Case Manager | Kaituitui - Wairoa

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

Job summary

A public service organization in Hawke's Bay seeks a Case Manager to support New Zealanders navigating life challenges. This full-time role requires empathy, strong communication skills, and the ability to connect clients with vital services. You will be part of a team committed to making a difference, offering a competitive salary and development opportunities.

Benefits

Full induction and training plan

Ongoing support from peers and leaders

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Ability to navigate complex life situations and provide the right support.
• Strong personal integrity and self-management skills.
• Experience working in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Support clients in navigating challenging life situations.
• Make decisions balancing empathy and policy.
• Connect clients with the right support services.

Skills

Data entry accuracy

Confidence with technology

Empathy

Clear communication

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Numerical proficiency

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.

Full-time, permanent position | 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.

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.

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:

• Applications close: Sunday 19th October 2025
• 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.

How to Apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

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.