Depending on the type of format you choose, the structure of your resume may look different to other candidates. You can choose from three different types of resume formats: chronological, functional and combination. Chronological resumes focus on work history, while functional resumes are the best option for candidates wanting to show off professional skills. Combination resumes combine both functional and chronological elements to create a resume that features strong skills and work history sections.
Whatever option you choose, your case manager resume will contain standard sections that show off your experience, skills, education and more.
Header
The header section of your resume contains your primary contact details, including your name, phone number and email address. You can also include links to networking or portfolio sites that could provide further details on your professional skills and career.
Make sure this information is accurate with no mistakes, as these details will likely be the ones the hiring manager or recruiter uses to update you on the progress of your application or follow up with you on the contents of your resume.
Resume summary or objective
The resume summary or objective is a few sentences that summarize the content of your case manager resume.
Your resume summary is a short paragraph (not longer than three sentences) detailing your career background, including your major achievements and top skills. Here, you can also include references to previous related jobs in social work, nursing or mental health advocacy. Whatever makes you unique and shows your capabilities as a certified case manager should be included here.
Alternatively, you can opt for a resume objective. This is slightly different because it details your career goals and ambitions. This is good if you want to show that your career aims align with your potential employer.
Skills
The skills section of your resume may be one of the dominant sections depending on your previous experience and the types of professional skills you have gathered. Regardless of the type of resume you choose, a strong resume includes a good combination of both hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills refer to industry-specific skills the hiring manager expects of their applicants. Soft skills refer to personal traits and interpersonal skills that support the resume.
If you’re stuck for ideas or not sure what case management skills to include, consider including some of these bullet points in your resume to describe the skills gained through case manager certification, experience or other careers.
- Problem-solving
- Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)
- Knowledge of behavioral health
- Understanding of crisis intervention
- Experience in community outreach programs
- Mentoring
- Understanding of the foster care system
- Knowledge of catering to different disabilities
- Case file organization
- Understanding of specialist care related to substance abuse issues
- Technical skills, specifically using Microsoft Office
- Decision-making
- Health care structures
- Medical records keeping
- High-quality customer care
- Contacts for referrals to healthcare providers, foster care systems, community resources and social services
- Discharge planning
- Home health care
- Time management
Work experience
Work experience might be the longest section of your resume depending on the resume format you choose. This may also depend on how many jobs you have previously had. A work experience section is typically a record of your tasks while working as a successful case manager. For each previous job, feature your primary tasks and key accomplishments.
For this section, work in reverse chronological order. This means you start from the most recent employment experience and work backward. This ensures that you provide the hiring manager with the most up-to-date information about your skills and capabilities.
Education
Case managers usually require a bachelor’s degree in their specialty to secure a case manager job, such as in health care or nursing, social care, child care or community services. This means that this section should contain details about your degree title, and the university in which you gained your qualification.
In the United States, candidates may also become certified case managers with a certificate from Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). You can also include this information under this section. Providing the correct academic support for your resume can help you in your job search and increase your chances of producing the perfect resume.
