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Entry Level Msw Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Msw information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$25

$35

How much do entry level msw jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level msw in Riverside, CA is $25.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of support and mentorship can an entry-level MSW expect when starting out in a social work agency?

As an entry-level MSW, you can typically expect structured onboarding, mentorship from more experienced social workers, and regular supervision sessions. Many agencies offer orientation programs, ongoing training, and opportunities to shadow senior staff to help you transition smoothly into your caseload and responsibilities. Supervision not only supports your professional development but also provides a safe space to discuss challenging cases and ethical dilemmas. Additionally, team meetings and interdisciplinary collaboration are common, which help foster a supportive environment and facilitate learning from colleagues in related fields.

What is the difference between Entry Level Msw vs Social Worker?

AspectEntry Level MswSocial Worker
Required CredentialsMaster's in Social Work (MSW), State LicensureVaries; often requires MSW and licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, community agenciesSame as Entry Level Msw
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, social services, non-profitsSame as Entry Level Msw
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Msw vs Social Worker

Both roles typically require an MSW and state licensure, with similar work environments in healthcare and social service agencies. The main difference is that 'Social Worker' can refer to a broader range of experience levels, while 'Entry Level Msw' specifically indicates a starting position for recent graduates. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles in the social work field.

What are entry level MSW jobs?

Entry level MSW jobs are positions available to individuals who have recently earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and often require little to no prior professional experience in the field. These roles typically involve providing support to clients, assisting with case management, conducting assessments, and collaborating with other professionals to address clients’ needs. Common settings include hospitals, schools, community agencies, and government organizations. Entry level MSWs may work under the supervision of licensed social workers and have opportunities to gain the experience needed for advanced licensure and specialization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level MSW (Master of Social Work), and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level MSW, you need a master's degree in social work from an accredited program and a foundational understanding of case management and social work ethics. Familiarity with client management systems, documentation software, and state licensure requirements is often necessary. Excellent communication, active listening, and cultural competence are crucial soft skills for building trust and advocating for clients. These skills and qualifications are essential for effectively supporting diverse populations and ensuring compliance with professional standards in social services.
What are the most commonly searched types of Msw jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Msw jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Msw jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Msw job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Msw job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 35% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,501 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

$79K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The Long Beach VA Health Care System is recruiting for (1) Social Worker for the Santa Ana VA Clinic. The incumbent functions as the Case Manager for the Housing and Urban Development and VA Supportive Housing program (HUD-VASH). The HUD-VASH Program falls within the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Programs under Social Work Service. The incumbent is responsible for coordination of case management services for Veterans receiving housing provided through HUD Section 8 voucher system.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education: Have a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work
  • Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level
  • English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
  • May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: Social Worker, GS-9
  • Experience, Education, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
    • (a) Ability to utilize a Veteran centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for Veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors.
    • (b) Ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members, and to formulate and implement a treatment plan, identifying the Veterans problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and assistance needed.
    • (c) Ability to implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving, or crisis intervention techniques.
    • (d) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies.
    • (e) Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications and their effects/side effects; and medical terminology.
[Entry Level] Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-9 grade level social workers are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised, as they are not yet functioning at the independent practice level conferred by independent licensure or certification. Social workers at the GS-9 entry level are typically assigned to program areas that do not require specialized knowledge or experience. Duties may include but are not limited to: identifying behaviors or symptoms of abuse, neglect or exploitation; providing education on advance directives and advanced care planning; providing social work case management; acting as an advocate with appropriate VA and community service providers/agencies when it serves the best interest of the Veteran and family members/caregiver; assessing the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members identifying the Veteran's strengths, weaknesses, coping skills and psychosocial acuity, in collaboration with the Veteran, family, and interdisciplinary treatment teams; maintaining a current network of internal and external resources to educate the Veteran and/or family members/caregivers and assist with the appropriate referrals. Since social workers at this level are not practicing at an independent level, they should not be assigned to program areas where independent practice is required, such as in a CBOC, unless there is a licensed social worker in the program area who can provide supervision for practice. GS-9 social workers provide psychosocial services in the assigned area under supervision.
Grade Determinations: Social Worker, GS-11
  • Experience and Licensure. Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings, (VA or non-VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level.
    • NOTE: For appointment licensure or certification at this level please refer to paragraph 3c. OR
  • Education. In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
    • (a) Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services.
    • (b) Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, educational, and other backgrounds.
    • (c) Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e. acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan.
    • (d) Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals.
    • (e) Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment.
[Full Performance Level] Assignments. This is the full performance level. Social workers at this level are licensed or certified to independently practice social work. Incumbents are assigned to all program areas, including but not limited to: inpatient or outpatient medicine, surgery, mental health, neurology, rehabilitation medicine, and geriatrics.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: Traveling throughout the medical center and the community is required, as is performing activities involving sitting, walking, and standing, bending and carrying such items as books, papers, and files. May be necessary to travel into the community where they conduct interviews with the Veterans, their families, representatives of community health and welfare agencies, etc. Requires use of federal vehicles for the delivery of community-based services. Must be medically cleared and trained before operating a federal vehicle, pursuant to VHA Directive 2008-020. REQUIRED TO BE CERTIFIED as an Incidental Driver. May require a history review and if pertinent issues, may need to submit to a physical to be certified as an Incidental Driver. As part of the certification, required to be evaluated or examined as determined by Occupational Health. There are no specific required lab tests however, during the medical history taking exam, the Examiner is required to evaluate any condition reasonably and adequately before providing the medical clearance.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER