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Job outlook for senior case managers in the United States
Senior case manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior case manager job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 52,400 new jobs for senior case managers are projected over the next decade.
Senior case manager salaries have increased 13% for senior case managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 70,097 senior case managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 77,291 active senior case manager job openings in the US.
The average senior case manager salary is $40,691.
Are senior case manager jobs in demand?
Senior case manager job and salary trends over time
Senior case manager jobs over time
Senior case manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 70,097 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 71,223 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 71,714 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 70,716 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 67,867 | 0.02% |
Average senior case manager salary over time
Senior case manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $40,691 | $19.56 | +2.6% |
| 2025 | $39,672 | $19.07 | +3.9% |
| 2024 | $38,190 | $18.36 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $37,477 | $18.02 | +4.1% |
| 2022 | $35,995 | $17.31 | +3.2% |
Senior case manager jobs by state
Most common states for senior case managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 85 | 12% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 60 | 8% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 497 | 7% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 70 | 7% |
| 5 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 1,025 | 5% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 405 | 5% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 378 | 5% |
| 8 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 330 | 5% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 142 | 5% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 40 | 5% |
| 11 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,724 | 4% |
| 12 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 1,001 | 4% |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 496 | 4% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 221 | 4% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 128 | 4% |
| 16 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 122 | 4% |
| 17 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 115 | 4% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 86 | 4% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 67 | 4% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 56 | 4% |
Most common cities for senior case managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 1 | 4% | $35,300 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $37,247 |
| 3 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $44,540 |
| 4 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $44,423 |
| 5 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $43,978 |
| 6 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $37,450 |
| 7 | Little Rock | 1 | 1% | $42,272 |
| 8 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $37,022 |
| 9 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $38,529 |
| 10 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $37,387 |
| 11 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $37,161 |
| 12 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $41,458 |
| 13 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $43,068 |
| 14 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $41,197 |
| 15 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $33,032 |
| 16 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $37,239 |
Senior Case Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior case manager experts
Louisiana State University at Shreveport
Erikson Institute- Graduate School in Child Development
Gannon University
Portland State University
Rollins College
Alabama A & M University
Angelo State University
Kansas State University
Belmont University
Kean University
Saginaw Valley State University
Centre College
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Carolina Christian College
Montana State University – Bozeman
California State University Long Beach
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Ohio University
What Senior Case Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Katherine Stavrianopoulos Ph.D.: Digital Literacy and Teletherapy Skills: With the continued integration of technology in mental health care, counselors will need to enhance their proficiency in digital platforms and teletherapy modalities. This includes utilizing secure video conferencing tools, managing electronic health records (EHR), and maintaining ethical standards in online therapy settings. Cultural Competence and Diversity Awareness: As awareness of cultural diversity and social justice issues grows, counselors must deepen their understanding of intersectionality and cultural humility. Competence in working with diverse populations and addressing systemic barriers to mental health care will from an antiracism lens will be essential for providing inclusive and culturally responsive services. Trauma-Informed Care: Given the prevalence of trauma and its impact on mental health, counselors will need to adopt trauma-informed approaches across various settings. This includes recognizing the signs of trauma, creating safe environments for disclosure, and integrating trauma-sensitive interventions into counseling practice. Resilience-Building and Positive Psychology: In addition to addressing mental health challenges, there will be a greater emphasis on promoting resilience and well-being. Counselors will incorporate positive psychology principles, such as strengths-based interventions and mindfulness techniques, to empower clients and enhance their coping skills. Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Care: With the recognition of the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, counselors will collaborate more closely with other healthcare professionals in integrated care settings. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams will be essential for providing holistic and comprehensive care to clients. Data Literacy and Outcome Measurement: Increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice and outcome measurement will require counselors to develop skills in data collection, analysis, and outcome evaluation. Ethical Decision-Making in Complex Situations: As counseling scenarios become increasingly complex, counselors will face ethical dilemmas that require nuanced decision-making. Strengthening skills in ethical reasoning, consultation, and ethical sensitivity will enable counselors to navigate challenging ethical issues with integrity and professionalism.
