Field Secretary

What does a field officer do? – Tasks and work environment

A field officer often works with socially oriented interventions directly in the field, mainly within the public sector. The tasks revolve around preventing and managing social problems, especially among children, youth, and their families. The role includes collaborating with schools, youth centers, police, and other authorities to create safer environments and support individuals in vulnerable situations. The work is both preventive and outreach, meaning a large part of the time is spent outside the office environment. Contact with clients often occurs in their homes, at schools, or in neighborhoods where support is most needed. The work environment can be challenging but also offers the opportunity to make a significant difference at individual and societal levels.

Salary development over time

The salary for a field officer has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,500 SEK per month, which increased to 38 800 SEK in 2023 and reached 40 300 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 7.5% over three years. Factors driving the increase include a greater focus on preventive social work and overall salary growth within the public sector. The demand for competent field officers has increased as society's social challenges have become more complex, positively affecting salaries. Women in the profession have experienced slightly stronger salary development than men, which is reflected in current salary statistics.

Field officer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,800 SEK/month (male, public sector, upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 54,300 SEK/month (female, public sector, data unavailable)
• Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK
• Women: 40 400 SEK/month (102% of men's salary)
• Men: 39 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on municipality and region, with metropolitan areas generally offering slightly higher salaries.

Education and qualifications

To work as a field officer, a university degree in social work is usually required, such as a social worker qualification. In addition to formal education, experience working with children, youth, or other vulnerable groups is often sought. Internships during studies are meritorious and provide valuable insights into the professional role. Some employers may also require specific courses in conflict management or addiction issues.

• Social worker degree: 3.5 years at university
• Relevant courses and certifications: For example, in counseling methods, MI, or addiction issues
• Internship: Meritorious during studies or through trainee programs
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
• Tips: Experience in voluntary or unpaid work with youth is highly valued

Common benefits and compensations

Field officers are generally offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and opportunities for professional development. Many workplaces also provide extra vacation days, flexitime, and support for further education. Some employers offer supervision and staff support, contributing to a safer work environment.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a field officer is characterized by moderate competition in the job market. Nationwide, opportunities for employment are considered good, with a balanced recruitment situation and an expected increase in demand over the next five years. Challenges in the role include managing complex family situations, high workload, and sometimes limited resources within social services. The role requires great flexibility, the ability to work independently, and to quickly adapt to changing conditions. At the same time, there are good opportunities for development and further training for those wishing to deepen their expertise in specific areas.

Tips for those who want to become a field officer

To succeed as a field officer, it is helpful to have strong communication skills and a genuine interest in helping others. It is important to be attentive and empathetic when engaging with people in vulnerable situations, while structure and analytical skills facilitate handling complex cases. Building relationships and creating trust requires patience and perseverance, especially when results are not immediately visible. For those wanting to develop further within the profession, continuous education and staying updated on new methods in social work are advisable. Flexibility and stress tolerance are also often sought after, as the work can be varied and demanding.

Key facts about Field Officers

• Education level: Social worker degree (3.5 years)
• Work environment: Field-based with varied settings
• Job market: Moderate opportunities, 237 available jobs nationwide
• Gender distribution: Women constitute the majority and have higher average salaries than men
• Typical work setting: Public sector, often in teams with other social workers

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years in the profession, a field officer can advance to more specialized roles, such as coordinator in preventive work, project manager for social development projects, or supervisor for new colleagues and interns. There are also opportunities to move into leadership positions within social services or further education in areas like psychotherapy, addiction treatment, or leadership. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts for social workers, demand is expected to increase over the next five years, providing good future prospects for the profession. At the same time, the labor market remains balanced, with relatively many available positions and competition mainly in popular regions and larger cities.

Frequently asked questions about Field Officers

• What is the average salary of a field officer?
  - The average salary for a field officer is 40 300 SEK per month.
• How does the salary difference between women and men look?
  - Women earn on average 40 400 SEK and men 39 500 SEK per month, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a field officer?
  - Typically, a social worker degree, which involves 3.5 years of university studies.
• Are there good job opportunities?
  - Yes, the job market is considered medium-sized with 237 available jobs nationwide and increasing demand.
• What does the work environment look like?
  - The work is field-based and involves close contact with clients, often in their homes or in collaboration with schools and authorities.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for field officers?
  - The highest salary is 54 300 SEK per month and the lowest 34 800 SEK per month.
• What are common benefits?
  - Occupational pension, wellness allowance, professional development, and flexitime are common benefits.