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Job outlook for case specialists in the United States
Are case specialist jobs in demand?
Case specialist job and salary trends over time
Case specialist jobs over time
Case specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,032 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,040 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,063 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,001 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,959 | 0.00% |
Average case specialist salary over time
Case specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,646 | $19.06 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $38,654 | $18.58 | +3.9% |
| 2023 | $37,209 | $17.89 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $36,515 | $17.56 | +4.1% |
| 2021 | $35,071 | $16.86 | +3.2% |
Case specialist jobs by state
Most common states for case specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 163 | 23% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 111 | 15% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 812 | 12% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 365 | 12% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 109 | 11% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 62 | 11% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 110 | 10% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 735 | 9% |
| 9 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 619 | 9% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 59 | 9% |
| 11 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 1,583 | 8% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 619 | 8% |
| 13 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 461 | 8% |
| 14 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 452 | 8% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 446 | 8% |
| 16 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 242 | 8% |
| 17 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 236 | 8% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 158 | 8% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 112 | 8% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 112 | 8% |
Most common cities for case specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 1 | 4% | $33,905 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $37,268 |
| 3 | Overland Park | 3 | 2% | $38,457 |
| 4 | Hartford | 2 | 2% | $40,828 |
| 5 | Lawrence | 2 | 2% | $32,082 |
| 6 | Ashburn | 1 | 2% | $37,318 |
| 7 | Attleboro | 1 | 2% | $33,415 |
| 8 | Framingham | 1 | 1% | $32,831 |
| 9 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $57,176 |
| 10 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $52,387 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $33,816 |
| 12 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $35,242 |
| 13 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $32,634 |
| 14 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $42,447 |
| 15 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $30,698 |
| 16 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $33,360 |
Case Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of case specialist experts
Elon University
Austin Community College
Pomona College
California University of Pennsylvania
Missouri State University
Grace Christian University
Auburn University
Adelphi University
University of Nebraska at Omaha
University of Maryland
Georgia State University
Arkansas State University
Rocky Mountain Prep
University of Minnesota
Lorain County Community College
Kentucky Christian University
Neumann University
National Organization for Human Services
California University of Pennsylvania
Tacoma Community College
What soft skills should all Case Specialists possess?
Monica Burney: Skilled Human Services professionals demonstrate strong self-awareness and are quick to reflect on how their interactions affect others. They also establish rapport well, ask open-ended questions, and frame conversations with verbal and non-verbal techniques that make people feel comfortable in communication. They are often great collaborators who assess and navigate team dynamics well.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Case Specialists?
Monica Burney: Effective Human Service professionals have a working knowledge of case management principles and a good understanding of how to apply ecological systems theory to client situations. They also employ professional, effective, and concise documentation. One of the more critical responsibilities currently is to be able to participate in discussions around issues of equity and ethical responsibilities within the agency setting to effectively meet client needs.
What skills will help Case Specialists earn the most?
Monica Burney: Professionals who have additional certifications, including any technology, language, or clinical training certifications, can sometimes negotiate higher salaries depending on if the agency they are applying to have a unique need for those services. Also, professionals with proven fundraising and/or grant writing experience may have opportunities in non-traditional roles or settings that offer higher salaries.
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.
Department Chair: Human ServicesAustin Community College
Human Services Department
What soft skills should all Case Specialists possess?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: I would refer to this skill set as "essential" and consist of compassion, empathy, teamwork, the ability to listen, a sense of humor, and most importantly, the ability to practice self-care. I include self-care in this list because working in the human service field can be exhausting and emotionally overwhelming. Taking care of ourselves helps to prevent burnout and possibly leaving the profession.
What skills stand out on Case Specialist resumes?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: a. Service to the community such as volunteer work at a food bank or camp counselor for those with physical or mental exceptionalities.
b. Consumer or customer service experience is essential, and experience dealing with the retail industry, food industry, and case management definitely stand out.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Case Specialists?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: a. Must have strong basic computer skills and knowledge of software such as excel spreadsheets, google docs, etc. Most, if not all, agencies use electronic health records and treatment planning, so it is necessary to be competent in this area.
b. A degree and additional certifications will assist you in seeking employment. It will also increase your level of competency and diversify the communities you serve. For example, at Austin Community College, we offer our students a chance to complete a certification in Mental Health First Aid Training. This increases their marketability and skill level.
What skills will help Case Specialists earn the most?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: I would say much of the income level for human service professionals will be based on education. The higher level of education you have, the more you will earn. We encourage all of our students seeking an Associates in Human Services to consider completing at minimum a bachelor's degree.
What's a good job out of college for Case Specialists?