What will help Senior Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Katherine Stavrianopoulos Ph.D.: Continued Learning and Development: Stay committed to lifelong learning by attending workshops, pursuing advanced certifications, and staying updated on the latest research and therapeutic techniques. Supervision and Mentorship: Seek out supervision and mentorship opportunities from experienced professionals in the field. Consider participating in a peer supervision group where you can support one another and be open to constructive criticism as part of your development. Engage in regular self-reflection for personal growth. Prioritize Self-Care: Establish healthy boundaries between work and personal life, engage in activities that recharge you and help prevent burn out. Cultural Competence and Diversity: Cultivate cultural humility and strive to understand the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of your clients. Continuously educate yourself on multiculturalism and antiracism to provide competent and inclusive counseling services. Ethical Practice: Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards in your practice. Strive to Build Strong Therapeutic Relationships: Establish rapport, demonstrate empathy, and create a safe and trusting environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings. Evidence-Based Practice: Stay informed about research findings and utilize interventions that have been empirically validated for specific client populations and presenting issues. Networking and Collaboration: Build professional connections within the counseling community. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and participate in networking events to expand your professional network. Collaboration with colleagues can lead to referrals, consultation opportunities, and mutual support. Consider doing some pro bono work: Pro bono services help bridge the gap to access mental health services for individuals who cannot afford them.
What will help Senior Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Director, Master of CounselingLouisiana State University at Shreveport
Department Of Psychology
What soft skills should all Senior Case Managers possess?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Soft skills that are essential for counselors include emotional intelligence, empathy, multicultural competency, interpersonal abilities, and authenticity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Case Managers?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: It is important that counselors are able to effectively take notes and summarize progress, interpret assessments, memorize and recall information, and keep clear yet concise records.
What skills will help Senior Case Managers earn the most?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Skills that will help you earn the most include teletherapy and trauma-informed care.
Cassandra McKay-Jackson Ph.D.
Associate Professor,DirectorErikson Institute- Graduate School in Child Development
Social Work Program
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Case Managers?
Cassandra McKay-Jackson Ph.D.: Social workers are in high demand due to the amount of stress people are under. This is a time when many counselors are at their height of services. We are seeing legislation that is supporting loan forgiveness and loan repayment that may support more individuals coming into the field.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Senior Case Managers?
Cassandra McKay-Jackson Ph.D.: Within the state of Illinois, having a LSW (licensed social worker) credential will open up many doors for new graduates. However, obtaining a LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) credential provides many more opportunities, as well as options to open up private practices when coupled with experience and expertise.
What will help Senior Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Cassandra McKay-Jackson Ph.D.: Being licensed and receiving training in trauma-informed social work as well as telehealth services will promote great potential for earning. Many clients may continue to enjoy the convenience of telehealth services, especially those in areas where transportation to clinics is cost prohibitive. Individuals who have knowledge in child development and anti-oppressive social work practice will also find a wealth of opportunities in today's climate due to the trauma experienced by children, adolescents, and adults with the double pandemics of Covid-19 and racial reckoning.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Case Managers?
Parris Baker: Yes! The effects of the pandemic are presently incalculable. However, I believe there are several areas that will directly affected:
-Mental health will become a major focal point in education, employment, and worker stability.
-Interpersonal relationships have been redefined and family reconfigured. I am unsure of the long-term effects, but short-term effects are increased anxiety, impulsivity, and heightened sense of malaise. I hope people have learned to not postpone the pursuit of happiness and to live life fully.
What's a day at work look like for a Senior Case Manager?
Parris Baker: -People have learned to work from home and in their pajamas.
-Shorter work weeks - 4 day/10-hour work week will become the new normal
-Greater use of internet capabilities.
What will help Senior Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Parris Baker: Social Work - social work students should receive graduate education and training in clinical social work and learn indigenous healing therapies. Specialization with adolescents/young adults and geriatrics. Attaining licensure in social
Mortuary Science - students who acquire knowledge of indigenous death care customs will increase their customer base and the relationships with diverse communities. This will ultimately translate into greater profits long term. The funeral home industry is changing rapidly. More people are opting for cremations rather than traditional burials (partially related to COVID-19). Green burials (also referred to as natural burial) are becoming more popular with millennials. The body is simply placed in a biodegradable coffin or shroud and interred without a concrete burial vault.
Kimberly Jayne Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Counselor Education, School Counseling Program CoordinatorPortland State University
Counselor Education Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Case Managers?
