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Community Health Worker Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

MENTAL HEALTH WORKER

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17.50 - $21.50/hr

Open Skies Healthcare is a non-profit organization which has its roots in the communities of central New Mexico. Open Skies is dedicated to bring education about mental illnesses and substance use ...

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Community Health Worker information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$13

$21

$29

How much do community health worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for community health worker in Rio Rancho, NM is $21.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $23.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are community health workers?

Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health professionals who serve as a bridge between communities and healthcare systems. They help individuals access health services, provide education about healthy behaviors, and advocate for community needs. CHWs often work in underserved areas, offering support, resources, and assistance with navigating complex healthcare processes. Their roles may include outreach, health education, basic health screenings, and connecting people to medical or social services.

Is a CHW certification worth it?

A Community Health Worker (CHW) certification can enhance job prospects, demonstrate relevant skills, and may lead to higher pay or advancement opportunities. Many employers prefer or require certification, which often involves completing training programs and passing exams, making it a valuable credential in the field.

What are some typical challenges Community Health Workers face when building trust within the communities they serve?

Community Health Workers often encounter challenges such as overcoming cultural or language barriers, addressing skepticism about healthcare systems, and building rapport with individuals who may have had negative past experiences. Success in this role relies on patience, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills to establish credibility and foster lasting relationships. Regular presence in the community and collaboration with local leaders can help Community Health Workers effectively address these challenges and become trusted resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Health Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Health Worker, you need a foundational understanding of community health principles, cultural competence, and often a certificate or associate degree in health or human services. Familiarity with data collection tools, case management software, and health education resources is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and advocacy skills help build trust and effectively support diverse populations. These skills are essential for promoting health equity, connecting communities to resources, and improving overall public health outcomes.

Can you make $200,000 as a social worker?

Community health workers typically earn lower salaries, with most earning between $30,000 and $50,000 annually. Reaching a $200,000 income is uncommon and usually requires advanced roles, extensive experience, or additional certifications in related healthcare fields.

What are the job duties of a community health worker?

Community health workers assist individuals and communities in accessing healthcare services, providing health education, and promoting healthy behaviors. They often conduct outreach, help with enrollment in programs, and serve as a bridge between community members and healthcare providers, requiring strong communication skills and cultural competence.

What are examples of community health workers?

Examples of community health workers include outreach workers, health educators, case managers, and peer supporters who provide health education, assist with navigating healthcare systems, and support disease management within communities. They often work in clinics, community centers, or outreach programs and may require training or certification depending on the role.

What Are Community Health Workers?

As a community health worker (CHW), you serve people in communities that have limited access to medical care. You reach out to people who are uninsured or underinsured and connect them with the medical services they need. Your job is to provide basic care for underserved people, particularly women, children, and migrant workers. Your job duties include finding treatment for minor illnesses, offering family planning services, and teaching health education like nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention.

What is the difference between Community Health Worker vs Medical Assistant?

AspectCommunity Health WorkerMedical Assistant
CredentialsOften requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certifications like CHW are commonHigh school diploma or GED; certification programs available but not always required
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, clinics, public health programsMedical offices, clinics, hospitals
Employer & IndustryPublic health agencies, community organizationsHospitals, outpatient clinics, physician offices

While both roles support healthcare delivery, Community Health Workers focus on community outreach and education, often working in public health settings, whereas Medical Assistants primarily support clinical tasks in medical offices. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Community Health Worker jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Community Health Worker job openings:
Infographic showing various Community Health Worker job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,746 per year, or $21 per hour.
Community Health Worker

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Office for Community Health (OCH) at the University of New Mexico is establishing a standing Community Health Worker (CHW) job posting to maintain an ongoing pool of qualified candidates for current and future openings across multiple OCH programs.

Community Health Workers play a vital role in improving health outcomes by addressing social determinants of health and connecting individuals and families to essential resources. CHWs support clients experiencing complex medical, behavioral health, and social challenges using trauma-informed, client-centered, and culturally responsive approaches.

Placement will depend on program needs and candidate experience and may include:

Adult Inpatient Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) Team (Hospital-Based): Fully in-person at UNM Hospital, partnering with inpatient care teams to conduct screenings, support discharge planning, provide resource navigation, and coordinate community services to ensure safe transitions of care.

Community Connections (CC): A community-focused role providing outreach, screening, and navigation services to connect individuals and families to healthcare, housing, food access, transportation, and other essential supports. After successful completion of probation, schedules may include a mix of in-office, field, and remote work.

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and candidates may be contacted as positions become available within these teams.

Key ResponsibilitiesConduct screenings to identify social and health-related needsConnect clients to healthcare, housing, food, transportation, and other community resourcesProvide education on health promotion and system navigationSupport discharge planning and care transitions (hospital-based roles)Conduct home visits and community outreach (community-based roles)Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and community partnersMaintain accurate and timely documentation


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