Social Worker III (APS)

Social Worker III (APS)

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Gaston County Department of Social Services, NC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

1395

Department

SOCIAL SERVICES

Opening Date

09/21/2026

Closing Date

10/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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.

• Complete intensive and complex individual and family adjustment case management services for disabled adults to remain in the community rather than institutionalized care. Coordinate, arrange, advocate,and assist disabled adults without duplication of service. Monitor the use of benefits. Intensive in home case management provided through home visits, screening and preventing Adult Protective Services and/or Guardianship intervention, completing initial/quarterly/annual assessments, and exploring natural family and community support systems.

• Provide intensive case management services for clients referred for SOAR (SSDI, Outreach, Access, and Recovery) who are homeless, coming out of the prison system for community reentry, or permanently disabled and are in need of establishing a payor source. Complete interiews, assessments, collaborate with doctors and other medical personnel, collaborate with SSI and SSDI, to avoid further crisis or APS.

• 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 protective 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.

• Provide case management to adults who are adjudicated incompetent and made wards of DSS Director. Visit wards living at home or in placement such as assisted living centers, nursing homes and group homes. Conduct monthly and as needed contacts with wards and facilities to obtain status updates and resolve concerns. Travel to visit wards residing out of County. Obtain information about all recommended treatments and procedures for wards including invasive and non-invasive procedures, surgeries, orders for Do Not Resuscitate, life-prolonging measures and Hospice. Explore treatment options and risks. Inform wards and family members of medical conditions and treatment options. Provide disabled adults/family with mandated Adult Placement Services including providing families with available facilities, counsel the adult/family regarding level of care and assisting/facilitating in obtaining required forms for admission.

• Perform various adminstrative activities by completing paperwork and documentation including interviews and contacts with disabled adults, their family, their support systems, and other community resources.

• Must be available to work mandatory emergency shelters & other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
• Masters degree in counseling or human services field and 1 year of directly related experience.
• Bachelors degree in Social Work (BSW) from an accredited institution and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only)
• Bachelors degree in Social Work (BSW) from an accredited institution and 1 year of directly related experience.
• Bachelors degree in a human services field and 2 years of directly related experience.
• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution and 3 year of directly related experience.
• A valid drivers license is required.

The ideal candidate will possess interview skills, computer skills, assessment, communication, and crisis intervention skills, general knowledge of mental health issues, geriatric issues, and knowledge of disability issues preferred.

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:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plans
• Pension
• 401K (with 5% county contribution annually)

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?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

02

Do you possess a MSW from an accredited university?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a BSW from an accredited university?

• Yes
• No

04

If you do not have a BSW or MSW, please select the type of major that you possess from the following list:

• Counseling and Guidance
• Rehabilitation Counseling
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Family Studies
• Criminal Justice
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Special Education
• Child Development and Family Relations
• Other

05

If your major was not listed, please list the major you possess:

06

Have you successfully completed the Child Welfare Collaborative?

• Yes
• No
• N/A

07

Do you have valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

08

Have you attached a copy of your college transcripts as required? Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.

• Yes
• No

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