Kimberly Jayne Ph.D.: I think the pandemic will change how school counselors interact with and deliver a comprehensive school counseling program as schools navigate returning to in-person learning, hybrid, or continuing with comprehensive distance learning (CDL). School counselors have had to be creative, flexible, and adapt to meet the new and increasing challenges of serving students and families through CDL and that will change how school counselors approach their work into the future.
Additionally, students and families will continue to experience the effects of the pandemic, multiple natural disasters, and the crisis of racial injustice far beyond this year. School counselors will need to continue to meet students in the midst of these multiple crises and traumas and provide developmentally and culturally-responsive support as we all navigate the longer term emotional and mental health, academic, and social impacts on our communities.
What's a good job out of college for Senior Case Managers?
Kimberly Jayne Ph.D.: Upon graduating with a master's degree in school counseling, I highly recommend students pursue a job as a licensed school counselor in a P-12 setting where they develop and facilitate a comprehensive school counseling program for elementary, middle or high school students. The need for highly-skilled, effective, and culturally-responsive school counselors is growing and there are not enough qualified professionals to fill these critical roles in our school communities.
What will help Senior Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Kimberly Jayne Ph.D.: School counselors are required to continue their learning and professional development across the lifespan of their career. Pursuing additional professional certifications and training can increase earning potential for school counselors. Additionally, I think being a part of advocacy for more resources and regard for educational professionals is a critical piece of making sure school counselors, educators, and other professionals that work in schools are compensated in a way that reflects the importance and value of their work, their professional skills and expertise, and the extensive training and education they must pursue to prepare for their roles in the school setting.
Samuel Sanabria Ph.D.
Professor of Clinical Mental Health CounselingRollins College
Graduate Studies of Counseling
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Case Managers?
Samuel Sanabria Ph.D.: The pandemic has caused a significant change in how we work, connect with friends and family, and maneuver in society. These changes are pushing people to their very limits, resulting in increased reports of depressive and anxious symptoms. Unfortunately, I do not believe that our society will ever go back to pre-pandemic days. Instead, we will continue to struggle as we try to adjust to this new life.
I predict an increase in demand for mental health counselors, expanding employment opportunities for graduates. I also expect that telehealth services are here to stay, making access to counseling easier for many.
What's a day at work look like for a Senior Case Manager?
Samuel Sanabria Ph.D.: I suspect that many graduates will be balancing working from home, providing telehealth mental health counseling services, and in an office, providing face-to-face counseling. The workday will be more flexible, extending to evening hours. I also believe that online support groups will increase. Groups are a great way to provide services to more people while offering a safe space to connect with others with shared experiences.
What will help Senior Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Samuel Sanabria Ph.D.: I encourage mental health professionals to expand their knowledge and skills in trauma and grief counseling. This pandemic adds to trauma and grief experiences, such as social isolation, unemployment and economic losses, and sudden losses of friends and family. I also encourage mental health professionals to understand how the brain and nervous system respond to these experiences. The field of neuroscience is growing and providing deeper insights into how trauma and grief affect our daily functioning and new ways to help our clients.
Samson Chama
ProfessorAlabama A & M University
Department of Social Work, Psychology & Counseling
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Case Manager job market given the pandemic?
Samson Chama: We are living in unpredictable, volatile and uncertain times that have consequentially emerged from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lasting effects of this pandemic have led different professionals to rethink their positions, usefulness and survivability. The social work profession in particular is one such profession that is making strides to adjust and adapt to this new environment. The new environment requires that social workers adopt new and innovative technological methods that will allow them to continue to be relevant in this era. Assessing and determining how technology, including how it may leverage service-delivery in a manner that does not negatively impact service delivery beneficiaries, will be key to social work as a profession. This will also involve making strategic adjustments that will allow social workers a degree of flexibility to work remotely but at the same time to demonstrate productivity.
What technical skills for a Senior Case Manager stand out to employers?
Samson Chama: I think employers will be looking for social workers who are competent in a variety of technical platforms and software packages. For this to happen social workers who are novice to technology will need to motivate and reinvent themselves by willingly acquiring knowledge and skills in latest cutting-edge technology. This should be technoloy that promises them--social workers--to work effectively from any point of reference while at the same time empowering and enabling them to churn out relevant and needed services.
What's a good job out of college for Senior Case Managers?
