Case Manager | Kaituitui - Waikato Region Opportunities - November Start Date!

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

Job summary

A governmental social services organization in Waikato is seeking Case Managers to support New Zealanders facing challenges like employment and housing. This role requires empathy, integrity, and confidence in technology, as you will assist clients in navigating resources. Join a dedicated team focused on community support with a competitive salary range of $69,519 to $84,041, reflecting your skills and experience.

Benefits

Full induction and training plan

Ongoing support from peers and leaders

Development opportunities and career pathways

Direct contribution to community strength

Qualifications

• Strong personal integrity and self-management skills.
• Experience in navigating challenging life situations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support clients in accessing income, training, or employment.
• Help clients explore housing options with follow-ups.
• Encourage digital self-service and improve client confidence.
• Manage a busy caseload while keeping accurate notes.
• Refer clients to external providers and collaborate with others.

Skills

Data entry

Technology confidence

Empathy

Clear communication

Adaptability

Teamwork

Numerical comfort

Job description

Overview

Join our dedicated teams supporting communities across the Waikato Region — with diverse communities and dynamic opportunities, no two days are the same.

Role: 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.
• 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.

Recruitment and Selection Details

• Applications close: 11.59pm Wednesday 15 October 2025.
• 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.

Salary range

$69,519.00 - $84,041.00

A competitive salary based on Band 4 ($69,159 – $84,041). Appointments may be considered potentially up to the midpoint $76,779 depending on your relevant skills, experience and other factors.

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your 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):

1. Why do you believe you’re the right person for this Case Manager role? What skills and experiences will help you succeed?
2. 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 Oralee Hapi, Manager Regional Service on [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.

Extended Closing date: 11.59pm Wednesday 15 October 2025

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.

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.