Childcare Secretary

What does a Childcare Secretary do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Childcare Secretary primarily works with investigating, supporting, and following up on the situation of children and youth within social services. The main task is to ensure that children receive the care, safety, and protection they need according to applicable legislation. The work includes conducting social investigations, making decisions on interventions, and collaborating with other authorities, schools, and care providers. The work is often in close contact with children, parents, and other relatives, requiring sensitivity and professional approach. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, varied days, and sometimes difficult ethical decisions, but also a great opportunity to make a difference in children's lives.

Salary development over time

The salary for Childcare Secretaries has shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 kronor per month. The following year, 2023, the average rose to 34 800 kronor, an increase of approximately 4.8%. In 2024, the average reached 36 100 kronor, a further increase of about 3.7% from the previous year. This positive salary trend can partly be explained by increased demand for competent social workers and ongoing investments in child and youth care within the public sector. Although the profession is part of a broad occupational group with varying salary levels, the trend is clear with gradually improved conditions. Continued efforts to increase the profession's attractiveness and reduce staff turnover can also contribute to steady salary increases in the future.

Childcare Secretary salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 36 100 kr/month
• Lowest salary: 31,800 kr/month (female, public sector)
• Highest salary: 41,500 kr/month (female, municipal sector, with research education)
• Hourly wage: 217 kr/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 36 500 kr, women: 35 900 kr)
• Regional differences: Data varies, but generally higher salaries in metropolitan regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a Childcare Secretary, a degree in social work (socionom) of 3.5 years is usually required. The profession demands strong theoretical knowledge of social work and practical skills in communication and investigation. Important qualifications include experience working with children and youth, as well as the ability to handle complex situations and make independent decisions.

• Socionom degree: 3.5 years at university
• Internship: Mandatory internship period included in the education
• Further education: Courses in child protection, family law, and investigative methodology
• Work experience: Previous work within social services or childcare is meritorious
• Certifications: Opportunities for specialization, e.g., in children and youth

Common benefits and compensations

Childcare Secretaries are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness grants, flexitime, and opportunities for skills development. Other common compensations include extra vacation days, support for further education, and sometimes subsidized lunches or staff support for difficult cases. Employers within municipal and state sectors prioritize good work environments and work-life balance.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Childcare Secretary is relatively balanced, according to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts. There are moderate job opportunities, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession often involve high workload, complex cases, and demands for quick decision-making. Staff turnover can be high in some regions, affecting the work environment. At the same time, the broad need for expertise in child and youth care makes the profession still important and in demand.

Tips for those who want to become a Childcare Secretary

To succeed as a Childcare Secretary, it is good to combine a genuine commitment to children's rights with the ability to work structured and independently. A strong interest in social issues and legislation facilitates daily work and contributes to confident decisions for children. Being attentive and empathetic helps in interactions with children and parents, while analytical skills are crucial when investigating complex situations. Flexibility and resilience are important as workload can vary and cases may become urgent. Continuing education and seeking supervision in difficult cases are wise for development and maintaining job satisfaction. Finally, being communicative and collaborative is an advantage, as much of the work is team-based and involves cooperation with other actors.

Key facts about Childcare Secretaries

• Education level: Socionom degree (3.5 years)
• Work environment: Office-based, often within municipal or state sectors
• Demand: 237 job openings nationally
• Gender distribution: Small salary difference, women earn 98% of men's salaries
• Job tasks: Social investigations, authority exercises, and collaboration around children's needs

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, Childcare Secretaries can advance to specialist roles within child and youth care, become team leaders, or move into managerial positions within social services. Other career options include further training as family therapists, counselors, or working with investigative and development issues at authority level. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts, job opportunities are moderate, and the recruitment situation is balanced. Over five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, providing stable employment prospects for those choosing the profession.

Common questions about Childcare Secretaries

• What does a Childcare Secretary earn?
  - A Childcare Secretary has an average monthly salary of 36 100 kronor.
• How does the salary development look for the profession?
  - The salary has increased from 33,200 kr (2022) to 36 100 kr (2024), which corresponds to a steady rise.
• What education is required?
  - A socionom degree of 3.5 years is the most common educational requirement.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 98% of men’s salaries within the profession.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with a balanced labor market.
• What are the most common job tasks?
  - Social investigations, authority exercises, and collaboration around children’s needs.
• How many job openings are there?
  - There are 237 job openings nationwide within the profession.