Case Manager | Kaituitui | Whanganui
Date: 9 Apr 2026
Location: Whanganui, 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
We have multiple opportunities available to join the Ministry in our Whanganui based office as a Case Manager as part of our Virtual Services team or 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.
As a Case Manager in the Virtual Services unit and located in the Service Centre, you will be engaging directly with individuals and whānau from across Aotearoa over the phone or via email to provide financial support, employment services, and housing assistance. You’ll support people to achieve their goals by connecting them with the right services and creating tailored plans that work for them.
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’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.
- 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 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).
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
View the Position Description: Case Manager position description
Recruitment and Selection Details:
- Applications close: Monday, 20th April 2026
- Recruitment and Selection process: Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete video pre-screening, a short digital confidence skills test, and in-person interview as part of the recruitment process.
- 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?
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact 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 an internal candidate.
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.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
