Replacement

What does a Relief Worker do? – Tasks and work environment

A Relief Worker primarily works within healthcare and social services, providing relief to relatives of individuals with extensive care needs. Tasks vary depending on the user's needs and can include social activities, support during meals, personal care, and simple household chores. The work is often performed in the user's home but can also take place in short-term residences or group homes. The work environment is characterized by close contact with people, flexibility, and a high degree of personal responsibility, where empathy and responsiveness are crucial for creating safety and relief for both users and their relatives.

Salary development over time

The Relief Worker profession has shown stable and positive salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK, followed by an increase to 29 400 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary continued to rise to 30 200 SEK, which represents an approximately 11% increase over three years. This trend reflects a general pattern in healthcare and social care professions, where the demand for trained personnel has increased and working conditions have gradually improved. Salary increases can also be linked to higher demands for competence and quality in care, as well as a greater focus on gender equality, which is reflected in women now having a slightly higher average salary than men in the profession. Overall, the trend indicates continued positive development, especially in line with demographic changes and increased care needs.

Relief Worker salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK/month (female, government sector)
• Highest salary: 41,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 181 SEK/hour (average, hourly employed)
• Gender differences: Women earn 30 400 SEK (102% of men's salary), men earn 29 800 SEK
• Regional differences: Data varies depending on municipality and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a Relief Worker, usually no formal university education is required, but employers prefer applicants with experience from healthcare and social work or relevant high school education. Personal qualities such as responsibility, empathy, and good communication are highly valued. Some employers may require introductory training or shorter courses in care, as well as a criminal record check.

• High school diploma: Care and social service programs (3 years) are advantageous
• Shorter courses: Internal introductory training or municipal care courses
• Practical experience: Previous work in elderly care, personal assistance, or home care is an advantage
• Prerequisites: Often no formal education is required, but responsibility and suitability are assessed during recruitment
• Tips for choosing: Engagement and interest in people are important when choosing a career

Common benefits and compensations

Relief Workers are often covered by collective agreements with access to pension contributions, sick pay, overtime pay for evening and weekend work, and insurance. Other common benefits may include wellness allowances, opportunities for skills development, and sometimes flexibility regarding working hours.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Relief Worker varies between regions and municipalities, but there is generally a stable demand for workforce within the healthcare and social care sector. Challenges in the profession include managing varied tasks, quickly adapting to new environments and users' needs, and working independently in homes. Workload can vary significantly, especially during inconvenient hours or when working with individuals with extensive care needs. It is also important to balance closeness and professional distance in contacts with users and their relatives.

Tips for those who want to become a Relief Worker

To succeed as a Relief Worker, it is good to have a genuine interest in helping others and be attentive to individual needs. Patience is helpful when workdays are varied and sometimes unpredictable. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to changing situations are important qualities, especially since workplaces and users often vary. Good communication skills make it easier to create safety and understanding in interactions with users and their relatives. Showing responsibility and being reliable are appreciated by employers, and it is wise to gain experience early through summer jobs or internships in healthcare and social services. Engagement and empathy are crucial for providing the necessary support and creating a meaningful everyday life for users.

Key facts about Relief Workers

• Education level: High school diploma or equivalent, usually no formal university education required
• Work environment: User's home, sometimes short-term accommodations or group homes
• Typical employment form: Hourly employment or fixed-term contracts via municipality or private provider
• Demand: 371 available jobs within the profession at the latest measurement
• Gender distribution: Women dominate the profession and have a slightly higher average salary

Career paths and future outlooks

After a few years of experience as a Relief Worker, there are opportunities to develop into other roles within healthcare and social services, such as assistant nurse, personal assistant, or team leader in home care. Further education at vocational colleges or adult education can open doors to more specialized roles, e.g., in rehabilitation or dementia care. According to the Employment Service's prognosis for the healthcare and social care sector, no precise assessment is made due to limited data, but the demand for care personnel is expected to remain stable. The demographic trend with more elderly and people with disabilities indicates an increasing need for Relief Workers and similar roles. Those who enjoy the profession can also take on mentoring or supervisory roles for new colleagues.

Common questions about Relief Workers

• What does a Relief Worker earn per month?
  - The average salary for a Relief Worker is 30 200 SEK per month.
• How do gender differences look in salary for Relief Workers?
  - Women earn an average of 30 400 SEK, which is 102% of men's salary at 29 800 SEK.
• What education is required to become a Relief Worker?
  - Usually, a high school diploma and sometimes introductory training in care are required.
• Are there many job openings for Relief Workers?
  - Yes, the latest measurement showed 371 available jobs within the profession.
• What are the future prospects for the Relief Worker profession?
  - Projections indicate continued stable demand, although no exact assessment is made.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for Relief Workers?
  - The highest salary is 41,700 SEK (female, municipal sector, research education), the lowest is 26,500 SEK (female, government sector).
• Where do Relief Workers most often work?
  - Most work in the user's home, but also in short-term accommodations or group homes.