Case Manager Resume: Overview
As a social services case manager, you are responsible for assessing clients’ needs, developing care plans, coordinating services, and advocating for clients’ rights.
Your role is vital in ensuring clients receive the support they need to improve their quality of life. Case managers work in a variety of settings, including:
- Community Health Centers
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Government Agencies
- Hospitals
- Schools
Case managers need strong interpersonal skills, organizational abilities, and a thorough understanding of social services. Communication, empathy, and problem-solving are key qualifications for this role.
Ready to create an outstanding resume? Check out our resume examples and easy-to-use templates to start crafting the perfect case manager resume today!
Case Manager Resume: Choose a Format
The first step in creating a resume that gets attention is to choose a format. Choosing the right format for your case manager resume is crucial to effectively highlight your skills and experience.
There are three formats to consider for your case manager resume: chronological, functional, or combination. Each format has unique advantages and drawbacks, depending on your work history and career goals.
Chronological Resumes for Case Managers
A chronological resume format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.
This format is ideal if you have a solid work history in case management and want to showcase your career progression. It highlights your growth and is easy for hiring managers to follow.
Chronological formats are the most traditional choice and are highly compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS). However, there may be better choices than this format if you have employment gaps or are changing careers.
Functional Resumes for Case Managers
A functional resume format focuses on your skills and qualifications rather than your work history. This format is suitable if you have transferable skills but limited experience in case management.
It allows you to emphasize your abilities and accomplishments without tying them to specific job titles or timelines.
However, functional resumes can sometimes be viewed skeptically by employers, who usually prefer to see a detailed work history. This format may also be incompatible with automated applicant tracking systems, which could hurt your chances of getting your resume past the initial screening process.
Combination Resumes for Case Managers
A combination resume format merges elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It highlights your skills and achievements at the top, followed by a detailed work history. This format is beneficial if you have relevant skills and a solid work history.
It lets you present a comprehensive view of your qualifications while demonstrating your career progression.
However, a combination format can be tricky to organize, which may make your resume longer than necessary. A resume for a case manager should be one to two pages long, so stay focused on the most relevant information when using this format.
Choosing a Resume Format
Selecting the right resume format is essential for making a positive impression. A chronological format is a safe choice, regardless of your experience level. It is ATS-friendly and can be customized to suit any experience level.
If you lack direct experience as a case manager, don’t worry! You can still create a compelling resume by focusing on transferable skills and relevant volunteer work.
To showcase transferable skills, identify abilities from previous jobs that apply to case management, such as communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
For instance, if you worked in customer service, highlight your experience in handling client inquiries and resolving issues, as these skills are directly relevant to case management. Similarly, any experience in coordinating projects or managing teams demonstrates your capability in planning and organizing client care.
By strategically highlighting your transferable skills and relevant experiences, you can create a chronological resume that effectively showcases your potential as a case manager, even without direct experience in the field.
How to Write a Case Manager Resume
Once you choose a format, writing a case manager resume is a straightforward process. Start by creating a resume outline.
The key sections of a resume include:
- Contact Info
- Resume Summary or Objective
- Work History
- Skills
- Education
Once those essential elements are covered, you can consider adding some optional sections to enhance your resume. Each section of your resume is an opportunity to stand out to potential employers.
Explore this step-by-step guide to find out how to make the most of each section so you can land your dream job in case management!
Contact Information
Your contact information is the first thing hiring managers will see, so make sure it’s professional and easy to read.
Include your full name, city and state, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Always double-check for errors to ensure everything is accurate and up to date.
Using a professional email address is crucial, preferably using your first and last name—avoid using nicknames or unprofessional handles. It is also a good idea to make sure your voicemail is straightforward and professional in case you miss a call from potential employers.
Here’s an example of a contact information section for a case manager resume:
John Andrews
Los Angeles, CA
(555) 123-4567
johnandrews@example.com
linkedin.com/in/johnandrews
Summary or Objective
Your resume’s summary or objective section is your chance to make a great first impression. It’s a brief introduction that showcases your qualifications and sets the tone for the rest of your resume.
A resume summary is perfect if you have experience in case management. It highlights your expertise and past achievements and gives hiring managers a snapshot of what you bring to the table.
For example, a summary for a case manager’s resume might say something like this:
“Experienced case manager with over five years of experience in social services, specializing in client advocacy and care coordination. Proven ability to develop and implement effective care plans to improve client outcomes.”
On the other hand, a resume objective is a better fit if you’re newer to the field or shifting careers. It focuses on your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the role.
