Home care secretary

What does a home care secretary do? – Tasks and work environment

A home care secretary primarily works with administrative and coordinating tasks within social care, often focusing on elder care and support for individuals in need of assistance at home. Responsibilities include handling assistance cases, documentation, communication with relatives, and collaboration with other professionals such as nurses, social workers, and home care staff. The work is usually performed in close cooperation with both users and colleagues within the municipality and requires good communication skills, organization, and a high level of service orientation. The work environment is often office-based but may include some field visits or follow-ups at users' homes.

Salary development over time

The salary for home care secretaries has shown a stable and positive development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK per month, increasing to 34 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 36 100 SEK in 2024. This increase represents a total salary improvement of approximately 8.7% over the three-year period. The trend reflects a general pattern within the welfare sector where the need for administrative and coordinating roles has increased, while employers strive to attract and retain qualified staff. Growing demand for expertise in elder care and social support has likely contributed to the salary increase, along with an increased focus on quality assurance and legal security in assistance assessments.

Home care secretary salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK (women), 32,400 SEK (men)
• Highest salary: 41,500 SEK (women, with research education, municipal sector), 39,200 SEK (men)
• Hourly wage: 217 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 35 900 SEK, men 36 500 SEK – women earn 98% of men's salary
• Regional differences: Data is limited or unavailable, but variations may occur depending on municipality and region

Education and qualifications

To work as a home care secretary, a post-secondary education in social work is usually required, such as social pedagog or treatment assistant. Many employers also seek experience from municipal activities and knowledge of social services legislation. Practical experience from care work or administration is often advantageous, and some roles may require specific certifications or courses in documentation and confidentiality.

• Education: Post-secondary education in social work, 2–3 years
• Certifications: Courses in documentation, confidentiality, and social law are advantageous
• Practical experience: Experience from care work or administration is often a requirement
• Pre-requisites: Good computer skills and knowledge of social services regulations
• Tips: Experience from home care or other municipal care work can be valuable

Common benefits and compensations

Home care secretaries are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and opportunities for professional development. Other common compensations may include extra vacation days, compensation for unsociable hours, and access to corporate health services. Some employers also offer subsidized lunches or employee discounts.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a home care secretary is assessed as moderate, with a relatively balanced job market according to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts. Although the number of available positions remains stable, high requirements for education and experience are imposed. Challenges in the profession often involve managing complex cases, ensuring legal security, and meeting high expectations from users and relatives. Digitalization of work processes and increased documentation demands may also require adaptation. The ability to handle stress and switch quickly between tasks is crucial for success.

Tips for aspiring home care secretaries

To succeed as a home care secretary, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in helping others and a strong sense of service. Attention to detail is important since documentation and legal security are central parts of the work, so developing organizational skills and structure is essential. Building good computer skills and staying updated on legislation within social services provides an advantage in administrative tasks. Flexibility and stress tolerance are also vital, as the workday can involve rapid changes and many contacts. Showing empathy and being attentive in meetings with users and relatives is valuable, as is practicing clear and respectful communication. Finally, gaining relevant internships or summer jobs within home care or other municipal services early on can help build experience and networks within the industry.

Key facts about home care secretaries

• Education level: Post-secondary education in social work, 2–3 years
• Work environment: Office-based with some field visits
• Typical employment: Municipal employment, daytime hours
• Demand: 237 available jobs within the profession (2024)
• Special skills: Documentation, confidentiality, and social legislation

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a home care secretary, there may be opportunities to move into more qualified roles such as case officer, unit manager, or coordinator within social services. Further education in social work or leadership often opens doors to managerial or specialist positions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecast, the job market for treatment assistants and social pedagogs is expected to remain balanced over the next five years, with moderate opportunities and stable demand. The stable job market makes the profession suitable for those seeking long-term employment and security, although regional variations in competition may occur. Digitalization and increased documentation requirements could influence future skill requirements, making ongoing training and adaptability important for continued career development.

Frequently asked questions about home care secretaries

• What does a home care secretary earn?
  - The average salary is 36 100 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and education.
• What education is required to become a home care secretary?
  - Post-secondary education in social work, such as treatment assistant or social pedagog, is recommended.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn 98% of men's salaries. Women have an average of 35 900 SEK, men 36 500 SEK.
• What are the most common job responsibilities?
  - Handling assistance cases, documentation, coordination, and contact with users and relatives.
• How is the job market for home care secretaries?
  - The job market is balanced with about 237 available positions within the profession.
• What career opportunities exist after a few years in the profession?
  - Opportunities to advance to case officer, unit manager, or coordinator within social services.
• What benefits are usually offered?
  - Collective agreements, occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and professional development are common benefits.