Case Manager | Kaituitui, Kaikoura

Ministry Of Social Development; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Social Development in Kaikoura is seeking a dedicated Case Manager to support New Zealanders navigating employment, housing and financial challenges. This full-time, permanent frontline role involves making timely decisions, connecting people to the right services, and upholding public service values.

You’ll manage a busy caseload with empathy, accuracy, and collaboration across teams, using multiple systems and clear communication to help clients move forward with confidence.

Qualifications

• Fast and accurate data entry.
• Confident with technology and multiple systems.
• Empathetic and professional, able to hold space for real-life challenges while applying policy.
• A clear communicator who can build trust, explain things simply, and make good decisions.
• Adaptable and steady 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Data entry accuracy

Technology proficiency

Empathy and professionalism

Clear communicator

Adaptability

Team player

Numerical detail

Problem solving

Job description

• Full-time, permanent | Monday to Friday
• Based at Kaikoura Service Centre

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, 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 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.

What you’ll need to succeed | Ko tō āhua

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.
• 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 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 ($69,519 – $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 2026
• Recruitment 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.