Gary Yeritsian: For sociologists seeking work right out of college, entry-level jobs in government agencies (especially those that provide public services) or social change oriented nonprofits are ideal. Sociology majors combine a capacity for critical thinking with a concern for advancing social justice which can provide value for such organizations. Graduates in this category should aim to secure relevant internships in their third and fourth year of undergrad in order to be able to transition to full-time roles for those organizations or similar ones where that experience will be relevant.
What's a day at work look like for a Case Specialist?
Dr. T. Thao Pham Ph.D.: Recent graduates may find it more difficult to find work in traditional settings. Although many agencies in our area have openings, they are either scaling back until the pandemic is over or they are asking recent graduates to do more work if they get new positions. Recent graduates are asked to be more skillful and ready to take on challenging cases as soon as they start their post-master's employment.
What technical skills for a Case Specialist stand out to employers?
Dr. T. Thao Pham Ph.D.: Agencies are looking for graduates with leadership skills, collaborative skills, grant-writing skills, clinical skills, and good organization skills. Graduates are expected to meet high expectations from employers early on and those who may find themselves moving quickly in the organization as administrators. We have many recent graduates who are now managers, supervisors, and coordinators within 3 years of graduating.
What's a good job out of college for Case Specialists?
Dr. Abby Templer Rodrigues Ph.D.: A good job out of college is one that allows you to continue to grow your skills and abilities and deepen your character. Your degree and existing skills get you in the door, and continual acquisition of skills is required to maintain employment and to advance.
What technical skills for a Case Specialist stand out to employers?
Dr. Abby Templer Rodrigues Ph.D.: Employers look for oral and written communication skills, the ability to work effectively in diverse teams, analytical and quantitative reasoning, and the ability to adapt to new technologies (Ciabattari et al. 2018). Employers specifically prefer college graduates who have experience applying these skills through internships, service learning, senior projects or collaborative research, field projects, or study abroad (Ciabattari et al. 2018).
References
Ciabattari Teresa, Lowney Kathleen S., Monson Renee A., Senter Mary Scheuer, and Chin
Jeffrey. 2018. "Linking Sociology Majors to Labor Market Success." Teaching Sociology 46 (3): 191-207.
Handwerker, Elizabeth Weber, Peter B. Meyer, and Joseph Piacentini. 2020. "Employment
Recovery in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic." Monthly Labor Review, December, 1-24.
Langin, Katie. 2020. "U.S. faculty job market tanks." Science 370(6514): 272-273.
Scott Shaw Ph.D.
Dean / Professor of Human Services, School of Social Sciences and Human ServicesGrace Christian University
School of Social Sciences and Human Services
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Case Specialists?
Scott Shaw Ph.D.: There is a growing sentiment that generalist knowledge and interdisciplinary education is the way of the future. We are coming out of a "specialist" mindset that previously encouraged students to find their "one thing" or passion. Once the job market shifts (and it will), those with outdated skills find themselves struggling to find their next "one thing." In his New York Times Bestselling book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World (2019), David Epstein makes a case for generalist knowledge and the importance of developing several interests in lieu of only having one major focus. I agree with Epstein's thesis and encourage students to consider studying social sciences and interdisciplinary studies, especially if they are unsure what path or major they are interested in. Having time and dedicated focus to explore interests, personal strengths, and areas of development can help university students experience multiple fields of inquiry that will help them in the current ever-changing job market. Having an ability to apply critical thinking and problem solving to finding creative solutions from different perspectives will advance one's career in almost any market.
I also encourage students to take every opportunity to understand other cultures and perspectives. If able to travel (post-pandemic) on a study abroad, live abroad, or take a short-term trip, then by all means do it. It will expand one's worldview and perspective, as well as one's ability to see the humanity in others from different backgrounds. Employers appreciate applicants who can relay experiences engaging people from different backgrounds and display evidence of emotional and cultural intelligence. If unable to travel internationally, then engage with diverse populations locally and learn from books, articles, documentaries and movies that add to one's cultural awareness and sensitivity. Additionally, having foundational knowledge in technology and statistical literacy can go a long way in almost any field. Current job applicants who display familiarity with MS Office, Google Suite or other common applications can apply this knowledge to most career paths. Many skills and certifications are generalizable to other fields and career paths, so it is important to take every opportunity to always be learning and developing one's understanding.
Adam Greer
Career Services SpecialistAuburn University
Department of Human Development and Family Science
What skills stand out on Case Specialist resumes?
Adam Greer: Clearly, the distance/online working skills will stand out with our HDFS majors. Our students have a strong foundation in learning to work with people, and now they have a new way to work with people and remove barriers that might have previously prevented an in-person meeting.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Case Specialists?
