Case Manager Resume Example
If you're hoping to start a career as a case manager, you'll need experience in developing care plans and liaising with agencies. To succeed in your applications for case manager roles, you'll need a resume that reflects your relevant skills and experience. In this article, we'll outline how to write a winning resume to boost your chances of success in your case manager applications.
After reading this guide, you'll know what it takes to create a resume that really stands out from other case manager applicants. You'll find useful insights on constructing a resume that makes the most of your unique skills, experience and strengths. You'll also learn how to tailor your resume according to the job description, and depending on your experience levels. Read on to learn how to write a perfect case manager resume, from the advice of careers experts at Jobseeker.
Main elements of a case manager resume
A successful case manager resume will typically include each of the sections listed below, with some optional sections.
If you're applying for an entry-level case manager role and have limited relevant experience, consider using a skills-based, or functional resume format. The layout emphasizes your skills and education above your work experience. Draw attention to your soft and transferable skills, as employers will value these highly for entry-level roles. You could also mention any internships, training or volunteer work that helps you showcase skills relevant to the position.
For those with some prior experience as a case manager work experience is the most important element of a resume. Use a traditional, reverse-chronological resume format to emphasize your career timeline and achievements. Rather than simply listing your responsibilities in each role, show the impact you made and offer evidence that demonstrates the skills and experience listed in the job description.
Senior job applications require a slightly different approach to mid-level or junior case manager roles. Use a reverse-chronological format focusing on your work experience, with a particular emphasis on the impact you've made. Some elements to include in a senior resume for maximum impact might include awards, publications, conference presentations or professional memberships. By adding these sections, it's likely that your resume will be longer than a junior resume.
How you choose to present your resume is up to you. There are plenty of options for a professional resume layout and format, but every application should include the following:
Header and Personal Information
A case manager resume header contains your name and contact information. Add your first and last name, your phone number and your email address. Include your address or location, but avoid adding any other personal information. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can add the URL to your header so the hiring manager can get a better understanding of your work history and experience. Create a clear, well-structured header that acts as the headline of your resume. Use color accents and blocks to help this section stand out and catch the eye of the reader.
Make sure the email address you list in your header is professional-looking and doesn't contain any inappropriate content such as nicknames or unsuitable language. Opt for an email address based on your name or profession, or a combination of both. Finally, check your contact details before sending your resume, to ensure everything's up-to-date.
Kinsley Long
kinsley.long@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
1985 Hill Valley, CA
linkedin․com/in/kinsley–long123
Resume Profile
The next section is the resume summary. The section might also be called 'resume objective' or 'personal profile'. This is a brief introduction to you, your key skills and your career achievements and ambitions. While a resume summary focuses on your career achievements and experience, a resume objective typically focuses on your ambitions for the future. Furthermore, when writing your profile, focus on two or three key skills and achievements that showcase your suitability for case manager roles.
Alternatively, you could use this section to reference your objectives and ambitions, and how this role would fit into your career journey.
A good resume summary is short and snappy, and focused on the skills and experience listed in the job description, with evidence to back it up. It will also help the reader to form their first impressions of you by providing an insight into your personality and unique qualities. See below for some great examples of how to approach your case manager resume.
Good example:
Dedicated and compassionate Case Manager with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and extensive experience as a Client Services Coordinator. Skilled in client assessment, case planning, and resource coordination. Proven ability to develop and implement individualized care plans, advocate for clients' needs, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with a commitment to enhancing clients' quality of life through effective case management and support services
Bad example:
Case manager with some background in social work and helping people with their needs. Worked in roles where I coordinated and planned for clients. Have experience in assessing situations and finding resources. Known for working with different teams to support clients. Focused on improving the quality of life for individuals through various services and support efforts
Conversely, a bad resume summary might be too generic, lacking focus on the specifics of the job description. It will also fail to provide any useful insights on what makes you a unique candidate. In the graphic above you can find some negative examples of how to write a resume summary.
Employment History
Your resume work experience section is the chance to show your relevant previous jobs and career achievements as a case manager. Include any relevant jobs you've held in reverse-chronological order. Start with your current or most recent roles and work back through previous roles. For each job, list your title, the name of the company, its location and the dates you worked there.
For each job listed in this section, add some bullet points so the employer can understand the skills you developed, and your achievements. Focus on showcasing the impact you made on the organization, and show evidence of how you made a difference.
A successful resume work experience section will always showcase skills and experience relevant to the job description, and how you put each to good use in your previous roles. Offering quantifiable evidence in a case manager resume proves you're a strong candidate for the job, such as client feedback, project outcomes, KPIs or financial results. See below for some good examples of what to include in your resume work experience section.
Good example:
Client Services Coordinator, January 2022 - Present
Horizon Care Solutions, Greensboro
- Successfully managed over 100 client accounts, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction and retention rates
- Implemented a new client onboarding process, reducing setup times by 30% and enhancing overall client experience
- Coordinated cross-departmental projects, leading to a 15% improvement in service delivery efficiency and client communication
Bad example:
Client Services Coordinator, January 2022 - Present
Horizon Care Solutions, Greensboro
- Managed client accounts to improve satisfaction and retention
- Implemented processes to enhance client experience
- Coordinated projects to improve service delivery
The example above can give you some idea of what not to include in your resume work experience section. Less effective resume work experience sections might take a more vague, descriptive approach to previous jobs. They focus on responsibilities and everyday duties rather than referencing career achievements and the value you've added for previous employers.
