Adult Protective Services - Social Worker
County of Wake, NCWhat You'll Be Doing
The Wake County Health and Human Services' Senior and Adult Services offers a variety of home- and community-based programs and services to seniors, adults with disabilities and their families. Our goal is to maximize self-sufficiency, safety, health and independence so that seniors and adults can remain safely in the community for as long as possible and to maintain the highest quality of life for those who reside in adult and family care homes in Wake County.
Senior & Adult Services program area provides placement services, case management services for people receiving Special Assistance/In-Home funds, monitoring of adult care homes and day care programs, and protective services to disabled adults who are alleged to be abused/neglected/ exploited and in need of protection. Services are also provided to consumers who have been legally adjudicated incompetent and who have no one else to assume decision-making responsibility. We are currently seeking an Adult Protective Services Senior Practitioner to join this team.
The Adult Protective Services (APS) Social Worker's main duties include evaluating allegations of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of disabled adults age 18 and above or emancipated at age 16 and determining criteria eligibility for Adult Protective Services intervention during screening and referral intake. Additionally, the APS Social Worker prevents further mistreatment of the disabled adult via implementation of a protective plan.
Other essential job duties include:
- Providing Case Management of APS clients
- Making referrals as appropriate to community resources
- Creating service plans for adult receiving APS services
- Covering Adult Protective Services Intake and Referral as needed
- Completing intake reports when received
- Completing all required and recommended training
- Completing all state, county and court documentation in a quality driven and timely manner
- Working with the County Attorney's office to file legal orders as needed and as appropriate
- Testifying in court when APS has filed a motion for a legal order
- Providing After Hours Intake coverage on a rotational basis with the 10 other Social Workers
About Our Team
The Wake County Department of Social Services team is grounded in a deep commitment to connection, compassion, and community. We bring together experienced professionals who collaborate to support individuals and families through complex challenges, connect them with critical resources, and promote long-term stability. We value insight, innovation, and a solutions-focused approach, and we welcome those who are ready to contribute their expertise to meaningful, community-centered work. Join us in making a lasting difference!
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field
- Two years of job-related experience
- Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
- Equivalent education and experience are accepted
- Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
- Master's degree in Social Sciences and at least 1 year of field experience working with elderly and/or adults with IDD, mental illness and substance abuse
- BS Degree in Social Sciences and three (3) years’ experience working with elderly and/or adults with IDD, mental illness and/or substance abuse
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
- Decision Making
- Accountability
- Adaptability
- Initiative
- Integrity
- Judgement
- Objectivity
- Team Work
- Interpersonal Skills
- Managing Conflict
- Problem Solving
- Tenacity
- Communication
- Customer Service
About This Position
Location: HSC Swinburne Raleigh, NC 27610
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 5:15 pm with After Hours Intake coverage on a rotational basis - 40 hours total
Hiring Range: 30.34 - 40.96
Market Range: 30.34 - 51.58
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 8/19/2026
What Makes Wake Great
Equal Opportunity Statement
Background Check Statement
Emergency Service Worker Statement
What Makes Wake Great
Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at-large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Background Check Statement
Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Emergency Service Worker Statement
In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.