Case Manager | Kaituitui, Kaikoura

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

Benefits offered by this job

Full induction and training plan

Ongoing peer support

Career development opportunities

Contribution to stronger communities

Job summary

New Zealand Government is seeking a full-time, permanent Case Manager based at Kaikoura Service Centre. You will work with New Zealanders navigating life challenges, linking them to the right support with empathy, accuracy, and policy compliance.

You’ll be the face of public service, handling income, housing, and employment transitions while balancing speed and accuracy, data literacy, and strong communication. Travel during training may be required.

Qualifications

• You’ve 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 integrity, initiative, and self-management.
• 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 – build trust, explain things simply, and make good decisions.
• Adaptable and steady – comfortable with change, high volumes, and problem-solving on the go.

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

Tech-savvy

Empathetic

Clear communicator

Adaptable

Team player

Numeracy

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've 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.

• 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.