What does a Boendestödassistent do? – Tasks and work environment
A Boendestödassistent works to provide support and guidance in daily life to individuals with various disabilities or social difficulties. Tasks may include helping clients with household chores, planning activities, personal care, and social training. The work often takes place in the client’s home or in specialized accommodations, and the role requires great attentiveness and the ability to adapt interventions to individual needs. The work environment is characterized by close contact with people, collaboration with colleagues and other professionals, and a responsibility to document and follow up on interventions according to individual care plans.
Salary development over time
The salary for a Boendestödassistent has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,500 SEK per month, which increased to 31 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 32 300 SEK in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 6.5% over the period, which is slightly higher than the general wage growth in the public sector. The increase is driven by a higher demand for expertise in the field, a growing focus on individualized support, and employers’ need to attract and retain experienced staff. The trend indicates continued stable salary development, although large pay raises are uncommon in this profession.
Boendestödassistent salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 32 300 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 29,000 SEK/month (female, public sector)
- Highest salary: 35,300 SEK/month (male, municipal sector)
- Hourly wage: 194 SEK
- Women/men: Women 32 400 SEK, men 32 300 SEK
- Regional differences: Local variations occur, but differences are generally small
Education and qualifications
To work as a Boendestödassistent, a secondary education in health and social care is usually required, supplemented with experience or further training in social work. Some employers may require specific courses or certifications, especially in psychiatry or disabilities. Many employers also value personal suitability and practical experience highly.
- Secondary education: Care and social services program (3 years)
- YH training: Specialist courses in psychiatry, social pedagogy, or disability work
- Internships: Work-based learning is often included in the education
- Certifications: Courses in low-arousal communication and social documentation may be advantageous
- Prerequisites: Often requirements include proficiency in Swedish (spoken and written) and a criminal record extract
Boendestödassistants often work in clients’ own homes, gaining unique insight into their daily lives. This requires great flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt support measures to the situation. Many say it is a job where small progress can make a big difference in an individual’s independence.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for a Boendestödassistent include collective agreement-based insurance, occupational pension, wellness allowance, and opportunities for professional development. Overtime pay for evening and weekend work is common, as well as access to supervision and support from the employer. Some workplaces also offer extra vacation days or staff support during difficult situations.
Challenges and competition
The labor market for Boendestödassistants is characterized nationwide by good employment opportunities, but also by recruitment challenges as many work part-time and demand is high. Despite many vacant positions, workload and irregular hours can be challenging for some. The profession also requires a high degree of patience, social skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations. The increased documentation and collaboration demands within healthcare and social services can be perceived as administrative burdens for many employees.
Tips for those wanting to become a Boendestödassistent
To succeed as a Boendestödassistent, it is good to be attentive and genuinely motivated to support others in their daily lives. Good teamwork skills facilitate work in teams and with other professionals. Being flexible and able to quickly adapt to changes is important, especially since clients’ needs can vary from day to day. Patience and stress resilience make it easier to handle challenging situations while maintaining a professional approach. It is also advantageous to have good organizational skills, as documentation and planning are recurring parts of the work. Finally, a positive attitude and the ability to see opportunities in every individual, regardless of situation, are appreciated.
Key facts about Boendestödassistent
- Educational level: Secondary (care and social services program)
- Work environment: Client-centered, often in homes or group homes
- Work hours: Irregular, including evenings and weekends
- Demand: High nationwide job opportunities
- Special skills: Low-arousal communication, social documentation
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience as a Boendestödassistent, opportunities may exist to further specialize and take roles such as coordinator, supervisor, or support pedagogue. Some choose to specialize in areas like psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, or addiction treatment. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts, the prospects for employment in the field are strong both short- and long-term, with stable demand expected over the next five years. Many positions are part-time, and recruitment difficulties occur, which can create opportunities for those who are flexible and seeking full-time employment. Overall, there are 237 available jobs in the caregiving and support sector, reflecting high labor demand.
Frequently asked questions about Boendestödassistent
- What does a Boendestödassistent earn?
- The average salary is 32 300 SEK per month, with minor differences between women and men.
- What education is required to become a Boendestödassistent?
- Typically, a secondary education in health and social care, sometimes supplemented with courses or YH training.
- Are there salary differences between regions?
- Regional differences exist but are generally small for this profession.
- What are the working hours for a Boendestödassistent?
- Irregular hours, often evenings and weekends, are common.
- What are the job prospects for a Boendestödassistent?
- Opportunities are good nationwide, and demand is expected to remain stable.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
- The highest salary is 35,300 SEK and the lowest is 29,000 SEK, depending on sector and experience.
- What qualities are important for a Boendestödassistent?
- Attentiveness, patience, flexibility, and teamwork skills are especially important qualities.