Dr. Manoj Pardasani Ph.D.: I believe that the pandemic has somewhat changed our ideas of what constitutes effective practice. As many agencies transitioned to remote services, professionals and recipients of services had to learn how to integrate technology and "distance" into their daily lives. Therefore, when we return to the "new normal," many social work agencies will integrate remote service opportunities into their regular practices. This does not mean that in-person services are going away anytime, but utilizing technology would allow social services to be accessible to a larger (and more diverse) group of consumers. From an educational perspective, we believe that schools of social work will have to integrate technology-assisted practices (intakes, diagnostic assessments, care planning, interventions, etc.) into their curricula. Preparing students to effectively practice in multiple modalities will be critical to the future of our profession. Those social workers already in the field might need to engage with additional training or continuing education opportunities in order to enhance their skills to meet these emerging practice needs.
What experience really stands out on Case Specialist resumes?
Dr. Manoj Pardasani Ph.D.: I believe that employers are looking for different strengths, skills, and knowledge depending on the length of time in practice. For instance, in the case of recent graduates, employers look for internship experiences, fellowships, or specializations taken while obtaining their social work degree. Past volunteer experiences are helpful as well. Employers are interested in candidates who show initiative, are passionate about social work practice, are able to adapt to diverse work environments, and are eager to learn and grow. With experienced social workers, employers are looking at the trajectory of one's career: how have the various employment experiences contributed to the growth and development of this professional? What skills, knowledge and insights have they developed? They are hoping to see a commitment to continued learning and examples of having taken initiative in previous jobs. Overall, for both new and experienced social workers, possessing a social work license is critical. Most positions now require the social worker to be licensed by the state in which they practice, however, social workers have not always been quick to pursue licensure. I believe that is changing and the expectations for social work professionals to be licensed will only grow further.
Dr. Susan Reay
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha
Grace Abbott School of Social Work
What general advice would you give to a Case Specialist?
Dr. Susan Reay: It is essential for graduating seniors to develop a lifespan career plan that includes identifying experiences they want, ones they might want to seek out, and the identification of ones they are not interested in exploring. Central to the plan is obtaining quality supervision. I tell all my graduating seniors that no matter what job you take, make sure that you have a quality supervisor. Start looking for mentors and people you can trust. Keep those folks close to you and hold on to them over the life of your career.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Case Specialists?
Richard Shin Ph.D.: Like most situations, there are challenges and opportunities. As a counselor preparation program, we are concerned that our students are not able to get the experiences associated with physically engaging in their internship sites. There's really no replacement for the range of experiences and situations that interns are required to respond to when they're at their internship sites. On the other hand, the pandemic has provided opportunities for students to learn how to be counselors in the virtual environment. This is priceless because no matter what the world looks like when we reach a more stable place with the virus, we know that professional interactions in the virtual environment are here to stay. Students have honed their technological skills, learned to be creative, and become more comfortable working in this environment. They've also enhanced their resiliency traits by navigating these extremely stressful times, while also studying for their graduate degrees in counseling.
What type of skills will young Case Specialists need?
Richard Shin Ph.D.: Related to above, there have inevitably been some gaps in counselor training over the past year. Our students have not been able to engage in face-to-face, individual or group, counseling. They've not had the opportunity to develop relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues in person. Our graduates will have developed a great set of skills in terms of working in the online environment, but many will need to focus on developing their interpersonal communication, counseling, advocacy, etc. skills that are required of professional counselors.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Case Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Susan Snyder Ph.D.: We have had students find jobs in the South and across the country. While the job market is more challenging than in years past, our graduating students have been very successful. Job searches should be approached like full-time jobs, which require you to have good time-management skills, organizational skills, and to be a hard worker.
What skills stand out on Case Specialist resumes?
Dr. Amy Pearce Ph.D.: Typically, I recommend that all psychology majors gain research experience and communicate their findings via conference presentations, or peer-reviewed publications. Highlighting analytical and quantitative skills, plus software training is recommended. Graduates who know how to collect, enter, analyze, interpret, and report data will be desired. If a student plans to directly enter the workforce in a psychology-related field, then picking up courses to complete undergraduate certificate programs, such as neuropsychological testing or statistics, will be beneficial. As will be any internships or applicable job experiences.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Case Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Amy Pearce Ph.D.: A great thing about psychology is the number of options available to degree-earners! Psychology majors aren't confined to one job title or geographical locale. Work opportunities will be largely dictated by the experience and skills acquired along the path of earning a bachelor's degree. This is why, in addition to the requisite coursework, it's important to gain relevant applicable experiences and acquire additional training and skills. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, or their O*NET Online, are good places to start searching for projections on specific careers and factors related to employability in psychology. Although a bachelor's degree in psychology doesn't make someone a psychologist, a myriad of opportunities exist in business, academic, and human service settings, which are in every city.
