At a Glance
- Tasks: Support New Zealanders through challenging life situations and connect them to essential services.
- Company: Join a people-centred public service organisation dedicated to community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with a focus on integrity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Empathy, strong communication skills, and ability to manage complex situations.
The predicted salary is between 51900 - 84041 £ per year.
Full-time | Permanent | Monday to Friday (8:30am to 5:00pm) Multiple opportunities across the Canterbury region. Estimated start date: Mid-September 2026. Salary range: $69,519 - $84,041.
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, 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.
- 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.
Recruitment and selection details:
- Applications close: 11.59pm on Sunday, 19th July 2026
- Recruitment and Selection process: Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a short video confidence skills test. Candidates who are successful at this stage will progress to the in-person assessment centre stage. The in-person selection process is expected to be held early August.
- Estimated start date: Mid-September 2026
- Applicants must hold New Zealand Citizenship, Permanent Residency or Australian Citizenship at time of application.
How to Apply | Me Pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. 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):
- What attracts you to the Case Manager role, and what skills, experience, and qualities do you bring?
- 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 jobs@MSD.govt.nz.
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. 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.
Case Manager in Canterbury employer: SafeTravel
Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority is an exceptional employer dedicated to ensuring the safest firearms possession and use in Aotearoa. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, employee growth, and a culture of safety and responsibility, we offer meaningful work that contributes directly to community safety. Our team values alignment with our mission, providing a supportive environment where your skills and commitment can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Case Manager in Canterbury
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at SafeTravel.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from SafeTravel!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like SafeTravel, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at SafeTravel or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Case Manager in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to SafeTravel:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to SafeTravel! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SafeTravel
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
