| Location | Gastonia, NC |
| Salary | $27.45–$32.60 Per Hour |
Social Worker III (APS)
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Gaston County Department of Social Services, NC
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
1717
Department
SOCIAL SERVICES
Opening Date
09/07/2026
Closing Date
9/21/2026 12:00 AM Eastern
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.
As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.
Description
Gaston Social Services: Protecting, caring for and empowering children and adults who are temporarily or permanently unable to care for themselves through the administrating of federal, state and county programs focused on improving the well-being of our citizens.
The goal of the Gaston County Human Services Center and Division of Social Services is to foster an agency which is professionally responsive to our citizens needs through daily caring outreach and simultaneously serve as an advocate for those in need. We strive to be community-minded and community-spirited. We abide by federal, state and county operating instructions in providing services and we assist welfare recipients in attaining self-sufficiency.
Examples of Duties
The anticipated hiring range for this position is $27.45 - $32.60
The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.
Investigate reports containing allegations of the abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of disabled adults by conducting home visits and making collateral contacts in order to evaluate the disabled adults situation and determine whether or not there is a need for protection.
Respond immediately to allegations that involve information about disabled adults who are at risk of death or irreparable harm, coordinating with community resources such as Mental Health or Emergency Medical Services, and Law Enforcement and using immediate court actions to acquire emergency custody of the adult in order to preserve his/her health and safety.
Mobilize the provision of adult protective services by initiating actions in collaboration with community resources, service providers and family to provide support for disabled adults who have been abused, neglected or exploited and have no one who is able, willing and responsible to protect them.
Mobilize the provision of adult protect services by initiating appropriate court procedures (protective services order or hearings of incompetency and guardianship) when client is in need of a surrogate decision-maker to assume responsibility for his/her protection.
Document the Adult Protective Services process by preparing written narrative and reports for client record so that information will be preserved and available for use or review.
Provide after-hours coverage on a rotating basis to respond to status changes of wards and take APS Reports during nights, weekends, and holidays, and assist with emergency shelter operations and other duties as assigned to support departmental needs.
Minimum Qualifications
MSW from an accredited school of social work
Masters degree in counseling from an accredited college/university in a human services field and one year of directly related experience.
BSW from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative(Child Welfare positions only)
BSW from an accredited school of social work and one year of directly related experience.
Bachelors degree in a human services field from an accredited college/university and two years of directly related experience
Bachelors degree from an accredited college/university and three years of directly related experience
Valid Drivers License.
A copy of a transcript must be included with the application. FAILURE TO ATTACH YOUR TRANSCRIPTS WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING REJECTED.
Additional Information
The applicant selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.
In compliance with G.S.153A-94.2 (b), if the position being filled requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the County must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S.143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties.
At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.
Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.
At Gaston County, we are committed to providing our full-time employees with a comprehensive total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, a range of benefits, and incentives.
A few key components of our total compensation package include:
Flexible Work Schedules Professional Development Opportunities Discounted YMCA MembershipTo learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our Employee Benefits Guide.
Overall, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, Gaston County is the place for you.
01
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
02
Do you possess a MSW from an accredited university?
03
Do you possess a BSW from an accredited university?
04
If you do not have a BSW or MSW, please select the type of major that you possess from the following list:
05
If your major was not listed, please list the major you possess:
06
Have you successfully completed the Child Welfare Collaborative?
07
Do you have valid drivers license?
08
Have you attached a copy of your college transcripts as required? Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.
Required Question
Employer Gaston County Government
Address 128 W Main Ave
Gastonia, North Carolina, 28052
Phone (704) 866-3131
Website https://www.gastongov.com/jobs