New Mexico Social Worker Voices: Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities of the Profession

Background and Purpose: New Mexico faces persistent health and behavioral health provider shortages, especially in rural areas (NM HSD, 2023). As of June 30, 2024, only 18.99% of the state’s mental health care needs were met, well below the national average of 26.74% (HRSA, 2024). These shortages are expected to worsen without significant intervention.

This study presents findings from the 2024 Social Workers of New Mexico Survey, a statewide survey of licensed social workers conducted through the Center for Excellence in Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University. The study aimed to better understand social workers’ wellbeing, longevity, barriers to practice, and professional development needs. As the first survey of its kind in the state, findings were combined with national and state research to inform legislative and organizational recommendations addressing the workforce decline.

Methods: This study used a mixed-methods concurrent nested design, where quantitative data provided a fuller understanding of qualitative findings. Data were collected through the 2024 Social Workers of New Mexico Survey, which included validated instruments. Participants were social workers practicing in New Mexico, recruited through convenience and snowball sampling, and data were collected via SurveyMonkey. Efforts were made to reach those in underserved communities using the Interactive Map of Licensed Social Workers in New Mexico (CESW, 2024), which identified the number and type of licensed social workers in each county. Of the 6,729 who received the survey, 755 participated (12% response rate, 79% completion). Thematic analysis of qualitative responses and descriptive analysis of quantitative data identified wellbeing factors, barriers, and development needs.

Results: Findings reveal a highly committed yet overwhelmed social workers in need of resources and sustainable retention strategies. Most respondents held MSW degrees (98%), were female (77%), and identified as White (53%) or Latinx/Latine (30%). Thematic analysis identified five sustaining factors: professional fulfillment, service commitment, support networks, wellbeing enhancers, and desire to make a difference. Quantitative data supported these findings, with 91% believing their work makes a difference and 88% expressing pride in being social workers.

Key barriers included resource drought (47%), wellbeing detractors (including-overwhelming workload (39%), health issues (24%), extended hours (57%), burnout or vicarious trauma (51%)), systemic barriers (72%), and lack of organizational support. Financial stress was widespread, with 36% unable to meet financial needs, 43% carrying student debt, and 37% working multiple jobs. Analysis of the survey, along with recent state and national research, led to six recommendations to spark a dialogue on policy and funding strategies: pay equity, retention efforts, funding for peer support and community health workers, burnout prevention, funding general operations, and addressing social work interstate licensure compact with alternative pathways.

Conclusions and Implications: This study highlights the urgent challenges facing New Mexico’s social workers. Systemic under-resourcing, high caseloads, limited community resources, and recruitment challenges tied to low salaries and rising living costs continue to drive burnout and inequities. The authors hope the recommendations serve as a foundation for building a more sustainable workforce. The Center will continue biennial surveys to inform policymakers, agencies, educators, and practitioners statewide.