Social Work Assistant Jobs in California
Social Work Assistant jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in county health and human services agencies, community mental health centers, school districts, and nonprofit social service organizations, with openings at entry, mid, and senior support levels. Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento drive the largest share of hiring, anchored by employers such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, and Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. The most in-demand specialties are child welfare support, behavioral health case management, and housing and homelessness services. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Social Work Assistant JobsOverview
Open roles46
Top employerCalifornia State University
Top cityLos Angeles, CA
Cities hiring34
Work type86% On-site
Top industryEducation
Showing 5 of 46+ Social Work Assistant jobs
Social Work Case Manager - Transitional Housing
We won't show you this job again
Added 1d ago
YMCA of San Diego County
Social Work Case Manager - Transitional Housing
Oceanside, California
Added 1d ago
Supervisor, Clinical Social Work - Case Management (Full-Time, Exempt)
We won't show you this job again
Added 2d ago
Enloe Medical Center
Supervisor, Clinical Social Work - Case Management (Full-Time, Exempt)
Chico, California
Added 2d ago
Care Manager I - Social Work (MSW) Per Diem : Irvine Care Management
We won't show you this job again
Added 2d ago
Hoag Health System
Care Manager I - Social Work (MSW) Per Diem : Irvine Care Management
Irvine, California
Added 2d ago
Manager, Social Work
We won't show you this job again
Added 3d ago
Stanford Medicine Children's Health
Manager, Social Work
Palo Alto, California
Added 3d ago
Social Worker (Master of Social Work)
We won't show you this job again
Added 4d ago
Suncrest Hospice
Social Worker (Master of Social Work)
Novato, California
Added 4d ago
Added 1d ago
Social Work Case Manager - Transitional Housing
YMCA of San Diego County·Oceanside, California
Job function:
$26.04 - $31.24/hr
Bachelor's degree in psychology
Job Description
Overview:
Our Transitional Housing Programs provide transitional housing and supportive services to young adults ages 18–24 as they work toward greater stability and independence. The Social Work Case Manager builds supportive relationships with participants and provides individualized, trauma-informed case management focused on each youth’s strengths, needs, and goals. Support includes developing transition plans, building independent living and financial skills, and connecting participants to education, employment, healthcare, behavioral health, housing, and other community resources to help prepare them for a successful transition from the program.
Learn more about YMCA Youth and Family Services programs CLICK HERE
For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)
SCHEDULE:
The Social Work Case Manager is responsible for providing case management services to participants intended to promote self-sufficiency according to the participants’ identified needs and the programs’ focus. The Social Work Case Manager supports participants through a human centered and trauma informed approach, in addition they are engaging, culturally responsive and aware of the diverse needs of various cultures, races, ethnicities and populations.
Our Transitional Housing Programs provide transitional housing and supportive services to young adults ages 18–24 as they work toward greater stability and independence. The Social Work Case Manager builds supportive relationships with participants and provides individualized, trauma-informed case management focused on each youth’s strengths, needs, and goals. Support includes developing transition plans, building independent living and financial skills, and connecting participants to education, employment, healthcare, behavioral health, housing, and other community resources to help prepare them for a successful transition from the program.
Learn more about YMCA Youth and Family Services programs CLICK HERE
For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)
SCHEDULE:
- This position is Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 5:30PM
WORK DESIGNATION:
-
In-Person at our Oceanside facility
- Please note that the work designation may change based on business needs.
