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What is a social services case manager and how to become one
In any given social work facility or organization, there are usually many different services offered. Without proper planning, these important social services may not reach those who need them.
To ensure that the right help is going to the right people, social work organizations employ social services case managers to oversee this vital community aid's coordination.
A social service case manager makes it their goal to optimize their clients' well-being by coordinating the efficient dispersal of services. They work together with clients and their families to match every need with the appropriate social caseworker.
In addition to creating care plans for clients, social services case managers might also evaluate the services' quality and monitor client progress. Using these analyses, they are better able to plan for client care.
There may be other responsibilities, such as budgeting and completing reports, though the end goal is always to provide premium social services.
The feeling that comes with doing good for your community isn't the only payout of being a case manager -- this career earns an average annual salary between around $29,000 and $57,000.
Most social services case managers hold a bachelor's degree in social work, mental health, or a similar field. Depending on local regulations, additional certifications and prior experience may also be required.
What general advice would you give to a social services case manager?
Virginia Schwindt
MSW Field Director/Associate Professor, Union University
Avg. Salary $31,854
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 12%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.64%
Asian 6.59%
Black or African American 22.80%
Hispanic or Latino 14.22%
Unknown 4.69%
White 50.07%
Genderfemale 82.11%
male 17.89%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Social services case manager career paths
Key steps to become a social services case manager
Explore social services case manager education requirements
Start to develop specific social services case manager skills
Skills Percentages Social Work 16.99% Social Services 12.36% Patients 8.44% Mental Health 8.02% Discharge Planning 5.61% Complete relevant social services case manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New social services case managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a social services case manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real social services case manager resumes.Research social services case manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage a caseload TANF clients, assess clients eligibility to receive benefits, assist with placement of clients in various programs.
- Work close with DHS on documents and monthly reports need.
- Complete weekly chart audits, maintain weekly 2010E housing reports mandate by DHS and closely monitor vacancy report.
- Assist patients with the rigorous application process necessary to obtain state-issu health insurance.
Prepare your social services case manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your social services case manager resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a social services case manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable social services case manager resume templates
Build a professional social services case manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your social services case manager resume.
Apply for social services case manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a social services case manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first social services case manager job
Are you a social services case manager?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average social services case manager salary
The average social services case manager salary in the United States is $31,854 per year or $15 per hour. Social services case manager salaries range between $22,000 and $44,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do social services case managers rate their job?
Social services case manager reviews
Helping others
Getting approval and watching families go through their proceed with difficulties
It took me five years to get to a full-time caseload of clients, but my wife supported me with her full time job while my client load increased. Now I’m booked up 4 to five weeks in advance and making an excellent salary, living abroad in Switzerland.
Helping people be successful in life.
Secondary trauma and balancing administrative work with direct services.
Updated January 8, 2025
