Social Worker III- Adult Services

Position Objectives

The primary purpose of the social worker in this position is to initiate and evaluate the need for protective services for adults, aged eighteen and older, who are alleged to be abused, neglected or exploited; evaluating findings to determine if the adult is in need of protective services; and planning and mobilizing essential services for disabled adults who have been abused, neglected or exploited.  The social worker in this position has the responsibility of evaluating the disabled adult’s capacity to consent to essential services as a result of substantiated protective services evaluations, and for securing the appropriate judicial orders as necessary in situations where the consent for protection must be obtained through the courts.  The social worker will serve as case manager for all disabled adults in which protective services have been mobilized.  An array of services is offered through the Adult Services Unit, so all workers are crossed trained as duties are subject to change based on the workload. ​

Duties & Responsibilities

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. Assessment and Evaluation

• Conduct initial and ongoing assessments of clients’ physical, emotional, and social needs.

• Evaluate living conditions, mental health, financial stability, and risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

• Determine eligibility for public assistance or care programs.

2. Care Planning

• Develop personalized care or support plans based on client needs.

• Collaborate with clients, families, caregivers, and other professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.).

• Review and update care plans regularly to ensure continued suitability.

3. Crisis Intervention

• Respond to emergencies involving abuse, neglect, self-harm, or severe health deterioration.

• Coordinate immediate support services, such as hospitalization or shelter placement.

• Work closely with Adult Protective Services (APS) and law enforcement when necessary.

4. Advocacy

• Advocate for clients’ rights, autonomy, and access to appropriate services.

• Help clients navigate bureaucratic systems (e.g., Social Security, Medicaid, housing).

• Serve as a liaison between clients and service providers.

5. Case Management

• Coordinate a range of services (medical, psychological, financial, legal).

• Monitor progress and adjust interventions as needed.

• Maintain case notes, reports, and documentation in compliance with legal and ethical standards.

6. Safeguarding and Risk Management

• Identify and report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

• Implement safeguarding procedures in coordination with multidisciplinary teams.

• Monitor at-risk individuals and ensure protective measures are in place.

7. Education and Counseling

• Provide information and guidance to clients and families about available resources.

• Offer emotional support or refer to mental health professionals as needed.

• Educate on issues such as aging, disability, legal rights, and health management.

8. Legal Involvement

• Prepare reports and provide testimony in court or guardianship hearings.

• Support clients through legal processes like power of attorney, guardianship, or conservatorship.

• Ensure compliance with local and federal adult protection laws.

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Minimum Requirements

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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

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Desirable Training and Experience

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• Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices, and their application to complex casework, group work, and community problems.

• Considerable knowledge of a wide range of medical, behavioral, and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory.

• Considerable knowledge of family and group dynamics and a range of intervention techniques, governmental and private organizations, and resources in the community, laws, regulations, and policies which govern the program.

• General knowledge of the methods and principles of casework supervision and training. Skill in establishing rapport with a client and in applying techniques or assessing psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological aspects of client’s problems. 

• Ability to supervise, train, or instruct lower-level social workers, students, or interns in the program.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of case load and their families, as well as civic, legal, medical, social, and religious organizations.

• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.

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Benefits

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Benefited after 30 days

Medical, dental, and life insurance
Sick, vacation, and holiday pay
Membership in the Local Government Retirement System

Supplemental retirement 401k/457