What is a case manager lead and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Sabrina Sullenberger Ph.D.
introduction image

Case managers are also called social service assistants. As a case manager lead, you are responsible for providing implementation, assessment, and overall assessment of individual patient needs. In addition, you are also to assess patients' satisfaction concerning the care provided. Also, you are charged to encourage self-sufficiency and independence through effective interpersonal communication. Your duties could vary depending on the industry and employer you would like to work with.

It is expected that you work with the clients' friends and family to be able to achieve the best outcomes for them. It is your responsibility to help clients gain access to rehabilitation programs and community services. Also, you must record your client's progress, evaluate their progress periodically, and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes. Being a case manager also involves following up with your discharged clients to make sure they are satisfied with your services and are doing well physically and mentally.

The case manager leads usually study psychology, nursing, or social work. You are to hold at least a bachelor's degree in any of these fields. As a case manager, you need to be patient and possess good communication skills. In the United States, case managers earn an average of $44,149 annually.

What's a day at work look like for a Case Manager Lead?

S

Sabrina Sullenberger Ph.D.Sabrina Sullenberger Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Professor, Belmont University

I think a "good job" out of college is going to be different for different people. But when I think about this in general, I think a good job (especially in social work) is one that allows you to do work that is meaningful, that allows you to use your skills and education, and that gives you a vision for how you might continue to grow as a person and professional. And, it is one that allows you to pay your bills and have some balance (fun, leisure) in your life.
ScoreCase Manager LeadUS Average
Salary
3.2

Avg. Salary $41,072

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
8.9

Growth Rate 12%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.64%

Asian 6.51%

Black or African American 12.51%

Hispanic or Latino 21.47%

Unknown 4.69%

White 53.19%

Gender

female 72.75%

male 27.25%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress Level
8.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.1

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.2

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Case Manager Lead career paths

Key steps to become a case manager lead

  1. Explore case manager lead education requirements

    Most common case manager lead degrees

    Bachelor's

    61.7 %

    Master's

    18.0 %

    Associate

    14.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific case manager lead skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Social Work25.32%
    Crisis Intervention6.73%
    Rehabilitation6.00%
    Patients5.49%
    Veterans4.88%
  3. Complete relevant case manager lead training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New case managers lead learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a case manager lead based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real case manager lead resumes.
  4. Research case manager lead duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the care of patients with tuberculosis (TB) during their hospitalization and their discharge follow-up care.
    • Develop and maintain relationships with physicians and other disciplines to coordinate care of patients and assure appropriate discharge planning.
    • Carry out appropriate evaluations and interventions when face with complications with patients.
    • Provide outpatient rehabilitation services to people who have experienced tragedies and/or suffering from a mental illness
  5. Get case manager lead experience

    Generally, it takes 6-12 months to become a case manager lead. The most common roles before becoming a case manager lead include case manager, staff nurse team lead and internship.
  6. Prepare your case manager lead resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your case manager lead resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a case manager lead resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Case Manager Lead Resume templates

    Build a professional Case Manager Lead resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Case Manager Lead resume.
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  7. Apply for case manager lead jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a case manager lead job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Case Manager Lead Job

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Average case manager lead salary

The average Case Manager Lead salary in the United States is $41,072 per year or $20 per hour. Case manager lead salaries range between $29,000 and $56,000 per year.

Average Case Manager Lead Salary
$41,072 Yearly
$19.75 hourly

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How do case managers lead rate their job?

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Case Manager Lead reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022
Pros

Helping others

Cons

Getting approval and watching families go through their proceed with difficulties


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Helping people be successful in life.

Cons

Secondary trauma and balancing administrative work with direct services.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Change agent when people are stuck and need support in the process of restoration. One on one and group processing is powerful.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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