Case Manager | Kaituitui - Central region (Horowhenua, Dannevirke, Masterton, Palmerston North)

Ministry of Social Development; Dannevirke; On-site; NZD 69,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A New Zealand public service organization is hiring a full-time Case Manager to support individuals and families facing challenges. The role involves connecting clients to essential services, offering compassionate assistance while navigating complex situations. Candidates should demonstrate strong data entry skills, empathy, and adaptability. Competitive salary of $69,159 – $84,041 is offered. Join a team committed to community wellbeing.

Benefits

Induction and training plan

Ongoing support from peers and leaders

Career development opportunities

Contribution to stronger communities

Qualifications

• Able to manage a complex caseload while maintaining accurate records.
• Experience with helping clients through life transitions and connecting them to services.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Support clients in accessing income, training, or employment.
• Assist families in exploring housing options.
• Encourage digital self-service and client confidence.

Skills

Data entry accuracy

Technology confidence

Empathy

Clear communication

Adaptability

Team player

Numerical skills

Job description

Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Case Manager | Kaituitui - Central region (Horowhenua, Dannevirke, Masterton, Palmerston North)

Sites we are recruiting for in the Central Region: Palmerston North, Dannevirke, Levin and Masterton

Join our team and be immersed in the culture of the Central region, while making a real difference in our communities.

• Full-time, permanent positions available | Monday to Friday
• Start dates from: 5th January 2026

This 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, or financial stress, and help connect them to the right support at the right time. You may also be working with housing transitions which includes social and emergency housing.

This is complex, high trust mahi. You’ll be making decisions that impact whānau 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.

You’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.
• Comfort 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 whānau 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 whānau — 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 ($69,159 – $84,041).

Recruitment and Selection Details:

• Recruitment and Selection process: Shortlisted candidates will complete a short digital confidence skills test and will also need to attend an in person Assessment Centre in Palmerston North the week of 10th November 2025.
• Applicants must hold New Zealand Citizenship, Permanent Residency or Australian Citizenship at time of application.

Click ‘Apply Now’ to upload your current CV and complete the online application form.

You do not need to submit a cover letter. Instead, you’ll be asked to respond to two short questions as part of the application form (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?
  

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [e-mail]

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

Joining us

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.