Family law secretary

What does a family law secretary do? – Tasks and work environment

A family law secretary primarily works with investigating and making decisions on matters related to family law, such as custody, residence, visitation, and child support. The role often involves contact with both adults and children, with a focus on creating solutions that are in the child's best interest. Tasks include conversations with parents, cooperation meetings, mediation, investigations commissioned by courts, and documentation and reporting. The work is mostly carried out at social services offices or family law units within the public sector, and the work environment is characterized by a fast pace, complexity, and demands for confidentiality and accuracy.

Salary development over time

The salary for family law secretaries has shown steady growth over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,500 kronor per month, which increased to 38 800 kronor in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 40 300 kronor. The total salary increase over three years amounts to approximately 7.5%, corresponding to an average annual rate of about 2.5%. Salary development is mainly influenced by increased demand for qualified social workers, higher educational requirements, and increased demands for expertise in family law. There is also a trend where employers value experience and specialization more highly, which can lead to further salary increases for those with a few years of experience in the profession.

Family law secretary salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,800 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 54,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK
• Women: 40 400 SEK/month
• Men: 39 500 SEK/month
• Women earn: 102% of what men do
• Regional differences: Information not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a family law secretary, a university degree in social work, often a social worker degree, is usually required. In some cases, education in law or behavioral science may be relevant, especially if supplemented with courses in family law. Many employers also seek experience working with children and families, as well as good ability to handle complex cases. Internships, further training, and supervision are important parts of building the competence required for the role.

• Formal degree: Social worker degree (3.5 years)
• Relevant courses: Family law, child development, social law
• Internship: Mandatory internship during education
• Further training: Opportunities for specialization in family law
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies

Common benefits and compensations

Family law secretaries are often covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and extra vacation days. Opportunities for skills development and supervision are offered by many employers, and regular further training and support in the form of counseling or work environment initiatives are common.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a family law secretary is assessed to be medium-sized nationally, with a balanced job market according to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecast. The increasing demand for qualified social workers is expected to lead to more opportunities in the future, but high demands are placed on competence, experience, and personal suitability. Challenges in the profession mainly involve managing complex family situations, sometimes with strong emotions and conflicts, and navigating between legal, ethical, and social aspects. Workload can be high, and the ability to work structurally under pressure is crucial for success in the role.

Tips for those who want to become a family law secretary

To succeed as a family law secretary, it is good to develop a high degree of empathy and responsiveness, as the work often involves contact with people in difficult life situations. It is recommended to build broad experience in social work early on, preferably through internships or part-time jobs within social services. Accuracy and analytical skills are important qualities when investigating and documenting complex cases correctly. The ability to handle stress and work structurally under time pressure is essential, especially during periods of high workload. It is also valuable to actively seek further training in areas such as family law or conversation methodology, as specialized knowledge is often requested. Good collaboration skills facilitate contact with colleagues and other authorities, while independence and integrity are crucial in decision-making. Finally, career advancement is supported by curiosity, staying updated on legal changes, and demonstrating commitment to children's and families' rights.

Key facts about Family Law Secretary

• Education level: Social worker degree (3.5 years)
• Work environment: Office-based within the public sector
• Typical work form: Full-time, daytime
• Demand: Medium-sized, expected to increase
• Special skills: Family law, conversation methodology

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession as a family law secretary, there are opportunities to advance to more qualified roles such as specialist in family law, supervisor, or head of a family law unit. Some choose to further their education in law or supervision to take on roles as trainers or advisors within social services. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecast for social workers, job opportunities are medium-sized in the short term, with an expected increase in demand over the next five years. The job market is currently balanced, with about 237 available jobs nationwide. Those who specialize in family law and pursue further training have good prospects to strengthen their position and increase their career opportunities in the future.

Frequently asked questions about Family Law Secretaries

• What does a Family Law Secretary earn?
  - A family law secretary has an average salary of 40 300 kronor per month.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 40 400 kronor and men 39 500 kronor, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a family law secretary?
  - Usually, a social worker degree, sometimes supplemented with courses in family law.
• What is the job market like?
  - The job market is balanced with approximately 237 available jobs, and demand is forecasted to increase.
• What is the highest and lowest salary in the profession?
  - The highest salary is 54,300 kronor, and the lowest is 34,800 kronor per month.
• What are the duties of a family law secretary?
  - Duties include investigations, cooperation talks, mediation, and documentation related to family law issues.
• Are there opportunities for further education and specialization?
  - Yes, there are good opportunities for continuing education and specialization within areas such as family law or conversation methodology.