applications; determines client eligibility.
• Investigates complaints regarding facility operations or resident care provided
• Evaluates residents’ individual care plans to ensure that an adequate assessment has been completed and that the home is implementing each resident’s plan.
• Verifies and evaluates medications prescribed or discontinued against the record of medications administered.
• Reviews disbursements of residents’ personal funds.
• Evaluates staff-to-resident ratios for adequacy.
• Evaluates compliance with therapeutic and modified diets, minimum daily serving requirements and diet compliance.
• Contacts other professional as needed regarding care and safety issues, including Fire Marshals, environmental health specialists, pharmacists, dietitians, etc.)
• Manages guardianship cases.
• Provides representative payee services, including calculating bills, maintaining accounting records, verifying and posting financial data.

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Department of Social Services as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Social Worker III.  
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of social work, especially in the areas of adult and child protective services, adult home care, foster / adoptive services; is able to identify client needs and to develop and implement effective plans to help meet those needs.
• Thorough knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, spelling and basic mathematics. 
• Thorough knowledge of modern office practices and technology.  
• Thorough knowledge of terminology used in the profession; has considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions; has considerable knowledge of the methods of case recording and report preparation.  
• Knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information regarding social services. 
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. 
• Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.   
• Knowledge of and skill in the use of computers for word and data processing and records management. 
• Knowledge of caseload management methods. 
• Ability to work with colleagues to identify the needs of clients and to determine appropriate services; is able to monitor cases and the welfare of clients and to take action as needed to protect adults’ / children’s rights and well-being.  
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. 
• Ability to react professionally and decisively in confrontational situations; is able to deal safely and appropriately with persons exhibiting anger and/or threatening behavior. 
• Ability to advocate and promote practices of cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in all daily interactions. 
• Ability to develop, promote and practice teamwork in all activities.  
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, trusting, age-appropriate relationships with clients and others involved in the care of clients.  
• Ability to plan and present informative educational presentations to clients and other individuals and organizations.        
• Ability to assist in coordinating activities with other County departments, health / social service agencies, medical personnel, school personnel, etc., in order to accomplish goals. 
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with clients, personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. 
• Ability to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. 
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.   
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.  
• Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. 
• Ability to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.        

 Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work in an accredited college or university; or a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited school of Social Work in an accredited college or university or a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work in an accredited college or university and one year of human services experience in the areas of case management, assessment and referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho-social therapy and treatment planning; or a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in a counseling field and one year of social work or counseling experience; or a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in a human services field and two years of directly related experience; or a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience. Half credit will be given for years of experience in Income Maintenance Casework up to maximum of one year.

• Special Requirements
  Possess valid North Carolina Driver’s License                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   This classification specification has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform the job. Bladen County reserves the right to assign or otherwise modify the duties assigned to this classification.