Samson Chama: Social work is a generic profession that is constantly evolving. Within its evolution there is probably no single important social work job that might be pointed out or highlighted as being above the rest. In these times social workers need to be well versed in crucial social work professional domains and these in particular include such areas as planning, research and programming. Each of these domains comes with unique jobs and skill sets that may help social workers to become powerful and yet crucial planners, researchers and programmers. These three domains are essential elements to social work effective service-delivery.
What's a good job out of college for Senior Case Managers?
Anne Scaggs: That is a difficult question to answer because social work is a very broad field. At the BSW level, an entry level position with any social service agency is a great place to start. At the MSW level, if one is interested in private practice, then a job with an agency that provides individual and group counseling would be perfect which the practitioner is under supervision for their clinical license. If one is interested in administration, then any government agency would be great because they provide the opportunity for advancement. It really depends on the interests of the social worker. Mental health facilities, hospitals, schools, and small agencies also offer exposure to diverse clients and will help any social worker hone their skills as a practitioner.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Case Manager job market given the pandemic?
Anne Scaggs: I believe the biggest trends we will see in the job market due to the pandemic will be related to the human service industry. There is already a need for increased mental health professionals to assist not only those who are suffering from depression due to the isolation from others but to assist the first responders who have been dealing with the incredible stress that has been added to their jobs as well as depression, especially as it relates to doctors and nurses who have been watching so many die. We also have high levels of unemployment and that creates stress that can lead to increased domestic violence and child abuse. So, there will definitely be a need for well-trained social workers and other helping professionals.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Senior Case Managers?
Anne Scaggs: Courses related to mental health, case management, and practice at all levels (individual, group, organizations, and communities). In social work, although we do have DSW and PhD programs, and MSW degree with an LMSW or LCSW license provides the most job prospects. Once a masters level social worker passes thier Licensed Master Social Work licensing exam, they can begin supervision for thier clinical license. That clinical license opens every door in social work.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Case Managers?
Kristen Kremer Ph.D.: In the short-term, the coronavirus pandemic may result in fewer job openings for social workers due to budget constraints within local governments (as a result of reduced tax receipts) and within non-profit social service agencies (as a result of cancelled fundraisers). Additionally, the need for social distancing may translate into being able to have fewer staff in a room at a time, which may further result in lowered ability to have staff present on sight.
The nation's eviction moratorium, which prevents landlords from evicting tenants behind on rent, seems to have momentarily lowered the number of individuals in need of homeless shelters - thus translating into potentially lower short-term needs for staff. However, this will be quickly reversed once the moratorium is lifted. Despite budget cuts, the weakened economy and greater social isolation means that social workers are still very much needed in the community.
In the long-term, the largest impact on social workers will be the shift to telebehavioral health. While many previously questioned the ability to provide social services virtually, expanded use of video conferencing, text messaging, and phone calls is making everyone more comfortable with technology. Social workers should be prepared to do more of their work remotely, potentially from home. Connecting with clients remotely may limit one's ability to pick up on nonverbal cues, but it also has its strengths - such as the ability to reach out to clients who have limited transportation or live in remote areas.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Senior Case Managers?
Kristen Kremer Ph.D.: For masters-level social workers, becoming a licensed clinical social worker is key. In addition to a master's degree and completion of a licensure exam, this typically requires two years of social work practice under a licensed supervisor. Requirements vary by state, so be sure to read about licensing requirements in your state.
What soft skills should all Senior Case Managers possess?
Kristen Kremer Ph.D.: Social workers engage with vulnerable populations, many of whom have histories of traumatic experiences. Thus, high emotional intelligence will allow social workers to best connect with clients and help them reach their goals.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Case Managers?
Sabrina Sullenberger Ph.D.: It is hard to predict in terms of "enduring" but I do think there are some potential long-term impacts that are important to consider. For example, for students who experienced financial disruption during the pandemic, they could be entering their career with more anxiety about salaries and job stability. For students whose field placement experience shifted dramatically due to the pandemic, and perhaps they didn't get as much direct client or organizational contact as they had hoped, they may be entering their career wondering if they know what field of practice is going to be the best fit for them. I think some students are also going to enter the profession with a renewed sense of passion for the work. The coronavirus has highlighted the essential work that social workers do, and has also highlighted inequities in a way that are harder for society at large to ignore.
What's a day at work look like for a Senior Case Manager?
