Relatives' supporters

What does a relatives support worker do? – tasks and work environment

Relatives support workers provide support and guidance to individuals caring for or assisting relatives with illness, disability, or mental health issues. Tasks include conversation support, counseling, information about societal resources, and organizing support groups and lectures. The work often involves collaboration with social services, health centers, and volunteer organizations. The work environment is characterized by close contact with people in vulnerable life situations and can include both individual meetings and group activities, mainly within municipal services but also in non-profit organizations.

Salary development over time

Salaries for relatives support workers have shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month, which increased to 29 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 30 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 11% over three years. This development reflects an increased focus on support for relatives within welfare and a rising demand for personnel with strong social and communication skills. The salary increase can also be linked to general investments in healthcare and social care sectors and the labor market’s need to attract and retain competent staff in the field.

Relatives support worker salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK (female, government sector, pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 41,700 SEK (female, municipal sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 181 SEK
• Women: 30 400 SEK (102% of men's salary)
• Men: 29 800 SEK
• Regional differences: Data may vary depending on municipality and region, with somewhat higher salaries in metropolitan areas.

Education and qualifications

To work as a relatives support worker, a high school education in care and social work is usually required, complemented by experience working with people in vulnerable situations. Many employers prefer candidates who have completed further training in conversation support or social work, and sometimes specific courses in communication and response are requested. Practical experience from volunteer work or similar roles is often advantageous.

• High school education: Care and social work program, 3 years
• Further training: Courses in counseling methods and social work
• Practical experience: Experience from healthcare, social care, or voluntary support work
• Certifications: In some cases, training in motivational interviewing (MI) or similar
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish skills and ability to work independently

Common benefits and compensations

Relatives support workers are often covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as occupational pension, wellness contributions, flexitime, and opportunities for skills development. Some employers also offer subsidized lunches, extra vacation days, and access to supervision or staff support when needed.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as relatives support workers varies depending on the region and employer. In larger cities and well-staffed municipalities, there may be more applicants per position, while smaller towns often have greater needs and less competition. Challenges in the profession mainly involve meeting the complex needs of relatives, handling emotionally demanding situations, and navigating a broad cooperation landscape among various authorities and organizations. Lack of long-term funding and limited resources can sometimes affect the ability to fully develop the activities.

Tips for those who want to become a relatives support worker

To succeed as a relatives support worker, it is good to combine strong empathy with a genuine interest in helping others. Good teamwork skills facilitate contact with both relatives and partners, while flexibility and adaptability are important. Initiative is valuable when starting new support efforts or activities, and empathy helps build trust in conversations with people in difficult life situations. Being organized is an advantage for managing administrative tasks and documentation, and those who have the courage to take responsibility for their own skills development have good opportunities to grow in the role. Finally, a professional attitude is essential for managing both successes and setbacks in the work.

Key facts about Relatives Support Workers

• Education level: High school education in care and social work, often supplemented
• Work environment: Municipal or non-profit organization, close contact with people
• Typical work form: Full-time, daytime, sometimes flexible schedules
• Demand: 375 available jobs in the profession (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: Women have slightly higher average salaries than men

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as coordinator, project manager within relatives support, or further education to social worker or counselor. Some choose to specialize in areas like dementia, mental health, or children and youth. Forecasts from the Employment Service show no specific assessment for this profession due to limited data, but within the broader healthcare and social care workforce, demand remains, as reflected by the 375 available jobs reported in spring 2024. Future prospects are influenced by demographic changes and an increasing need for support for relatives as the population ages.

Common questions about Relatives Support Workers

• What does a Relatives Support Worker earn?
  - The average salary is 30 200 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and education.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women have an average salary of 30 400 SEK while men earn 29 800 SEK.
• What is required to become a relatives support worker?
  - Usually, high school education in care and social work plus experience from similar work.
• What does the job market look like?
  - There are 375 available jobs, but competition varies depending on the region.
• What is the highest salary for a relatives support worker?
  - The highest reported salary is 41,700 SEK, for a woman in municipal sector with a research degree.
• What is the lowest salary for a relatives support worker?
  - The lowest reported salary is 26,500 SEK, for a woman in the government sector with pre-high school education.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Attentiveness, empathy, teamwork skills, and organization are central to success.