Case Manager | Kaituitui - Wairoa

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

Job summary

A public service organization is seeking a Case Manager to assist New Zealanders in navigating challenging life situations, such as employment changes and financial stress. The role involves listening deeply to clients, making impactful decisions, and delivering integrated support across income, housing, and employment. The ideal candidate will have strong empathy, communication skills, and integrity. A competitive salary between $69,159 and $84,041 will be offered, along with development opportunities.

Benefits

Full induction and training plan

Ongoing support from peers and leaders

Development opportunities and career pathways

Qualifications

• High level of personal integrity, initiative, and self-management.
• Ability to hold space for real-life challenges while applying policy.
• Experience in roles requiring empathy and communication.

Responsibilities

• Work with New Zealanders to navigate life challenges and connect them to support.
• Make decisions that impact families and communities.
• Deliver integrated support across income, housing, and employment.

Skills

Data entry accuracy

Technology confidence

Empathy

Clear communication

Adaptability

Team player

Comfort with numbers

Job description

Join our team and be immersed in the culture of the East Coast, while making a real difference in our Hawkes Bay communities.

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.

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 the week of 3rd November 2025.
• Applicants must hold New Zealand Citizenship, Permanent Residency or Australian Citizenship at time of application.

To apply, please upload your current CV and complete the online application form. You will 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?

Equal Employment Opportunity: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.