Although there are many programs and resources available to help families and individuals, navigating them is often easier said than done. This may be especially true for those who are already going through difficult times. Fortunately, case managers exist specifically to help vulnerable populations secure access to the programs and services they need most.
If you’re compassionate and interested in a career dedicated to helping others, then a career as a case manager might be right for you.
What Does a Case Manager Do?
What is a case manager, anyway? And what does a case manager do? Put simply, case managers are professional advocates for their clients’ needs. They’re responsible for getting to know their clients and their specific needs before developing tailored support and service plans, which may involve connecting them with community resources or other assistance programs.
Case managers’ clients may be individuals or families from all walks of life, but they’re most often people who need support with resources for housing, behavioral health, disability services, or substance abuse. By advocating on behalf of these families or individuals, case managers can help them access the resources they need while monitoring their progress, adjusting plans as needed, and maintaining detailed case notes for documentation.
Where Do Case Managers Work?
Because they help clients with a wide range of backgrounds and needs, case managers can work in a variety of professional settings. Many case managers, for example, will serve in community and nonprofit organizations where they may help clients connect with programs and resources specific to an organizational mission or cause.
Other case managers may work for:
- Housing and homelessness services, where they connect clients with resources for shelter.
- Youth and family programs, where they advocate specifically for children and families.
- Behavioral health clinics, where they connect clients with valuable mental health resources.
- Substance abuse centers, where they assist clients in need of support to address drug or alcohol abuse disorders.
- Disability offices, where they aid clients in applying for and obtaining the benefits to which they are entitled.
- Domestic violence shelters, where they help victims of abuse secure a safe place to live.
- Governmental social service agencies, where they may connect clients with resources for food assistance or other government programs.
How to Become a Case Manager
Are you wondering how to become a case manager? While there’s no precise formula you must follow, employers typically prefer that you have a minimum of an undergraduate degree in a related field and some practical experience in a human services setting.
Earn Your Degree
Ideally, your degree should be in a field related to psychology, human services, social work, or counseling. A Bachelor of Psychology (such as Unity Environmental University’s Applied Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Services) can be a great way to develop critical human services skills while preparing to support clients in your area.
Some examples of coursework you might expect to complete include those related to:
- The mind-body connection
- Psychology of cultural diversity
- Developmental psychology
- Case management
- Communication and conflict resolution
Build Skills Essential for Case Management
In addition to a formal education, breaking into the field as a case manager requires a wide range of both technical and soft skills. From a technical standpoint, you’ll need to have a strong grasp of the community resources available to your clients, as well as the specific processes you and your clients must follow to qualify for assistance. As you can probably imagine, advocacy and documentation skills are also an important part of this.
When it comes to soft skills, case managers need to be strong written and verbal communicators who can engage in active listening to truly understand what their clients need. Likewise, a strong sense of empathy and cultural competence can help you connect with and serve your clients better, as can crisis response and de-escalation skills.
Because case managers are often responsible for dozens of clients at a time, having excellent time management and negotiation skills is also a must.
Gain Experience
While it may be possible to land some entry-level case manager roles without any “official” work experience, you’ll generally have an easier time finding work if you have some hands-on experience in the field.
The good news? There are many ways to gain practical experience either while you are in school or after graduation. For example, consider applying to internships in human services settings, where you can sharpen your career-ready skills while gaining professional confidence.
Aside from internships, you might look into volunteering at shelters, youth organizations, or helplines where you can work directly with the clients you might serve in the future. If you’re still a student, you might also explore student support roles or peer mentoring programs on campus for additional experience and guidance.
Consider Optional Certifications
While not necessary for many entry-level and even mid-level case manager positions, having a special designation (such as a professional certification) can be a great way to set yourself apart from other applicants in today’s job market. Many certifications can be earned by completing additional coursework and/or training in a niche topic, which also allows you to specialize in an area of the field that is most compelling to you.
Some examples of professional certifications to explore in case management include:
- Certified Case Manager (CCM)
- Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)
- State-specific human services certifications
- Trauma-informed care
- Motivational interviewing
If you decide to pursue a professional certification, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that you will likely be required to renew your certification every so often. To renew, you may need to meet certain requirements for continuing education and pay a renewal fee.
Apply for Case Manager Positions
With the right degree, skills, and experience under your belt, you may be ready to start applying for some entry-level case management roles. As you begin exploring your options, be sure to look not only for “case manager” job openings but also for opportunities such as:
- Case coordinator
- Client advocate
- Family support specialist
- Rehabilitation case worker
- Community support specialist
Wondering what employers are actually looking for in a resume and job application? For starters, today’s employers want to see that you have a formal education in psychology, human services, or a similar field. This is where having an Applied Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Services from Unity Environmental University can make all the difference, as the career-focused curriculum of this program is specifically designed to prepare graduates for careers in case management and client advocacy, mental health and recovery support, and similar roles.
When reviewing applicants for a case management role, employers may also consider your resume to see how much practical experience you have in the field. Internship and volunteer experience can count for a lot, especially for an entry-level role. They may specifically seek applicants who have strong documentation and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work with diverse populations.
Salary and Job Outlook
The salary of a case manager can vary greatly based on many factors, including your location and level of experience. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social and human service assistants earned a median pay of $45,120 per year in 2024. Meanwhile, the projected job outlook for social and human service assistants is expected to grow 6% between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.
You can gain more insight into a day in the life of a housing case manager by checking out this BLS interview with Patrick Gaitan, who works as a permanent supportive housing case manager and helps his clients secure long-term places to live.
Learn More at Unity Environmental University
Working as a case manager can be a fulfilling career for those who enjoy serving others with humility and compassion. And with the right education, you can be better prepared to take on the challenges and opportunities that come with this dynamic line of work.
At Unity Environmental University, we believe in offering programs that don’t require you to choose between quality and affordability. Through our 100% online Applied Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Services program, you can build essential expertise in case management, advocacy, and communication as you prepare to serve as a true advocate to the clients who need you most. And with the flexibility of an online program, you don’t have to put other aspects of your life on hold to pursue your degree.
Learn more about this program by getting in touch or chatting with Una, our AI-powered guide. Ready for the next step? You can also get started with your online application for admission.