Education
In this section list any educational qualifications or degrees that are relevant to case manager roles.
If you're applying for case manager positions you'll typically need to have a degree. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) will usually help your chances of success. You could also list any qualifications that demonstrate your documentation and reporting or client needs evaluation.
List your relevant qualifications in reverse-chronological order. Add the name and level of the award, the institution, its location (if this isn't obvious from the name) and your dates of study. You could also add one or two bullet points to draw attention to your grades if they were particularly good, as well as any specialist subjects you studied. This will help the hiring manager understand your knowledge and special skills better.
If you were a member of any clubs or societies, or volunteered for any causes while studying, you could also mention these in your education section.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), 2017 - 2020
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
Skills
The skills section of a case manager resume is a chance to list any skills you have that match those of the job description. You could include documentation and reporting, problem-solving skills or any other skills that show you're a suitable candidate. Again, refer to the job description and make sure you include skills that the employer has listed as essential or desirable for employment as a case manager.
Showcasing hard skills on your case manager resume
For your hard skills list, include any technical abilities or specific industry knowledge that's essential to working as a case manager. These could be skills gained through work experience or qualifications. Furthermore, these skills are essential for a case manager resume as they showcase your expertise in the field. Add up to five key hard skills that show you're an ideal candidate for the role. It can also be beneficial to add context to each skill, showing how you've used it to positive effect in your career to date.
If you want to make a strong impression with your hard skills list, focus on hard skills that align with your specific industry expertise, and that reflect the job description. For inspiration on the right type of hard skills for a case manager resume, see below.
- Risk assessment proficiency
- Client needs evaluation
- Documentation and reporting
Listing soft skills on your case manager resume
Soft skills are your transferable skills and personal qualities that make you a good match for a case manager position and the organization. Soft skills tend to be more universal than hard skills, and can often apply to multiple jobs and industries. In fact, as technology develops, soft skills are growing in importance for recruiters and employers, so be sure to add several of these to your resume. In this section, add four of five transferable skills that match the job description.
An effective case manager resume soft skills section should be targeted to include skills that reflect your personality and unique characteristics, while also matching the job description. The graphic below includes some examples of good resume soft skills.
- Communication and empathy
- Problem-solving skills
- Time management efficiency
Licenses and Certifications
Under this section, list any relevant certifications or licenses that are relevant to case manager jobs. Add any official certifications or accreditations that increase your level of qualification and suitability for working as a case manager. Therefore, add any professional licenses or certifications, along with valid dates that show they're still valid.
Below you can find several examples of certifications for a case manager resume:
- CCM Certification, 2022
- ACM Certification, 2022
- CMC Certification, 2022
Expert Tip:
Optional Sections
If you need to provide further evidence of your suitability for the job, optional sections can be useful for a case manager resume. Pick from the optional sections below to help show the employer you have the skills and experience for the job.
Hobbies and Interests
Add any hobbies and interests that reinforce your credentials for the position. Consider listing hobbies and interests to help your resume stand out, or to provide the employer with some insight into your personality and wider interests. They're perfect for candidates who might lack genuine work experience as a case manager. If you're thinking about adding hobbies and interests, just make sure they add something unique to your application, and showcase your personality and interests in unique and interesting ways.
Voluntary Work
Voluntary work can help you develop useful skills, so it's a valuable addition to your case manager resume. Write your volunteer section in a similar format to your work experience, including your role, the organization name, relevant dates and the details of your contribution.
References
It's not typical to include references in a case manager resume, but some employers might ask for them. Don't add references unless requested by the employer. Include a maximum of three professional references, being sure to check with your referees before including them in your resume.
References are available upon request.
Best words to use in a case manager resume
Using strong action words to make your resume resonate with the employer. Choose from the list of words below to increase the impact of your work experience section.
- Coordinate
- Assess
- Advocate
- Facilitate
- Monitor
- Implement
- Evaluate
- Document
- Collaborate
- Educate
For help creating an eye-catching resume design to catch the attention of hiring managers, see Jobseeker's professional resume layouts. You can also use our clear, effective cover letter templates to complete your application.
Example of a case manager resume
Now that you know everything that needs to go into your case manager resume, let's review an example resume that you can use as a guide when creating your own:
1985 Hill Valley, CA
•
kinsley.long@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/kinsley–long123
Dedicated Case Manager with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and extensive experience as a Client Services Coordinator. Proven ability to develop comprehensive care plans, coordinate services, and advocate for clients. Skilled in crisis intervention, resource allocation, and maintaining detailed client records. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, committed to enhancing client well-being and fostering positive outcomes
Client Services Coordinator
2020
-2022
Nexus Solutions Inc (Louisville)
- Successfully coordinated and executed over 100 client onboarding processes, resulting in a 95% client satisfaction rate
- Implemented a new CRM system, reducing client response time by 30% and increasing team efficiency
- Trained and mentored a team of 10 junior coordinators, leading to a 40% improvement in overall team performance
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
2017
-2020
University of Vermont (Burlington, VT)
Risk assessment proficiency
Client needs evaluation
Documentation and reporting
Communication and empathy
Problem-solving skills
Time management efficiency
CCM Certification
ACM Certification
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Do's and don'ts of a case manager resume
Simple tips for creating a winning resume
- List your qualifications in your education section, including any necessary degrees or certifications, along with high grades.
