Refugee Assistant

What does a refugee assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

Refugee assistants work daily to support and guide individuals who have recently arrived in Sweden due to fleeing. Tasks include everything from practical assistance with authorities and housing to providing emotional support in encounters with a new culture and social structure. The role often involves close collaboration with social services, schools, healthcare, and other societal actors. The work environment varies but is usually both office-based and fieldwork, where flexibility and the ability to handle unforeseen situations are crucial. Working hours can be irregular and sometimes include evenings or weekends, especially during urgent needs or large receptions.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for refugee assistants have shown a stable and clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK per month, increasing to 34 800 SEK in 2023, and now in 2024 reaching 36 100 SEK. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 8.7% over three years, with the largest raise between 2023 and 2024. The salary increase is partly explained by increased demand for the profession, especially in connection with global unrest and increased refugee intake. Employers in both municipal and government sectors have also adjusted salaries to meet the competition for qualified personnel, further contributing to the positive salary trend.

Refugee assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK (woman, government sector)
• Highest salary: 41,500 SEK (woman, municipal sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 217 SEK
• Women earn: 35 900 SEK (98% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 36 500 SEK
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between counties, often slightly higher in metropolitan areas.

Education and qualifications

To work as a refugee assistant, a post-secondary education in social work, treatment pedagogy, or similar fields is usually required. Practical experience from work with vulnerable groups, migration, or integration issues is often advantageous. Some employers require specific courses or certifications, and additional education in psychology or intercultural communication is not uncommon.

• Formal education: Post-secondary education in social work, treatment pedagogy, or equivalent (2–3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in migration, asylum law, or intercultural communication
• Internships: Workplace internships or trainee positions are common
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably with focus on society or healthcare
• Tips for choosing: Experience in volunteer work within integration projects is highly valued

Common benefits and compensations

Refugee assistants are often offered collective agreement-regulated benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and generous holiday policies. Opportunities for skills development, further education, and supervision are often included, especially with larger employers. Some workplaces also offer flexible working hours and support for work-related stress, which is important in a profession with high emotional demands.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a refugee assistant is generally balanced, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for treatment assistants and social pedagogues. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, but variations may occur depending on political decisions and international events. Challenges in the profession include high workload, sometimes rapid changes in tasks, and the need for continuous skills development. The work requires great mental resilience and the ability to handle complex cases where each situation can be unique. Staying updated on legislation and authority procedures is also an important part of the role.

Tips for those wanting to become a refugee assistant

To succeed as a refugee assistant, it is good to be attentive and empathetic, as the work often involves meeting people in difficult life situations. Strong communication skills facilitate contact with clients and authorities, while structured problem-solving helps manage many varied cases simultaneously. Being flexible and resilient is crucial when unexpected situations arise, and actively seeking internships to gain experience is wise. Showing engagement in integration or volunteer projects provides valuable insight into the daily work, and continuously further education in intercultural communication strengthens employment prospects. Finally, patience and understanding of the long processes often involved in migration cases are essential.

Key facts about Refugee Assistant

• Education level: Post-secondary education in social work or equivalent
• Work environment: Alternates between office and fieldwork, often fast-paced
• Employment form: Most commonly full-time employment within municipal or government sector
• Demand: Moderate, with 237 available jobs in spring 2024
• Special skills: Intercultural communication and knowledge of asylum processes

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, refugee assistants can advance to more qualified roles such as coordinators, team leaders, or case officers within social services and integration units. There are also opportunities to specialize in areas like migration, children and youth issues, or education. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for treatment assistants and social pedagogues, the job market is balanced with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand over five years. For those looking to broaden their career, there are also pathways to other social work roles or further education, such as becoming a social worker.

Common questions about Refugee Assistant

• What does a refugee assistant earn?
  - A refugee assistant has an average salary of 36 100 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 35 900 SEK while men earn 36 500 SEK, which means women earn 98% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a refugee assistant?
  - Post-secondary education in social work, treatment pedagogy, or similar is recommended.
• What is the job market outlook?
  - The job market is balanced with moderate opportunities and 237 available jobs in spring 2024.
• What is the highest salary for a refugee assistant?
  - The highest salary is 41,500 SEK and is held by a woman in the municipal sector with a research degree.
• What is the lowest salary for a refugee assistant?
  - The lowest salary is 31,800 SEK and belongs to a woman in the government sector.
• What personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Empathy, flexibility, communication skills, and resilience to stress are especially important.