Case Manager | Kaituitui, Blenheim

New Zealand Government; Nelson; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction and training plan

Career development opportunities

Supportive peers and leaders

Job summary

New Zealand Government’s Ministry of Social Development seeks Case Managers for the Blenheim Service Centre. You will help clients navigate income, housing, and employment transitions with empathy, accuracy, and policy adherence.

You’ll work in a high-trust environment, manage a busy caseload, coordinate services, and support client independence. Training and development are provided, with a competitive salary and clear progression.

Qualifications

• Fast and accurate with data entry; getting the detail right matters.
• Confident with technology; able to navigate multiple systems.
• Empathetic, professional, and able to hold space for real-life challenges while applying policy.
• Clear communicator; able to explain things simply and make good decisions.
• Adaptable and steady; comfortable with change and high volumes.

Responsibilities

• Support someone recently out of work to access income, training, or employment.
• Help whanau explore housing options and coordinate follow-ups.
• Encourage digital self-service and build client confidence with online tools.
• Manage a busy caseload across multiple systems with accurate notes.
• Refer clients to external providers and work collaboratively with others.

Job description

Full-time, permanent | Monday to FridayBased at Blenheim Service CentreThis is real work that changes lives - including your own.Case Managers are the face of public service at the frontline. You'll work with New Zealanders navigating challenging life situations, such as employment changes, housing transitions, or financial stress, and help connect them to the right support at the right time.This is complex, high trust mahi. You'll be making decisions that impact whanau and communities, balancing empathy and policy, speed and accuracy. If you value people, process, and purpose, and can bring calm to complexity - this could be the role for you.What you'll need to succeed | Ko to ahuaYou'll put clients at the centre - listening deeply, responding with care, and helping people move forward in a way that works for them. You'll bring a high level of personal integrity, initiative, and self-management.You'll also need to be:Fast and accurate with data entry - getting the detail right matters.Confident with technology - navigating multiple systems and supporting clients to do the same.Empathetic and professional - able to hold space for real-life challenges while applying policy.A clear communicator - someone who can build trust, explain things simply, and make good decisions.Adaptable and steady - comfortable with change, high volumes, and problem-solving on the go.A strong team player - grounded, dependable, and collaborative.Comfortable with numbers and detail - able to complete complex calculations related to payments, dates, and entitlements.A day in the life:Supporting someone recently out of work to access income, training, or employment.Helping a whanau explore housing options and coordinating follow-ups.Encouraging digital self-service and building client confidence with online tools.Managing a busy caseload across multiple systems while keeping accurate notes.Referring clients to external providers and working collaboratively with others.Meeting with your team to reflect, troubleshoot, and support each other.What you'll be part of:You'll join a public service organisation committed to manaaki tangata, manaaki whanau - helping New Zealanders to be safe, strong, and independent.You'll deliver integrated support across income, housing, and employment - helping clients navigate life transitions and connect to the right services, at the right time.You'll be part of a team that upholds public trust and lives our values: working with integrity, partnering for impact, and standing up for the people we serve.In return, we'll give you:A full induction and training plan.Ongoing support from your peers and leaders.Development opportunities and career pathways.A role where your mahi directly contributes to stronger communities.A competitive salary based on Band 4 ($69,519 - $84,041). Appointments may be considered potentially up to the midpoint $76,779 depending on your relevant skills, experience and other factors.Recruitment and Selection Details:Applications close: 11.59pm, Monday 16 November 2026Recruitment and Selection process: Shortlisted candidates will complete a short digital confidence skills test, video pre-screening, and in-person interview.Applicants must hold New Zealand Citizenship, Permanent Residency or Australian Citizenship at time of application.This role requires applicants to have a clean full New Zealand Driver Licence.New Case Managers will be required to travel and stay away from home during parts of their initial 12-week training period.How to Apply | Me pehea te tuku tonoClick `Apply Now' to upload your current CV, cover letter, and complete the online application form.All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [e-mail] MSD Employees - please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.As part of your application, you will also be asked to respond to two short questions (each with a 2000-character limit):Why do you believe you're the right person for this Case Manager role? What skills and experiences will help you succeed?Manaakitanga is about showing care, respect, and generosity. How might you demonstrate this in your work as a Case Manager?View the Position Description: Case Manager position description