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What does a Boendestödjare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Boendestödjare works to provide individualized support to people with mental, neuropsychiatric, or intellectual disabilities to promote independence in daily life. Tasks often include helping with structure at home, motivation, conversations, and practical activities such as cooking, cleaning, and planning activities. The contact is based on creating safety and trust, and the work is usually carried out in the client’s home or local environment. The environment can vary and requires flexibility and the ability to handle emotionally demanding situations, as support is always tailored to the individual's needs and conditions.

Salary development over time

The salary for Boendestödjare has shown a stable and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,500 SEK per month, increasing to 31 400 SEK in 2023 and reaching 32 300 SEK in 2024. This increase corresponds to a total salary rise of approximately 6.5% over the period. The trend reflects an increased demand for the profession, especially considering society’s focus on support measures for people with special needs. Salary levels are also influenced by factors such as collective agreements, experience, and education level. Although the profession often involves part-time work, recruitment difficulties and the need for qualified personnel have contributed to slightly increasing wages in recent years.

Boendestödjare 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
• Gender differences: Women earn as much as men in this profession
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary slightly between regions and employers, but differences are generally small.

Education and qualifications

To work as a Boendestödjare, a secondary education in care and social services is usually required, along with experience or special competence in psychiatry or disabilities. Some employers may also require additional courses or training in social work. Practical experience and personal suitability are often highly valued during recruitment.

• Formal education: Secondary care and social services education (about 3 years)
• Certifications/courses: Additional training in psychiatry or social psychiatry
• Internship/trainee: Internship during education is common and advantageous
• Prerequisites: Often experience working with people with disabilities is required
• Tips for choosing: Select education with a focus on social work or disability studies for better employment opportunities

Common benefits and compensations

Boendestödjare are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to vacation, sick pay, and pension contributions. Additional benefits such as wellness allowances, professional development, and supervision opportunities are also common. Shift work occurs, which can sometimes include compensation for inconvenient hours.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Boendestödjare is characterized by high demand and recurring recruitment difficulties, especially since many work part-time. Despite this, competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, particularly in larger cities or with employers offering particularly good conditions. Challenges in the profession include not only workload but also meeting individuals with complex needs and sometimes difficult life situations. Flexibility and patience are essential qualities for success and long-term satisfaction as a Boendestödjare.

Tips for those who want to become a Boendestödjare

To succeed as a Boendestödjare, it’s good to have a genuine interest in people and be attentive to different needs. Developing good collaboration skills makes it easier to work with colleagues and clients, especially in situations requiring flexibility and quick adaptation. Empathy is an important trait, as it often involves building trust and safety for vulnerable individuals. Being solution-oriented and able to handle unexpected situations facilitates daily work and helps tailor support to each person. Good communication skills are also central, as many interventions involve conversations and guidance. A structured approach helps plan interventions and follow up on goals with clients. Finally, patience and resilience are crucial, as change work often takes time.

Key facts about Boendestödjare

• Education level: Secondary care and social services education (about 3 years)
• Work environment: Client’s home or local environment, often independent work
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, especially in the municipal sector
• Common employment form: Part-time is common
• Special skills: Psychiatry, disabilities, and conversation techniques

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many Boendestödjare choose to specialize in areas such as psychiatry, addiction treatment, or supervision. It is also common to progress to roles such as coordinator, supervisor, or trainer within the field. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that employment opportunities are high and expected to remain stable over the next five years. The profession is part of a broad occupational group with significant recruitment challenges nationally, providing good opportunities for those with the right education and experience. The latest data shows 237 job openings in the care and support worker sector, indicating continued high demand.

Common questions about Boendestödjare

• What does a Boendestödjare earn?
  - The average salary is 32 300 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 194 SEK.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Women and men practically earn the same salary within the profession, with only marginal differences.
• What education is required to become a Boendestödjare?
  - A secondary care and social services education is most common, often supplemented with courses in psychiatry or disabilities.
• What is the job market like for Boendestödjare?
  - The job market is strong with great opportunities for employment and many available positions.
• What tasks does a Boendestödjare perform?
  - Tasks include support in daily life, practical assistance, and motivational conversations with clients.
• Are there opportunities for further education?
  - Yes, many choose to further their education in areas such as psychiatry, supervision, or social work.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Boendestödjare?
  - The highest salary is 35,300 SEK and the lowest is 29,000 SEK per month.