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Social Work Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Department of Human Services

Social Worker

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$65K/yr

Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to American Indian communities. Advance your career, enjoy competitive benefits, and be part of a mission ...

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All JobsSocial Work JobsSocial Work Assistant JobsSocial Work Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Social Work Assistant information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$13

$17

$19

How much do social work assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for social work assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $17.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social work assistant?

A social work assistant provides support services to families and other clients. In this role, your duties may include giving care to the elderly, homeless, and people with disabilities in a variety of fields like rehab, psychology, and social work. You may work as an aide to a social worker or help clients find the extra services that they might need. In this position, you research various aid services like Medicaid and food stamps to know when these would be helpful for specific clients and help them fill out the proper paperwork. Checking on clients on a regular basis is also part of this job, offering advice and counsel when necessary.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social work assistant?

To thrive as a Social Work Assistant, you typically need a background in social services, excellent organizational skills, and an understanding of case management, often supported by a certificate or associate degree in social work or a related field. Familiarity with client management software, documentation systems, and sometimes basic knowledge of local social support programs is valuable. Strong interpersonal communication, problem-solving abilities, and cultural sensitivity help you connect with clients and support social workers effectively. These skills are essential to provide meaningful support, coordinate resources, and ensure positive outcomes for individuals and families in need.

What are some typical challenges social work assistants face when supporting clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Social Work Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a high caseload, handling emotionally charged situations, and balancing administrative duties with direct client support. To address these, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, practice self-care to prevent burnout, and maintain open communication with supervising social workers. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and regularly attending supervision sessions can also provide valuable support and guidance when dealing with complex cases.

What is the difference between Social Work Assistant vs Social Worker?

AspectSocial Work AssistantSocial Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a certificate or associate degreeBachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or higher
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, schools, community agenciesHospitals, government agencies, private practices
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with client support, administrative tasks, and basic case managementConduct assessments, develop treatment plans, advocate for clients
Industry UsageSupport roles within social services and healthcareLead case management and intervention efforts

Social Work Assistants typically support social workers by handling administrative tasks and providing basic client assistance, often requiring less formal education. Social Workers have more advanced responsibilities, including client assessments and developing treatment plans, and usually hold a bachelor’s or higher degree. Both roles work in similar environments but differ in scope and qualifications.

Can you be a social work assistant?

A social work assistant is an entry-level position that supports social workers by helping with client intake, case management, and administrative tasks. Typically, it requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may prefer or require relevant coursework or certification. The role often involves working in social service agencies, healthcare settings, or community organizations.

What are examples of social work assistant jobs?

Examples of social work assistant jobs include helping social workers with client intake, providing support to individuals and families, assisting with case management, and coordinating community resources. These roles often involve administrative tasks, data entry, and direct client interaction, requiring good communication skills and knowledge of social services. They are typically found in settings such as hospitals, schools, community agencies, and government offices.

What are the duties of a social work assistant?

A social work assistant supports social workers by helping clients access services, gathering information, and providing emotional support. They may also assist with case documentation, coordinate appointments, and help implement care plans, often working in community or healthcare settings. Strong communication skills and knowledge of social services are essential for this role.
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Social Work Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Work Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,407 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Social Worker

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMVAHCS) is seeking a social worker for the Housing and Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) team to assist homeless veterans and their families in securing permanent housing and accessing healthcare, mental health, and support services. The role involves case management for veterans using HUD Housing Choice vouchers to maintain stable housing and improve their quality of life.
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. Master's degree in social work (MSW) 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 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 master's degree in social work.
  • Licensure. Must have license or certification by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. **Exception - For assignments at the GS-9 level, VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. VHA social workers who are not licensed or certified at the time of appointment must become licensed or certified at the independent, master's level within three years of their appointment as a social worker.

Grade Determinations:
GS-09 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements listed above. Candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  1. Ability to utilize a Veteran centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for Veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies.
  5. 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.
GS-11 Experience/Education: Candidates must possess at least 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; or a Doctoral degree. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate the following KSA's:
  1. Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services.
  2. Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G39 - Social Worker Qualification Standard
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-9 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items.
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

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