How to Write a Caseworker Resume in 8 Simple Steps

Caseworkers help families and individuals overcome various challenges in their lives, as well as access the support they might need to improve their situation. Regardless of your background and experience, being able to draft an effective resume when applying for a caseworker position can help differentiate you from other candidates. Knowing how to write a caseworker resume that appeals to hiring managers can benefit your career. In this article, we discuss why having a well-written resume is important when applying for a caseworker position, explain how you can write one and provide a template and example to guide you.

Why is a caseworker resume important?

A caseworker resume is a document that candidates use to apply for caseworker positions. Its purpose is to convince the hiring manager to invite you to an interview by suggesting that you have the necessary qualities to succeed in the role. Some benefits of having a well-written resume when applying for caseworker roles are:

• It helps the hiring manager remember you. Clearly including your name and contact details in your resume's header can make it easier for the hiring manager to remember your name and contact you if necessary. This can be particularly useful in situations when they look through numerous resumes in a relatively short time period.

• It showcases your relevant skills. Being successful as a caseworker typically requires a distinct set of personality traits, like empathy and active listening. Listing them on your resume in a dedicated section can help the hiring manager quickly assess your relevant skills for the role.

• It displays your relevant social work experience. Caseworkers typically have experience in similar roles or other types of social work. A well-drafted resume displays your relevant experience and can show the hiring manager that you have the required background for the role.

Related: What Does a Case Worker Do? (With Education, Skills and Salary)

How to write a resume for a caseworker role

Consider following these steps when drafting your resume for a caseworker position:

1. Study the job description and hiring organisation

Analysing the job advertisement can help you learn more about what the organisation is looking for in a job candidate for the caseworker position. It usually includes information regarding the skills and experience that can help you succeed in the role, which can help you create a resume that showcases your suitability. You can also analyse the hiring organisation's website and social media presence to get a better understanding of its culture.

Related: How to Write a Social Worker Cover Letter (With Examples)

2. Use basic resume formatting guidelines

You can make your resume more visually attractive and easier to read by following a set of basic formatting rules. Resumes for caseworker roles generally follow a classic format and are one or two pages long. Some other formatting guidelines you can follow are:

• Type font: Use a professional font, like Arial, Helvetica or Calibri and leave a 2cm margin on all sides.

• Font size: Use a font size of 12 and make each heading stand out from the rest of the text by either bolding it or using a slightly larger font.

• Bullet formatting: Use bullet points to list your job duties and achievements in previous roles.

• Text formatting: Bold specific parts of your resume, like your name, the name of each section and your previous job titles, to make it easier for the hiring manager to read.

• File type: Save your resume in a PDF format to make sure it keeps its original formatting regardless of the device the recruiter uses to open it.

3. Choose an appropriate resume type

You can select a resume type that effectively showcases your suitability for the role, based on your skills and experience level. Some common types are:

• Chronological resume: Displays your relevant job experiences and educational milestones in reverse-chronological order, starting with your latest job. It can be an appropriate choice if you think you have the experience that the hiring organisation is looking for in a job candidate.

• Functional resume: Focuses on your acquired skills instead of your experience and education. It can be an appropriate choice if you think you may be lacking the experience and skills that the hiring organisation is expecting from job candidates but also think you can compensate with your skill set.

• Combination resume: Mixes chronological and functional. It allows you to arrange the resume section in any way you think can effectively showcase your suitability for the role.

Related: How to Become a Community Support Worker: 4-Step Guide

4. Add your name and contact details in the resume's header

You can save page space by including your name and contact details in the resume's header. Start by adding your name within the first line and then add your phone number, email address and location right below. This can also help the hiring manager quickly identify you if required.

5. Start with a professional summary

A resume summary is a brief description of the candidate's relevant achievements and skills. It's usually two or three sentences long and includes useful skills and notable achievements in previous roles. Using the research you performed when studying the job description can help you decide what to include.

Related: Nonprofit Career Guide: 11 Nonprofit Jobs With Salaries

6. Include a job experience section

Candidates for caseworker roles typically require some experience in working with disadvantaged individuals and helping communities, as either a volunteer or employee. When adding some relevant previous roles, you can also include the name of the organisations you've worked for, the period you worked there and the locations. Also, include up to five job duties and achievements for more recent roles and up to three for less recent ones.

Related: What Is a Community Health Worker? (With Duties and Skills)

7. List your relevant skills

Successful caseworkers usually have a distinct set of soft skills that are applicable to social work and help them relate to the people they're assisting. You can also use your analysis of the job description to choose which skills to include. Listing them without providing any additional details is enough, as you can discuss them further in your cover letter and potential interview.

8. Add your educational milestones

Caseworkers usually require an undergraduate degree, like a Bachelor of Social Work or a Bachelor of Social Science. Some also pursue higher degrees, like Master of Social Work. When listing your educational milestones, include the full name of the degree and the name of the universities that you attended.

Related: What Is a Community Service Worker? (With Duties and Steps)

Resume template for a caseworker role

Consider using this template when writing your resume for a caseworker position:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State/Territory]

Professional Summary

[Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State/Territory]

• (Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State/Territory]

• (Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

Skills

[Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill]

Education

[Degree and major], [Name of school or university]

Optional

[Certification name], [Host organisation], [Year completed or expiration date]

Related: 15 Important Jobs That Help People

Resume example for a caseworker role

Consider using this example of a resume for a caseworker position to guide you when writing yours:

Martha Fernandez
049-4557-4556 | mfernandez@email.com | Perth, WA

Professional Summary

Hard-working and empathetic caseworker with over five years of experience in assisting families and individuals with various challenges. My problem-solving skills and experience with a wide variety of social situations help me quickly adapt to new situations and find ways to improve people's lives.

Experience

Caseworker | February 2019–Current
Kids Future Foundation | Perth, WA

• help children from disadvantaged families and communities start their formal education

• study local communities to identify challenging situations

• assist children and their families by helping them obtain benefits

• connect families to other social and human services agencies that can help them

• keep accurate records regarding all activities

Social Worker | May 2016–February 2019
Kids Future Foundation | Perth, WA

• provided emergency intervention services to patients with acute needs

• assisted caseworkers with their tasks

• conducted assessments to determine particular social requirements in a given geographical area

Skills

Empathy | Communication | Crisis Intervention | Active Listening | Problem-Solving | Time Management

Education

Bachelor of Social Work, Perth University

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.