Abby Worland
Managing Director of People Rocky Mountain Prep Network Support TeamRocky Mountain Prep
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Case Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Abby Worland: The pandemic has made job security an increasingly important factor given rising unemployment rates. I think we will see an increase in the retention of currently employed workers in their positions.
I'm curious to see how much of the virtual world we've built will carry over once the pandemic ends. Will more positions convert to remote work permanently? Will schools continue to offer virtual learning as an option? Regardless of what carries over, I feel confident saying that tech literacy and the ability to self-manage your work and your time will be increasingly important skills in the job market.
What Case Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joyce Serido Ph.D.: If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is the need to be resilient in the face of uncertainty - so seek out opportunities for creative problem solving, be willing to contribute as part of a team. Use this as an apprenticeship period, learn from experienced leaders in areas that interest you, and ask for advice and insight. And stay open to opportunities that emerge. In other words, explore options as you prepare for the next step, be that particular industry or further education. Perhaps the goal for this year is not to have "the answer" - but rather "the next step."
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Case Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Jennifer Kukis: Well, tele-health services will increase and, I think, we will see other types of social services using virtual means, such as Zoom, to provide services and offer programming.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Case Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Jennifer Kukis: In Ohio, Social workers earn an average yearly salary of $49,260. Wages typically start from $31,670 and go up to $78,590.
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/social-worker/salary/ohio/
In Ohio, Starting level social worker earnings begin at:
$15.23
per hour
$31,670
per year with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work, and around $13.00 for a Social Work Assistant with a two year degree in Human Services.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Case Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Rob O'Lynn: In terms of the ministry job market, it has always been a tricky market to navigate. There are still more candidates than there are positions. Also, over the last couple of decades, the number of full-time jobs in ministry have decreased. Now, many congregations can only afford a part-time minister or rely on a heavy cadre of volunteers. Yet, there are also congregations across the country that are growing -- some at phenomenal rates.
These congregations employ a vast array of full-time and part-time ministers and support staff persons. I think most ministry positions in a post-pandemic society will continue to trend toward positions at mostly smaller congregations, and then primarily part-time. This will require many ministers to seek bi-vocational employment, something that many associates, youth and worship ministers (and academics, like myself) have been relying on for several years.
Stephanie Budhai Ph.D.
Associate Professor, EducationNeumann University
Division of Education and Human Services
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Case Specialists to find work opportunities?
Stephanie Budhai Ph.D.: There are so many opportunities, all across the country, for a career in special education. In addition to being a special education teacher in a school setting, hospitals, social service agencies, and public service agencies all need trained professionals to support and help develop those with disabilities and learning challenges. Business and government agencies may hire trained special educators as they may have employees who may identify as neurodiverse. There are also employment options working with adjudicated youth and the prison system as an outstanding educator and intervention specialist.
What type of skills will young Case Specialists need?
Donald Spears: Human service professionals will be in demand in nearly all settings. Large cities, of course, will need services, but so will individuals in more rural communities. Future human service professionals will need to be adaptable, and able to work with an increasingly diverse population. Being bi-lingual (English and Spanish) will be a tremendous advantage. Even if students plan to work as generalists, coursework and mentorship in working with substance use disorders will be very helpful. Although one may not plan on specializing in addictions, it will be a contributing factor in multiple client scenarios. Helping a client to find housing and employment will not provide a long-lasting solution if there are underlying addiction issues. Earning a certificate in addictions, along with your degree(s), will make you more in demand and more effective in working with clients.
What type of skills will young Case Specialists need?
Dr. Joseph Constantine Ph.D.: While adaptability has always been heralded as the key predictor of employment success in the future, rapid changes in the social and economic landscape also bring with them an increased need for more traditional skills such as building relationships, understanding specific community needs, networking with other professionals, and advocating for more intensive treatment protocols.
How do you envision technology impacting Case Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Joseph Constantine Ph.D.: More than ever, graduates will need to be able to balance the technological components of work with a high-level of emotional intelligence in order to swiftly make smart decisions that support better outcomes for clients/patients, families, and other stakeholders. Moreover, the most successful therapists will find ways of using high-level, new technologies with good, old-fashioned introspection, self-awareness, and down-to-earth perspectives about what is most important in the job.
Barbara Peterson
Professor of Human ResourcesTacoma Community College
Human Services Program
What general advice would you give to a Case Specialist?
Barbara Peterson: The work we do in Human Services and mental health is hard. We hear stories from people every day that are heart-wrenching. To be effective, we must take care of ourselves first. This is not being selfish. Just as we hear from the flight attendants every time we fly, we must put our oxygen masks on before assisting others. Self-care is vital and should be practiced every day. Self-care is about creating and maintaining a balanced life that includes proper nutrition, plenty of sleep, exercise, and creative activities and hobbies. Self-care also includes developing healthy relationships with people away from work and, when needed, a mental health professional's visit.