For example, an objective statement for a case manager’s resume might say something like this:
“Compassionate social services professional seeking a case manager position to leverage my skills in client assessment and service coordination to support individuals and families in need. Eager to apply my strong communication and organizational skills to help clients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.”
Whichever you choose, it’s a good idea to customize your introductory statement for each job application. Tailoring your summary or objective to match the job description shows that you’re a good fit for the role and helps your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Take your time crafting this section—it’s worth it to make sure it reflects your unique strengths and goals.
Work History
When writing your work history, it’s important to be detailed and specific. Start by listing your previous jobs chronologically, starting with the most recent and working backward. This will provide a clear timeline for potential employers.
Each job entry should include your job title, the name and location of your employer, the dates of employment,
Then, beneath each job entry, use bulleted sentences to list the key responsibilities and achievements for each position you’ve held. Your work history section is where you showcase your experience and demonstrate your capabilities to hiring managers.
Pro Tip: To make this section stand out, use action verbs to start each bullet point and quantify your results whenever possible. This helps clearly illustrate your accomplishments and impact in each role.
For example, instead of simply stating that you “managed a team,” you could say, “Led a team of 10 volunteers in organizing community outreach programs, increasing participation by 30%.” Providing more details shows what you did and the positive outcome of your efforts.
Here’s an example of a job entry on a case manager’s resume:
Case Manager
ABC Community Health Center – Columbus, OH
June 2018 – Present
- Developed and implemented care plans for over 100 clients, resulting in improved health outcomes.
- Coordinated services with healthcare providers, social workers, and community organizations to ensure comprehensive care.
- Advocated for clients’ rights and provided crisis intervention as needed, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Conducted regular assessments to monitor client progress and adjust care plans accordingly.
- Increased client satisfaction scores by 25% through personalized care plans and follow-up support
Be sure to incorporate keywords from the job description to show how your qualifications match the employer’s needs.
This can make a significant difference in getting your resume noticed. By carefully crafting your work history with these tips in mind, you can create a powerful section that effectively communicates your experience and skills.
Skills
Creating a dedicated skills section on your resume is crucial for showcasing your qualifications as a case manager.
This section allows you to highlight both your hard skills and soft skills, which are equally important in the field of case management.
Hard skills are the technical abilities and knowledge you’ve gained through experience and education, while soft skills are your personal attributes that help you interact effectively with others.
Including a wide range of skills on your case manager resume will demonstrate your expertise and ability to work well with others.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the top hard and soft skills for a case manager resume:
Top 5 Hard Skills for Case Manager Resumes
- Client Assessment: This skill is essential for evaluating clients’ needs and developing tailored care plans that address their specific circumstances. Accurate assessments ensure clients receive the most appropriate services and interventions, leading to better outcomes.
- Case Management Software: Proficiency in computer skills like ETO or Apricot is crucial for managing client information efficiently and accurately. These tools help streamline documentation, track progress, and ensure all client data is organized and accessible, which is vital for providing high-quality care.
- Care Coordination: The ability to organize and manage services across different providers is key to ensuring comprehensive client care. Effective care coordination helps clients navigate the complex web of services available to them, ensuring they receive all the support they need without duplication or gaps in service.
- Crisis Intervention: Being skilled in providing immediate support and resources during emergencies is a must. Case managers often encounter clients in crisis, and the ability to intervene quickly and effectively can make a significant difference in clients’ lives, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance promptly.
- Advocacy: Strong advocacy skills are vital for effectively representing clients’ needs and rights. This ensures that clients receive the support and services they are entitled to, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their overall well-being.
Top 5 Soft Skills for Case Manager Resumes
- Communication: This skill is crucial for interacting with clients, families, and service providers, ensuring clear and effective exchanges of information. Strong communication helps build trust, facilitates accurate information sharing, and enhances collaboration among all parties involved in a client’s care.
- Empathy: Important for understanding and supporting clients’ emotional needs, empathy helps create a trusting and supportive environment. Clients are more likely to engage and respond positively to case management when they feel understood and valued.
- Problem-Solving: Essential for developing effective care plans and resolving issues that arise, strong problem-solving skills ensure clients’ needs are met efficiently. Case managers must navigate complex situations and find practical solutions to challenges, ensuring continuous and effective client support.
- Time Management: Good time management is key to managing multiple cases and meeting deadlines. It ensures that each client receives timely and adequate attention. Balancing various responsibilities and prioritizing tasks effectively helps maintain a high standard of care and service delivery.
- Teamwork: The ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team is critical for providing comprehensive care. Effective teamwork leverages the strengths and expertise of each team member, ensuring that clients receive holistic and well-coordinated support.