Sabrina Sullenberger Ph.D.: I think a "good job" out of college is going to be different for different people. But when I think about this in general, I think a good job (especially in social work) is one that allows you to do work that is meaningful, that allows you to use your skills and education, and that gives you a vision for how you might continue to grow as a person and professional. And, it is one that allows you to pay your bills and have some balance (fun, leisure) in your life.
What technical skills for a Senior Case Manager stand out to employers?
Sabrina Sullenberger Ph.D.: Since we have all witnessed the importance of technology in maintaining communication and connection during the coronavirus, obviously the ability to use technology effectively is important, particularly when it comes to ensuring that our work and connection with clients isn't disrupted. Being able to organize and use data (assessments, case notes, policy proposals, whatever the data is in your field of practice) is important as well. Technical competency is also important when we are thinking about things like confidentiality and other ethical issues as related to email communication, social media, etc. And while this may not qualify as a technical skill, the ability to communicate clearly, consistently and effectively is of the utmost importance. Being able to give examples of when you have communicated effectively in times of crisis is important in an interview. It is also important to ensure that any written communication you have with a potential employer aligns with your in-person communication. While I don't think a typo on a resume is the very worst thing that can happen, you don't want a potential employer to rule you out because of what they may think this typo represents in terms of your communication ability.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Case Managers?
Roxanne Ruiz-Adams: COVID-19 has changed society and the way it interacts with its environment, both in negative and positive ways. Because of the necessary adaptations we've all had to make, the market world has found value in remote work. With mental health, this opens opportunities to provide services across state lines, and across county lines. Making treatment more accessible, and positively impacting private practice owners business. In negative ways, we have seen people really need more connection due to the isolation experienced over the year. I think graduates are in a wonderful place to help create those connections for those feeling depressed and along, but they are also in a challenging place of trying to heal themselves from the same woes.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Senior Case Managers?
Roxanne Ruiz-Adams: Working in mental health is a wonderful experience. There are so many different ways to break into the mental health field, that really students just need to tap into what most interests them about the field. Students will find that depending on the level of education they have, that will influence the kind of mental health they practice. For example, on a Bachelor's level it is so important to take classes like Psychology or any behavior focused classes. This degree and class list will propel them towards breaking into case management fields rooted in medical mental health and community mental health. Though at a Bachelor level graduates will not be doing much counseling, they will find themselves advocating and providing supportive services. It is most helpful to attain a Master's degree, if a graduate wants to become a mental health professional, more commonly a psychotherapist.
With a Master's level education in a few fields like Social Work, Counseling, and Marriage and Family Therapy, graduates are able to position them in a place to receive the necessary license to provide direct counseling in medical, community and even privately owned practices. These fields consider a Master's a terminal degree, so once completed (following the necessary practicing hours) students can open up their own business.
For a more medical comprehensive service, students can take the medical school route which would allow them to study towards becoming a psychiatrist. In psychiatry, practitioners can provide psychotherapy and also prescribe the medications needed for those who have more severe experiences of mental illness.
What soft skills should all Senior Case Managers possess?
Roxanne Ruiz-Adams: In the world we are in, empathy and compassion are tools we need most when interacting with each other. Graduates need to practice the skills of listening actively, and communicating in a way that is responsive rather than reactive. As social media expands and the world becomes smaller we all have become more connected and more aware of the experience of being a global citizen. Graduates need to practice having conversations with those who are different from them, practice putting themselves in the shoes of those they interact with, and learn the art of conflict resolution. We are all different in the way we think, but now more than ever we need graduates who are solution focused in their responses to the world rather than problem focused.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Case Managers?
Michael Heron: There will be enduring impacts on graduates due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, this cohort of graduates in 2021 will not be given the opportunity to build relationships and network in-person the way that past students have had the opportunity to do. Interpersonal skills are important for people starting out in their professional lives or starting a new career path and like a muscle that does not get worked these can become difficult to use after months of social distancing or isolation. Many people find jobs or other opportunities through the connections they make in college and the networks they build. Online learning has likely limited the number of interactions with new people and stifled the opportunity to strengthen current relationships that create opportunities in the future.
One thing that may be a positive impact due to the pandemic is that the 2021 graduates will be much more well-versed in online content delivery which will benefit them in a post-COVID world. We are finding out that the classic office setting is not as necessary as we thought and working from home while "Zooming" in will become more prevalent. The students now have been able to hone the skills necessary for this in the laboratory of the classroom. For those in the health and human services fields this will benefit telehealth and service delivery in areas that have previously lacked resources.
