Case Manager | Kaituitui | Whanganui
Date: 3 Jun 2026
Location: Taranaki / King Country and Wh, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
Described as ‘The jewel of the Pacific’, Whanganui is one of the most family-friendly cities in NZ. We believe our community to be innovative, supportive, and truly connected. Join our energetic, cohesive team at Whanganui supporting the community we are proudly a part of.
• Full Time, Permanent | Monday to Friday
• Whanganui based role
• Salary range: $69,519 - $84,041
About us | Mō mātou:
The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
We have multiple opportunities available to join the Ministry in our Whanganui based office as a Case Manager assisting clients directly in person, making a real difference in communities across New Zealand.
This is real work that changes lives — including your own.
Case Managers in the Service Centre are the face of public service at the frontline. You’ll work with New Zealanders in our local communities 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 bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
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.
• 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 we offer | Tā mātou e tuku ana:
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: Tuesday 16th June. Please note we will be reviewing applications as they come through and will move to the next steps of the recruitment process quickly.
• Recruitment and Selection process: Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete video pre-screening, a short digital confidence skills test, and in-person interview and a numeracy test as part of the recruitment process.
• Applicants must hold New Zealand Citizenship, Permanent Residency or Australian Citizenship at time of application.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Please view the position descritpion here: Case Manager position description
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):
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 us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Closing date: Tuesday 16th June, 2026.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai:
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.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.