- Include key skills throughout your resume that reflect the job description, and include a dedicated skills section.
- Add each relevant job in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your current or most recent position and working back from there.
- Use action words that show how you've made an impact in different case manager jobs (e.g. assess, implement, collaborate).
- Read your resume carefully before sending it, to avoid errors that could prove costly to your chances.
Avoid these common mistakes on your resume
- Don't forget to review your contact information before sending your resume, to ensure it's all up-to-date.
- Don't lie or exaggerate any information on your case manager resume, as this can cause you problems further down the line.
- Don't list unrelated work experience unless you can show you used skills that are valuable to the job you're applying for.
- Don't clutter your document by trying to add too many details. Focus on core case manager skills and achievements that are relevant to the role.
- Don't add any hobbies or interests unless they directly showcase a skill or experience that's relevant to the job.
Tips on creating an ATS-optimized resume
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) help recruiters and employers to streamline their hiring process. They can store and process data, including applications and applicant data, quickly and efficiently. One of the jobs ATS applications are increasingly responsible for is initial candidate screening. The systems can quickly scan and rank resumes based on how closely they match the job description. When writing your case manager resume, a few simple tips can help you pass the ATS stage with a higher-ranking resume, giving you a better chance of success with your applications.
Create an ATS-optimized resume by following these quick tips:
- Use a traditional resume layout, such as a reverse-chronological or functional format. This will mean your resume includes all the necessary sections, in the expected order.
- Include keywords throughout your resume that align with the job description. ATS software tends to compare your resume to the job description for points of similarity, so careful, considered use of keywords should help your chances of success.
- Using clear, simple headings makes it easier for an ATS application to scan your resume, as it can easily identify what's in each section of your document.
- Utilize a clean, clear resume design that helps make your content more readable. Use simple fonts and subtle color accents and design elements that don't detract from the written content.
- Keep your resume as concise as possible, to make it easier to read, and for ATS software to scan.
If you need help creating a professional resume, take a look at our expert career articles and variety of resume examples created by careers experts.
A case manager resume FAQs
Alongside your case manager resume, it's important to produce a professional cover letter that creates a similar positive impact on the reader.
Firstly, think about whether you want to write a full, formal cover letter or whether a brief email to introduce yourself and draw attention to your resume will suffice.
If you choose to write a full cover letter, follow traditional letter-writing conventions surrounding greetings, sign-offs and use of professional language. The body of the cover letter tends to be three paragraphs. The first introduces yourself and the role you're applying for, giving reasons for your application. The second briefly covers your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to case manager roles. Finally, the third paragraph re-emphasizes your interest in the role and leaves a call to action, encouraging the employer to reach out to you.
Jobseeker's tried and tested cover letter templates were created by experts to help you make a strong impression with your applications. Follow the simple steps to create a winning cover letter today.
Even if you have no work experience, following a few simple tips for your case manager resume can ensure you make a strong impression on employers. Select a resume format that emphasizes your skills and education over your work experience, such as a functional format. Utilize additional sections at the end of your resume to show you've got what it takes to do the job. These include hobbies and interests, voluntary roles, certifications and internships.
If you want to create a strong first impression in your case manager application, a resume headline can help. Resume headlines are also helpful for the ATS stage of the recruitment process, as they can help you reference the job title and one or two keywords for the role. Take the time to draft a concise, eye-catching headline which includes the job title, one or two key skills and reference to either your experience level or track record.
Here's an example of a strong resume headline:
- Junior Case Management Professional
- Expert Case Management Professional Services
- Experienced Senior Case Management Professional
The best resume format for you depends on two things. Firstly, it depends on your experience level. Secondly, it depends on the type and level of position you're applying for. If you're applying for a junior position or changing careers, you might want to consider a functional resume. This highlights your skills and education over your work experience. Once you have some relevant work experience, and for senior positions, a reverse chronological resume format is typically best. This emphasizes your work experience, which will probably be the key thing employers want to know about.
Key takeaways for your case manager resume
Writing a strong, impactful resume is about using your experience to demonstrate your relevant skills and achievements. You can do this through your work history or other resume sections. Pick a resume format that matches your experience levels, and tailor the content of your resume to reflect the details of the job description.
Use Jobseeker's resume templates, other tools and resources to create an application that impresses employers. Sign up today to access a wealth of valuable resume and cover letter resources. Whether you're a junior or senior candidate, a professional cover letter can help to grab the attention of the employer. Jobseeker's cover letter examples were created by careers experts to provide useful tips and ideas for your cover letter.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
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