For a case manager resume, your skills section may look something like this:
Key Skills
- Client Needs Assessment: Expert in evaluating and developing tailored care plans.
- Software Proficiency: Skilled in using ETO, Apricot, and other case management tools.
- Service Coordination: Experienced in organizing and managing cross-provider services.
- Emergency Response: Adept at providing immediate crisis intervention and support.
- Client Advocacy: Strong advocate for clients’ rights and access to necessary services.
- Effective Communication: Excellent at conveying information clearly and effectively.
- Empathetic Support: Committed to understanding and addressing clients’ emotional needs.
- Efficient Time Management: Capable of handling multiple cases and meeting deadlines.
- Collaborative Teamwork: Works well with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care.
However, if you are short on page space, you can also simplify your skills section like this:
Skills
- Client Assessment
- Case Management Software (ETO, Apricot)
- Care Coordination
- Crisis Intervention
- Advocacy
- Communication
- Empathy
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Teamwork
Education
Your education section is an important part of your resume, especially for a case manager position. List your educational background clearly to allow employers to see your most recent and relevant qualifications quickly.
Include your degree and the name and location of the institution where you studied. However, it’s often a good idea to leave out your graduation date to avoid bias in the hiring process.
An education section for a case manager will look something like this;
Education:
Master of Social Work
ABC University, New York, NYBachelor of Social Work
XYZ University, Los Angeles, CA
You can also include details about relevant coursework, certifications or academic honors in this section. However, you can also create a separate labeled section highlighting your qualifications.
Additional Sections
Adding optional sections to your resume can significantly enhance your profile by highlighting your unique qualifications and experiences beyond your work history and education.
These sections can set you apart from other candidates by showcasing your certifications, volunteer work, and other relevant achievements. Here’s how you can use these optional sections to your advantage:
- Certifications: Including relevant certifications can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and expertise in specific case management areas. For example, a Certified Case Manager (CCM) or a certification in crisis intervention can make your resume stand out.
- Volunteer Work: Volunteer experiences can be just as valuable as paid work, especially if they are related to social services. Volunteering shows your dedication to helping others and can highlight skills such as leadership, teamwork, and community engagement.
- Professional Affiliations: Listing memberships in professional organizations like the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) can show that you are actively engaged in your field and committed to staying informed about industry trends and best practices.
- Languages: If you are bilingual or multilingual, make sure to include this section. Communicating in multiple languages is a huge asset in case management, as it allows you to serve a more diverse client base.
- Awards and Honors: Any awards or honors you have received can further validate your skills and accomplishments. Whether it’s a recognition from a previous employer, an academic honor, or an award from a professional organization, these accolades can add significant value to your resume.
Including these additional sections can provide a fuller picture of your capabilities and experiences, making your resume more comprehensive and appealing to potential employers.
Top Certifications For Case Managers
Adding certifications to your resume can really boost your profile by showcasing your dedication to professional growth and expertise in social services case management.
Here are some top certifications that can make a big difference on your resume:
- Certified Case Manager (CCM): This certification is a gold standard in the field and shows you have a high level of expertise in case management. It’s recognized nationally and enhances your credibility, signaling to employers that you have the skills and knowledge to effectively manage cases and deliver high-quality care.
- Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM): If you specialize in social work, this certification is a great choice. It validates your specialized skills in social work case management, indicating that you are well-equipped to handle the unique challenges of social work clients and settings.
- Accredited Case Manager (ACM): This certification demonstrates proficiency in case management across various settings, from healthcare to social services. It’s a versatile credential that shows you can adapt your case management skills to different environments, making you a flexible and valuable asset.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): This is an advanced certification that requires a master’s degree in social work and clinical experience. It demonstrates your advanced skills in both clinical social work and case management, showing employers that you can handle more complex cases and provide clinical support.
- Mental Health First Aid: This certification shows that you are trained to provide initial support for mental health issues, which is incredibly valuable in case management. It indicates that you can recognize and respond to mental health crises, providing essential support to clients in need.
10 Tips For Writing A Case Manager Resume
- Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application: Customize your resume for each job by including relevant keywords from the job description. For a case manager role, look for terms like “client assessment,” “care coordination,” and “crisis intervention.” This not only shows that you’re a good fit for the specific role but also helps your resume get past applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Highlight Your Achievements with Quantifiable Results: When listing your accomplishments, use numbers to show your impact. For example, instead of saying, “Managed a caseload,” say, “Managed a caseload of 50 clients, resulting in a 20% increase in client satisfaction.” This gives employers a clear picture of your effectiveness and success in your role.
