Disability assistant, carer and housing supporter

What does a disability assistant, caregiver, and housing support worker do? – Tasks and work environment

Disability assistants, caregivers, and housing support workers provide support, care, and practical help to people with disabilities. Their tasks often include assisting clients in daily activities such as personal hygiene, meals, leisure activities, and social contacts. The role also involves motivating and empowering individuals to be independent and creating a safe and meaningful life based on the client’s needs and wishes. The work is usually carried out in the client’s home, group homes, or daily activity centers, with an environment characterized by close contact with clients and a high level of responsibility for their well-being and safety.

Salary development over time

The salary for disability assistants, caregivers, and housing support workers has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,500 SEK per month, which increased to 31 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 32 300 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 6.6% over three years. The salary increase is linked to the rising demand for qualified personnel within care services, as well as a general trend of improved working conditions in the welfare sector. Employers compete for skilled staff, which drives up wages as the need for support services for people with disabilities grows. At the same time, labor market parties have worked to reduce gender pay gaps and create more attractive working conditions in the profession.

Disability assistant, caregiver, and housing support worker salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 32 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,000 SEK/month (female, government sector)
• Highest salary: 35,300 SEK/month (male, municipal sector)
• Hourly wage: 194 SEK
• Average salary for women: 32 400 SEK
• Average salary for men: 32 300 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women and men earn the same in the profession

Education and qualifications

To work as a disability assistant, caregiver, or housing support worker, a high school education in healthcare and social care is usually required, but there are also opportunities to enter the profession through work experience or additional training. Employers value practical experience, empathy, and the ability to work independently. Additional courses and certifications in the disability field can be advantageous for employability.

• High school education: Healthcare and social care program, approx. 3 years
• Additional courses: Disability, LSS, social psychiatry
• Practical training: Often mandatory within the education
• Work experience: Meritorious for employment
• Personal qualities: Empathy, responsibility, teamwork skills

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for disability assistants, caregivers, and housing support workers include overtime pay for evening, night, and weekend work, wellness allowances, professional development, and sometimes opportunities for further education. Many employers also offer collective agreement-insured insurances and pension contributions, as well as support for work-related health and safety issues.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for disability assistants, caregivers, and housing support workers is characterized by high demand but also recruitment difficulties. Many work part-time, which can pose challenges for employers to fill full-time positions. The profession also demands high personal suitability, patience, and the ability to handle challenging situations. Stress and physically demanding tasks are common, especially when working with individuals with extensive support needs. Finding a balance between work and private life can be difficult, particularly with shift work and irregular hours.

Tips for those who want to become a disability assistant, caregiver, or housing support worker

To succeed in this profession, it is important to have a genuine desire to help others and to show great empathy in interactions with clients. Accuracy is crucial, as the work often involves responsibility for medication and documentation of interventions. Flexibility is an important trait, since the workday can vary greatly depending on the client's condition and needs. The ability to collaborate with colleagues and relatives facilitates daily routines and creates a safe environment for the client. Being resilient and able to handle unexpected situations calmly ensures that you can provide the best support even in challenging moments. It is also valuable to continuously update your knowledge through training or courses in care and disability. Finally, taking care of your own work environment and seeking support when needed is essential to maintain a sustainable and professional support over time.

Key facts about disability assistants, caregivers, and housing support workers

• Educational level: High school vocational training in healthcare and social care
• Work environment: Homes, group homes, and daily activity centers
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to the Employment Service
• Typical work arrangements: Part-time and shift work are common
• Job openings: 237 advertised positions (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a disability assistant or housing support worker, there are opportunities for further education or to take on more specialized roles, such as team leader, coordinator, or trainer within the disability field. Some choose to pursue higher education as a social worker, treatment pedagogue, or support pedagogue. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, the opportunities for work are expected to remain strong over the next five years, with demand anticipated to stay stable. The profession thus offers good future prospects and stability, especially for those willing to combine practical experience with further training and personal development.

Frequently asked questions about disability assistants, caregivers, and housing support workers

• What is the salary for a disability assistant, caregiver, and housing support worker?
  - The average salary is 32 300 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 194 SEK.
• How has the salary development looked over time?
  - The salary has increased from 30,500 SEK (2022) to 32 300 SEK (2024).
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - No, women and men earn the same in the profession.
• What education is required to work as a disability assistant?
  - High school education in healthcare and social care is most common, sometimes supplemented with additional courses.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Opportunities for employment are considered to be strong both now and over the next five years.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 35,300 SEK (male, municipal sector), the lowest 29,000 SEK (female, government sector).
• How many job openings are available?
  - There are 237 advertised positions in May 2024.