Case Manager Job Description and Career Outlook

Case managers, also known as social service or mental health aides, are persons who aid other professionals in providing services to people or groups. The types of individuals they may lend help to are nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, or social workers. The case manager works in a variety of settings including hospitals, residential facilities, shelters, schools and government offices.

Case Manager Requirements and Common Tasks

Most facilities require a high school diploma or equivalent for employment. In addition to a diploma, employers often seek employees who have previous work experience as a case worker or other work experience in a related setting. Case managers often help patients find out if they qualify for benefits or other services. In some cases, case managers also help a patient receive basic necessities for living. Case managers also play an important role in the community.

Many case managers will organize and lead activities in neighborhoods that help people improve the quality of their lives. Case managers also oversee clients’ personal hygiene, prescription compliance, record keeping and doctor appointments. Some case managers report directly to superiors while others work more independently in group settings or residential homes.

Case Manager Salary and Job Outlook

Case manager careers are expected to grow in the near future due to the growing elderly population which is very dependent on government service. The number of job openings greatly outweighs the number of qualified applicants. The median income for a case management jobs is $21,860 to $34,950. A college degree is not required by most employers but case managers who have post-secondary education in the related field usually make much more than those who do not.

How to Become a Case Manager

A potential case manager must have at least a high school diploma. In addition, the person must possess an intense desire to help other people. Sometimes the people under a case manager’s care can not make informed decisions on their own or live in conditions that may be hazardous or dangerous. To be effective, a case manager must be informed and aim to help their clients make better life choices.