Job Description

Case Manager - Kaituitui | The Canterbury region, including Ashburton | Permanent

• Full-time, permanent | Monday to Friday (8:30am to 5:00pm)
• Multiple opportunities across the Canterbury region, including Ashburton
• Start date: 15th June 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.

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.

| He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

Please view the position descritpion here: Case Manager position description

Recruitment and selection details:

• Applications close: Tuesday, 14th April 2026
• Recruitment and Selection process: Shortlisted candidates will complete a short digital confidence skills test. Candidates who are successful at this stage will progress to the in-person assessment centre stage.
• In person selection processes expected to be held in late April.
• Start date: 15th June 2026
• 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):

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 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.

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.