- Use Action Verbs to Make Your Responsibilities and Achievements Stand Out: Start each bullet point with strong action verbs like “developed,” “coordinated,” “advocated,” and “implemented.” For instance, saying, “Developed individualized care plans for over 100 clients” makes your responsibilities sound more dynamic and impactful.
- Include Both Hard and Soft Skills to Present a Well-Rounded Profile: Case management requires a mix of technical skills and personal attributes. Highlight hard skills like “case management software proficiency” and “crisis intervention techniques” alongside soft skills like “communication” and “empathy.” This shows you have the full range of abilities needed for the job.
- Keep Your Resume Concise and Focused on Relevant Experience: While it’s important to be thorough, make sure your resume is not overly long. Focus on experiences and skills that are directly relevant to case management. Aim for a one-page resume if possible, but two pages are acceptable if you have extensive experience.
- Proofread Carefully to Avoid Any Errors: Spelling and grammar mistakes can make a bad impression. Take the time to carefully proofread your resume, or ask a friend to review it for you. Small errors can distract from your qualifications and professionalism.
- Use a Professional and Clean Resume Layout: A clean, easy-to-read layout makes a big difference. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a professional font. Avoid overly flashy designs or fonts that are hard to read. Your layout should help highlight your key information, not distract from it.
- Include Any Relevant Certifications to Boost Your Qualifications: Certifications can set you apart from other candidates. Include relevant ones like “Certified Case Manager (CCM)” or “Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)” prominently in your resume. These show your commitment to the field and your advanced skills.
- Emphasize Your Experience in Client Advocacy and Care Coordination: These are critical aspects of a case manager’s role. Provide examples of how you’ve advocated for clients’ rights and coordinated their care. For example, “Successfully advocated for client access to housing services, resulting in a 30% reduction in homelessness among clients.”
- Make Sure Your Contact Information is Up to Date and Professional: This might seem basic, but it’s crucial. Double-check that your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile are current. Use a professional email address (e.g., yourname@gmail.com) rather than something casual or outdated.
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Key Takeaways
- A case manager resume should highlight your skills in client assessment, care coordination, and advocacy.
- Choose a resume format that will showcase your experience level and career goals.
- Include both hard and soft skills to present a comprehensive view of your qualifications.
- Customize your resume for each job application to stand out to potential employers.
- Including certifications and additional sections can enhance your resume’s impact.
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FAQ
A resume summary for a case manager position should provide a snapshot of your experience, achievements, and skills. Start with a strong opening that highlights your years of experience in case management or a related field. Mention any specific areas of expertise, such as client advocacy or care coordination. Include key achievements, like successfully managing a large caseload or improving client outcomes. For example: “Experienced case manager with over five years in social services, specializing in client advocacy and care coordination. Proven track record of developing effective care plans and improving client satisfaction by 25%.” This concise paragraph should give hiring managers a clear idea of what you offer.
When crafting your case manager resume, it’s crucial to highlight both hard and soft skills. Essential hard skills include client assessment, which is necessary for evaluating clients’ needs and developing personalized care plans, and proficiency in case management software like ETO or Apricot. Care coordination skills are also vital, as they enable you to organize services across different providers effectively. Crisis intervention skills show that you can provide immediate support during emergencies.
As for soft skills, excellent communication is crucial for interacting with clients, families, and service providers. Empathy is important for understanding and supporting clients’ emotional needs, while strong problem-solving skills are essential for developing effective care plans and resolving issues that arise.
To make your case manager resume stand out, use a visually appealing template to grab the attention of hiring managers. Also, be sure to choose a well-organized resume format showcasing your strengths and social services experience.
Then, use action verbs to make your responsibilities and achievements sound dynamic and impactful. Instead of saying “Responsible for client care,” say “Developed and implemented care plans for over 100 clients.” Quantify your achievements whenever possible, such as “Reduced client homelessness by 30% through effective advocacy.”
Finally, to really stand out from the competition, tailor your resume for each job application. Incorporating relevant keywords from the job description helps your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Your case manager resume should ideally be one to two pages long. Aim for one page if you have less experience, but don’t hesitate to extend to two pages if you have a more extensive work history and relevant accomplishments. The key is to keep the information concise and focused on what is most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Avoid unnecessary details and ensure that every section of your resume adds value to your application.
No, you should not include a photo on your case manager resume. Including a photo is generally not recommended in most professional fields, including case management, as it can lead to unconscious bias and distract from your qualifications. Instead, focus on providing clear and detailed information about your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Let your professional background speak for itself and adhere to standard resume practices.