What's a good job out of college for Senior Case Managers?
Michael Heron: A good job right out of college is the one that hires you. Very few people are lucky enough to be offered their dream job right out of college and so it takes some time and some skills development in order to get to that job. Also, exposure to different jobs or aspects of a profession can help a recent graduate discover things that they may not know they enjoy professionally or discover that what they thought was their dream job is not the case. This is not to say one should take the first job that comes along but it is important to have an open mind about the different paths that exist to get to where you want to be professionally and the goal can change along the way.
What technical skills for a Senior Case Manager stand out to employers?
Michael Heron: Critical thinking skills, interpersonal communication skills, and being proactive. Employers want problem solvers not just someone who can take direction. Critical thinking is important to solve problems and to show that you can be trusted to get things done correctly. Interpersonal skills are important because effective communication is paramount in a high functioning office, agency, or organization. Lastly, being proactive is something that any employer would want to see from their staff. It, again, shows that you are looking to solve problems and can do that before the problems even arise.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Case Manager job market given the pandemic?
William Weston: Many more jobs can be done remotely. Most white-collar workers can work at least partly from home. This should help parents especially.
What technical skills for a Senior Case Manager stand out to employers?
William Weston: The ability to write clearly and think critically. The deep sense that other people in other cultures, and other positions in our own culture, see the world differently, enabling students to respond to a broad range of people appropriately.
What's a good job out of college for Senior Case Managers?
William Weston: Anything that pays the bills. Honest work is ennobling.
OK, jobs that serve others are more satisfying that those that just make money. Human service jobs lead to all kinds of other careers.
How do you envision technology impacting Senior Case Managers in the next 5 years?
Brian Ogolsky Ph.D.: The pandemic has taught us that we have to adapt to change, and technology has proven an essential form of adaptability. It is clear that employers now see that employees can work remotely, so I expect a lot more of this in the future. It benefits the employers financially (less overhead, etc.) and to employees (more flexibility). That said, work at home arrangements disproportionately affects women with children because they pick up more of the child care burden. This means that more needs to be done to support working parents (women, mostly) to help allow productivity and promote mental health.
What type of skills will young Senior Case Managers need?
Dr. Andrew Wood: For Biblical Studies, it is vital that graduates have a genuine relationship with Jesus, that they are people of humility and integrity, desire to be lifelong learners, and have open minds to new things they learn that may challenge their original assumptions. They need to have a strong work ethic, organizational, and time management skills to work on their own productively and with integrity.
Dr. Mark Nelson
Professor and Program LeaderMontana State University – Bozeman
Department of Health and Human Development; Graduate Program – School Counseling
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Senior Case Managers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Mark Nelson: Rocky Mountain and western states seem to have many opportunities. This may be due to the westward migration in the U.S. population.
Maria Claver Ph.D.
Director of the Gerontology ProgramCalifornia State University Long Beach
Gerontology Program
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Senior Case Managers in the next 5 years?
Maria Claver Ph.D.: There will be an increase in the demand for graduates in Gerontology in the next five years. We know that, given the rapid aging of our population in the United States and throughout the world, there are not nearly enough professionals trained in meeting the various needs of an older community. Moreover, I believe that society will finally recognize the need for specialists in the aging field in areas that have not traditionally employed gerontologists, such as marketing and banking, and fashion design!
What type of skills will young Senior Case Managers need?
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.: Indeed, the way we work is changing. The skills that young graduates will need are diverse. Transferable skills and soft skills will certainly be marketable. These include traditional crafts such as communication, but I also think the world expects more empathy from its employees. Young graduates with an understanding of racism, sexism, and environmental responsibility will become increasingly important.
How do you envision technology impacting Senior Case Managers in the next 5 years?
Christine Suniti Bhat: The pandemic has already altered the way in which school counselors are engaging with their students. The importance of learning management systems and dynamic tools to interact with students online will continue to grow. School counselors will have to be prepared to deliver individual services as well as group and class interventions using technologies such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
This is something that we would not have anticipated five years ago. School counselors may also have to address issues related to isolation, loneliness, and excessive screen time, along with some of the issues that are related to the misuse of technology such as cyberbullying and sexting. Prevention (before problems arise) and intervention (addressing issues after they arise) are both important. Overall, health and wellness in relation to the use of technology will become more important.