Job Details

Salary : $44,850.00 - $74,750.00 Annually
Location : Mercer, WV
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: BSS26APS029
Department: Human Services
Division: Bureau for Social Services - Central - Adult Protective Services
Opening Date: 12/22/2025
Closing Date: 1/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

General Description

The Adult Protective Service Worker Senior positions perform work that is characterized by cases involving abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults as well as serving as a legal guardian or health care surrogate in these cases. As lead workers, these positions are expected to provide leadership and guidance in the investigation, assessment, and intervention of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases while maintaining their own caseload. These positions involve social casework, family intervention services, and access to support services for both adults and families facing hardship. Work requires collaboration with multiple organizations. These positions may serve as back-up to the supervisor. Work requires the use of a personal vehicle for travel. These positions are subject to being on-call during non-business hours and may be required to work overtime. Perform related work as required.

Example of Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Attending, ongoing training to develop comprehensive knowledge of State and Federal social welfare laws, rules, regulations, and evolving protocols regarding abuse and neglect.
• Conducting investigations concerning allegations of abuse or neglect by talking with and visually observing affected individuals; talking with immediate family, relatives, neighbors, doctors, and relevant others and reviewing any pertinent records.
• Making an initial assessment of the validity of allegations and the degree of danger that affected individuals are in, documenting the results of investigations of the accused.
• Completing assessments to determine dynamics and problems that may be precipitating abuse or neglect situations.
• Developing effective interventions to strengthen families that address safety, well-being of adults.
• Preparing safety, service, and treatment plans to remedy contributing problems and stop behavior patterns of abuse/neglect/exploitation and solicit family cooperation.
• Engaging families in counseling to resolve problems, referring them to other available resources, and monitoring safety and risk of further abuse or neglect to prevent recurrence.
• Filing petitions with the court as needed to ensure the safety of clients, testifying before the court, and making appropriate placements of adults, including but not limited to staying with relatives, in foster homes, residential treatment facilities, or in an emergency shelter.
• Evaluating the progress of families or living environments towards meeting objectives of safety/service/treatment plans, the need to modify plans, and the eventual disposition of cases.
• Maintains a caseload for programs and service with the adult population. Takes, evaluates and approves customer applications for services and eligibility criteria. Responsible for maintaining active cases for Health Care Surrogate, Guardianship, Homeless, Adult Family Care and Assisted Living.

Applicants must possess a valid WV driver's license, and reliable transportation. Applicants also must have strong communication skills, both oral and written, and maintain detailed case records and extensive documentation. Overtime hours and frequent travel may be required. Successful completion of a background check is required for employment.

Counties of work: Mercer, McDowell

Position Number: 0511P02519

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

Three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in adult services in a public or private health and human services agency.

Experience Substitution:

Additional education may substitute for the required experience based on a year-for-year basis or as determined by the Office of Shared Administration Equivalency Chart.

Special Requirements:

Valid driver's license. Accessibility to a phone.

Internal Applicants Only:

One (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a Centralized Intake Worker, Adult Protective Service Worker, Child Protective Service Worker or Youth Service Worker may substitute for the required experience.

Note: Applicants hired into this classification must obtain licensure as a Social Worker from the West Virginia Board of Social Work within a timeframe established by the appointing agency. Until licensure is obtained, they may not perform duties that require a licensed social worker under state law or Board regulation.
About the Organization

The Bureau for Social Services champions the security, permanence, and welfare of children and vulnerable adults, empowering individuals and strengthening families. Formerly the Bureau for Children and Families, the Bureau for Social Services operates under the West Virginia Department of Human Services, serving children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults facing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Equipped with extensive training to handle delicate situations with compassion and dignity, these workers contribute to the advancement of a vibrant and healthy West Virginia by facilitating access to crucial healthcare, essential social services and benefits, and fostering safe, supportive, and healthy environments. Through this hard work, at risk populations can begin to thrive within the community.
Discover the amazing benefits awaiting you if employed by the State of West Virginia. With approximately 10 hours of annual leave and 12 hours of sick leave accruing monthly, your time off is secure and grows with your tenure. Ensure your health with comprehensive coverage Plan for the future with confidence through our and options. Take advantage of programs like and tuition assistance. West Virginia offers more than just a job-it's a commitment to your well-being and future.

Part-time permanent employees who work an average of 30 or more hours per week over the course of a year, are eligible to receive benefits. Temporary employees who work 30 hours or more are eligible for insurance benefits only.