Field curator

What does a Field Counselor do? – Tasks and work environment

A Field Counselor primarily works to prevent and address social problems among children, adolescents, and young adults. Tasks include providing support and advice, both individually and in groups, as well as collaborating with schools, social services, and other local actors. Field Counselors often move around among youths in their leisure environments, which means work at different times and locations. The work may also include outreach activities, conflict resolution, and education on social issues. The psychosocial work environment is varied and requires both flexibility and the ability to build trusting relationships.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a Field Counselor has shown a steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 37,500 SEK per month. The following year, the average rose to 38 800 SEK, an increase of about 3.5%. In 2024, the salary reached 40100 SEK, a further increase of just over 3%. This positive trend can be explained by an increased need for social support in society, higher educational requirements, and rising demand for qualified counselors in both schools and municipalities. The salary increase also reflects greater attention to working conditions and competence in the profession, benefiting both new and experienced field counselors.

Field Counselor salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,200 SEK/month (female, government sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 49,200 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, postgraduate education)
• Hourly wage: 241 SEK
• Women: 40 200 SEK/month
• Men: 40100 SEK/month
• Gender pay gap: Women earn approximately the same as men in this profession
• Regional differences: Slight variations may occur depending on employer and region

Education and qualifications

To work as a Field Counselor, an academic degree in social work or a related field is required. The most common is a social worker degree, but other university programs with a social focus can also be relevant. Practical experience from social work, preferably with youth, is often advantageous and sometimes a requirement. Good knowledge of conversational techniques and the ability to handle complex social situations are essential.

• Formal degree: Social Work Program (3.5 years)
• Certifications: Courses in conversational techniques or MI (Motivational Interviewing)
• Internship: Work-based internship during the education
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
• Tips: Experience in youth work or voluntary engagement is advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Field Counselors are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, occupational pension, and opportunities for professional development. Some employers also provide compensation for unsociable hours and access to supervision and further training. Collective agreements and secure employment conditions are common in the profession.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Field Counselor varies depending on region and employer, but there is generally steady demand for counselors with a social focus. A major challenge is that workload can sometimes be high, especially during urgent cases or when multiple actors need to collaborate on complex cases. The expectations to quickly establish trust with young people and their networks place high demands on personal maturity and professional skill. Lack of resources in some municipalities can also mean that field counselors handle many cases simultaneously. However, there are good opportunities for development for those who are engaged and flexible.

Tips for those wanting to become a Field Counselor

To succeed as a Field Counselor, it is good to be attentive and proactive. Showing engagement in young people's lives and being able to meet them on their own terms are crucial for building trust. Strong communication and collaboration skills with various actors, such as schools and social services, are highly valuable. It's also important to be resilient, as the workday often involves quick changes and urgent situations. Working in a structured way and prioritizing among many cases makes it easier to manage the workload. Flexibility is another key, as working hours can vary and meetings often occur outside the office. A continuous desire to develop and acquire new knowledge in social work is also a great advantage.

Key facts about the Field Counselor profession

• Educational level: Social Worker Degree (3.5 years)
• Work environment: Field-based, varied, often outside the office
• Demand: 237 job openings as of May 2024
• Gender distribution: Equal pay between men and women
• Work form: Individually and in collaboration with other actors

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Field Counselor, opportunities open to specialize in areas such as substance abuse issues, school-based interventions, or project management within social work. With experience, roles such as coordinator, supervisor, or team leader may become relevant. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no precise assessment of future prospects for Field Counselors is made, but the profession of Counselors is generally in demand in both public and private sectors. There are good opportunities for further education, such as health and social care counselor or leadership training. Those interested in development can also work with training, research, or preventive social work at a strategic level.

Frequently asked questions about the Field Counselor profession

• What does a Field Counselor earn?
  - The average salary is 40100 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 241 SEK.
• Are there large salary differences between men and women?
  - No, women and men earn approximately the same in this profession.
• What education is required to become a Field Counselor?
  - A social worker degree (3.5 years) is most common, but other social university programs can also be relevant.
• What is the work environment like for a Field Counselor?
  - The work is field-based and often involves meetings at youth's own venues, requiring flexibility and initiative.
• How does the job market look for Field Counselors?
  - There is steady demand, with 237 job openings in May 2024.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Attentiveness, engagement, stress resilience, and good collaboration skills are important qualities.
• What career paths are available after a few years?
  - Opportunities include becoming a coordinator, manager, supervisor, or further training as a specialist counselor.