Rehabilitation investigator

What does a Rehabiliteringsutredare do? – tasks and work environment

A Rehabiliteringsutredare works on mapping and assessing individuals' rehabilitation needs in connection with sick leave or other reduction in work capacity. Tasks include collecting medical and social information, conducting analyses, and engaging in dialogue with clients, employers, and other professionals within healthcare and authorities. It often involves preparing action plans, following up on interventions, and documenting processes in a legally secure manner. The work is usually office-based but may require meetings at workplaces or with partners. The role demands good organization, the ability to handle sensitive conversations, and a high level of collaboration skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for Rehabiliteringsutredare has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,100 SEK per month, rising to 33 500 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has increased further to 35 000 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9% over the three-year period. This positive salary trend is partly explained by increased demand for qualified assessors within the social insurance system and a growing need for expertise related to work-related rehabilitation. Additional factors influencing salary levels include education, work experience, and ongoing professionalization of the role. Although salary increases are stable, the salary range is relatively narrow compared to some other public sector professions.

Rehabiliteringsutredare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,300 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 36,900 SEK/month (male, private sector, postgraduate education)
• Hourly wage: 210 SEK/hour (average, hourly employment)
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (women: 34 900 SEK, men: 35 700 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a Rehabiliteringsutredare, a post-secondary education in fields such as social sciences, behavioral sciences, social work, or similar is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with a university degree of at least three years and experience in rehabilitation, social insurance, or work-related interventions. Additional merits include courses in labor law, insurance medicine, or supervision. Practical experience and the ability to handle complex cases are highly valued.

• Formal education: University degree in social sciences or behavioral sciences (3 years or more)
• Meritorious courses: Labor law, insurance medicine, interview techniques
• Practical experience: Experience from work-related rehabilitation or agency work
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, often with focus on social or healthcare fields
• Tips: Extra points for further training in assessment methods or supervision

Common benefits and compensations

Many Rehabiliteringsutredare are covered by collective agreements and offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development. Vacation benefits and compensation during illness or parental leave are often regulated by agreements. The job may also include options for remote work and subsidized lunches.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as Rehabiliteringsutredare varies by region and employer, but the profession generally has stable demand. Challenges include high demands for legal certainty, managing complex cases, and navigating different regulations and collaboration partners. Since the role requires both analytical skills and high social competence, workload can sometimes be high. However, there are good opportunities for influence and professional development, especially for those open to further training and new work methods. Some uncertainty remains regarding future job prospects, as forecasts are lacking, but the number of available jobs in the profession is high.

Tips for aspiring Rehabiliteringsutredare

To succeed as a Rehabiliteringsutredare, it is beneficial to be analytical, attentive, and organized. Building broad knowledge of the social insurance system and the laws governing rehabilitation provides an advantage, as does the ability to communicate clearly with clients and colleagues. Developing empathy and practicing handling difficult conversations facilitate daily work, as does meticulous and methodical documentation and follow-up. Networking with other professionals and participating in networks or further training strengthen career growth opportunities. Flexibility and patience are important qualities, especially since tasks often require adaptation to changing conditions and regulations.

Key facts about Rehabiliteringsutredare

• Salary range: 32,300–36,900 SEK/month
• Education level: University degree, social or behavioral sciences (minimum 3 years)
• Work environment: Office-based, often involving collaboration and authority contacts
• Demand: 758 available jobs (May 2024)
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Rehabiliteringsutredare, there are opportunities to advance to specialist roles within work-related rehabilitation, team leader positions, or to work as coordinators at larger agencies. Development towards managerial roles or further education, such as social insurance specialist or occupational health expert, are also possible paths. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, it is difficult to make precise predictions about future prospects, but the high demand on the job market and the growing need for qualified assessors within the social insurance system indicate good career opportunities. Those interested in broadening their skills can also consider related roles such as case officers at Försäkringskassan or employment officers.

Frequently asked questions about Rehabiliteringsutredare

• What is the average salary of a Rehabiliteringsutredare?
  - The average salary is 35 000 SEK/month.
• What does the salary range look like within the profession?
  - The lowest salary is 32,300 SEK/month and the highest is 36,900 SEK/month, depending on education, experience, and gender.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn 98% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What education is required to become a Rehabiliteringsutredare?
  - Usually, a university degree in social sciences or behavioral sciences (at least 3 years).
• What is the job market like for Rehabiliteringsutredare?
  - There are 758 available jobs within the profession (May 2024), indicating high demand.
• What does the work as a Rehabiliteringsutredare involve?
  - The work involves assessing rehabilitation needs, coordinating efforts, and working with documentation and collaboration.
• Can you work as a Rehabiliteringsutredare without a university degree?
  - It is uncommon, as most employers require at least three years of higher education.