- Assessment and case planning with each participant; Coordinate case planning with participants and collaborating agencies; Provide services, advocacy and referrals based on participants’ needs through a supportive approach
- Conduct participant-screening interviews and assess service needs in various settings
- Employ critical thinking, problem solving and conflict management during crisis response and interventions
- Facilitate activities individually and in a group setting that promotes life skill development and provide support to participants in relational wellness, positive self-concept and gaining employment and school opportunities among other areas through case management services, workshops, and normative activities
- Create innovative ways to meet contract goals and provide a high level of service that is engaging and meets the needs of the participants
- Keep well-written, concise case notes to include all pertinent information for each participant using required tracking systems; Maintain organized records and case files for all participants
- Position may require the transport of participants in a YMCA vehicle to and from activities and appointments as needed; Practice non-aggressive defensive driving techniques; Operate YMCA vehicles in safe manner; Vehicle use is for YMCA business only
- Perform other administrative tasks as assigned and assist with maintaining proper document storage of confidential information and auditing
- Ensure that YMCA policies & procedures and applicable laws are always adhered to
- Participate in and attend all required staff meetings, trainings, YMCA staff development events, and appropriate agency-wide committees
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must have access to reliable transportation to travel regularly throughout San Diego County
- Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel
- Bachelor's degree in social science, psychology or a related field and equivalent work experience of up to one year required - OR minimum four years’ experience working with young adults, children or families in a social service setting required
- Knowledge or experience of providing social work practices to individuals and families
- Basic computer knowledge and skills
JOB COMPETENCIES:
- Ability to practice independent judgment critical thinking and self-regulation skills during high stress situations
- Work effectively with a wide variety of people and populations by consistently exercising tact and good judgement
- Work independently and within a team, be flexible, adapt, and manage multiple assignments
PRE-HIRE CONTINGENCIES:
- Licensing, state law and our funders require that applicants of critical positions within Community Support Services be fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications
- CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, within 30 days of hire, and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute
-
Position will require additional clearances in order to comply with all program, licensing, state law, and funding requirements:
- Pass pre-employment drug testing prior to first day
- Exclusion and Debarment checks prior to first day and monthly thereafter
YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.
Pay Range: USD $26.04 - USD $31.24 /Hr.YMCA of San Diego County
Social Work Case Manager - Transitional Housing
Oceanside, California
Added 1d ago
Job function:
$26.04 - $31.24/hr
Bachelor's degree in psychology
Job Description
Overview:
Our Transitional Housing Programs provide transitional housing and supportive services to young adults ages 18–24 as they work toward greater stability and independence. The Social Work Case Manager builds supportive relationships with participants and provides individualized, trauma-informed case management focused on each youth’s strengths, needs, and goals. Support includes developing transition plans, building independent living and financial skills, and connecting participants to education, employment, healthcare, behavioral health, housing, and other community resources to help prepare them for a successful transition from the program.
Learn more about YMCA Youth and Family Services programs CLICK HERE
For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)
SCHEDULE:
The Social Work Case Manager is responsible for providing case management services to participants intended to promote self-sufficiency according to the participants’ identified needs and the programs’ focus. The Social Work Case Manager supports participants through a human centered and trauma informed approach, in addition they are engaging, culturally responsive and aware of the diverse needs of various cultures, races, ethnicities and populations.
Our Transitional Housing Programs provide transitional housing and supportive services to young adults ages 18–24 as they work toward greater stability and independence. The Social Work Case Manager builds supportive relationships with participants and provides individualized, trauma-informed case management focused on each youth’s strengths, needs, and goals. Support includes developing transition plans, building independent living and financial skills, and connecting participants to education, employment, healthcare, behavioral health, housing, and other community resources to help prepare them for a successful transition from the program.
Learn more about YMCA Youth and Family Services programs CLICK HERE
For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)
SCHEDULE:
- This position is Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 5:30PM
WORK DESIGNATION:
-
In-Person at our Oceanside facility
- Please note that the work designation may change based on business needs.
- Assessment and case planning with each participant; Coordinate case planning with participants and collaborating agencies; Provide services, advocacy and referrals based on participants’ needs through a supportive approach
- Conduct participant-screening interviews and assess service needs in various settings
- Employ critical thinking, problem solving and conflict management during crisis response and interventions
- Facilitate activities individually and in a group setting that promotes life skill development and provide support to participants in relational wellness, positive self-concept and gaining employment and school opportunities among other areas through case management services, workshops, and normative activities
- Create innovative ways to meet contract goals and provide a high level of service that is engaging and meets the needs of the participants
- Keep well-written, concise case notes to include all pertinent information for each participant using required tracking systems; Maintain organized records and case files for all participants
- Position may require the transport of participants in a YMCA vehicle to and from activities and appointments as needed; Practice non-aggressive defensive driving techniques; Operate YMCA vehicles in safe manner; Vehicle use is for YMCA business only
- Perform other administrative tasks as assigned and assist with maintaining proper document storage of confidential information and auditing
- Ensure that YMCA policies & procedures and applicable laws are always adhered to
- Participate in and attend all required staff meetings, trainings, YMCA staff development events, and appropriate agency-wide committees
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must have access to reliable transportation to travel regularly throughout San Diego County
- Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel
- Bachelor's degree in social science, psychology or a related field and equivalent work experience of up to one year required - OR minimum four years’ experience working with young adults, children or families in a social service setting required
- Knowledge or experience of providing social work practices to individuals and families
- Basic computer knowledge and skills
JOB COMPETENCIES:
- Ability to practice independent judgment critical thinking and self-regulation skills during high stress situations
- Work effectively with a wide variety of people and populations by consistently exercising tact and good judgement
- Work independently and within a team, be flexible, adapt, and manage multiple assignments
PRE-HIRE CONTINGENCIES:
- Licensing, state law and our funders require that applicants of critical positions within Community Support Services be fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications
- CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, within 30 days of hire, and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute
-
Position will require additional clearances in order to comply with all program, licensing, state law, and funding requirements:
- Pass pre-employment drug testing prior to first day
- Exclusion and Debarment checks prior to first day and monthly thereafter
YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.
