Case manager

Case managers work with individuals and families to help them overcome hardship and access social services and support.

Also known as

Welfare worker

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours
  • Usually work in offices, but may also travel locally
  • May do emotionally demanding work
  • Need to be responsible, communicate well and work well under pressure

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$58K-$101K 58000

Typical tasks

  • Provide emergency help in crises
  • Help people find or return to work
  • Assist with housing and financial support
  • Support prisoners with treatment and programmes
  • Make plans for clients after prison release
  • Teach life skills
  • Assist clients with insurance claims
  • Attend court and give evidence
  • Write reports and case notes

Outlook

Case management is becoming increasingly important as health, social and community services focus on providing more coordinated support for people with complex needs. In New Zealand, there is growing emphasis on integrated services, cultural responsiveness and better access to support. Digital systems are also helping organisations manage information and improve communication across different services and providers.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong communication and people skills
  • Ability to build positive relationships
  • Good organisation and planning skills
  • Problem-solving and decision-making ability
  • Cultural awareness and empathy
  • Professionalism and ethical judgement

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Content is reviewed by our experts, but information can change over time. Some content is created with AI support.

This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.