Pay Range: USD $26.04 - USD $31.24 /Hr.See All 46 Social Work Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Social Work Assistant JobsSocial Work Assistant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Los Angeles
4 jobsSan Francisco
4 jobsChico
2 jobsFresno
2 jobsEast Bay
2 jobsSacramento
2 jobsSan Marcos
2 jobsBrea
1 jobUkiah
1 jobCarson
1 jobIrvine
1 jobNovato
1 jobFortuna
1 jobLynwood
1 jobOakland
1 jobRedding
1 jobTurlock
1 jobEl Cajon
1 jobMurrieta
1 jobClearlake
1 jobGreenbrae
1 jobLa Quinta
1 jobLos Altos
1 jobOceanside
1 jobPalo Alto
1 jobSan Diego
1 jobSanta Ana
1 jobLoma Linda
1 jobLong Beach
1 jobSan Ysidro
1 jobChula Vista
1 jobWatsonville
1 jobCrescent City
1 jobMountain View
1 jobSocial Work Assistant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in social work assistant jobs across California.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in social work or a closely related human services field
- Experience or coursework in case management, client assessment, or social services delivery
- Familiarity with California county or state public benefits and referral systems
- Ability to maintain accurate case records using electronic health or case management systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for client interaction and documentation
- Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation for field visits
Social Work Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a social work assistant in California?
Most California employers require at minimum an associate degree in social work, human services, or a related field, though a bachelor's degree is increasingly preferred. California does not license social work assistants at the state level the way it licenses Licensed Clinical Social Workers through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, so entry typically depends on education, supervised experience, and meeting county or agency hiring standards rather than passing a state exam.
Which companies hire social work assistants in California?
Employers hiring social work assistants in California right now include California State University, Home & Health Care Management, and University of California - San Francisco, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's large county human services departments, integrated health systems, and nonprofit community organizations consistently account for the bulk of ongoing openings across the state.
Which California cities have the most social work assistant jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chico have the most social work assistant openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its sheer population size and the scale of agencies like LA County DCFS and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, while San Diego and Sacramento reflect large county health systems and a dense concentration of community nonprofit organizations serving diverse and underserved populations.
Are there remote social work assistant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 14% of social work assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most roles in this field. The parts of the work most likely to be done remotely are documentation, phone-based case follow-up, and intake coordination, rather than direct client visits or field assessments.
How can I get hired as a social work assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to California county human services departments, which regularly hire at the social services aide or eligibility worker level and require only an associate degree or relevant coursework. Los Angeles County, San Diego County, and Sacramento County all run structured entry-level programs for candidates without field experience. Completing a field practicum through a California community college social work program, or moving laterally from roles such as case aide, community health worker, or residential counselor, also opens the door quickly.
Where can I find and apply to social work assistant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to social work assistant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 46 Social Work Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Social Work Assistant JobsRelated Jobs in California
Clinical Informatics Specialist JobsCalifornia
Neurosurgeon JobsCalifornia
Nutritionist JobsCalifornia
Licensed Practical Nurse JobsCalifornia
Child Psychiatrist JobsCalifornia
Medical Writer JobsCalifornia
Clinical Operations Manager JobsCalifornia
Charge Nurse JobsCalifornia
Certified Pharmacy Technician JobsCalifornia