Hospital deacon

What does a hospital deacon do? – Tasks and work environment

A hospital deacon works to provide support and guidance to patients, relatives, and healthcare staff. Tasks include conversations, crisis support, and addressing existential questions related to illness, grief, or life changes. The role often involves close cooperation with other professional groups at the hospital, such as doctors, nurses, and counselors. The hospital deacon operates in an environment characterized by both acute and long-term situations, where the ability to meet people in vulnerable states is essential. The work environment is varied and can include individual conversations, group activities, and participation in care team meetings.

Salary development over time

The salary for hospital deacons has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,400 SEK per month, which increased to 41 500 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 shows a further increase to 42 900 SEK per month. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 6.2% over three years. This trend reflects an increased focus on competence in psychosocial support within healthcare and a growing recognition of deacons’ roles in the hospital environment. The demand for qualified hospital deacons has contributed to gradually strengthening salary levels, especially as employers seek to attract and retain experienced staff in a competitive sector.

Hospital deacon salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 42 900 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Salary range varies depending on experience and region
• Hourly wage: 258 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 43 000 SEK, specific data on men is unavailable
• Regional differences: Data on variation is limited or unavailable

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a hospital deacon requires both academic education and specialized deacon training focused on church and healthcare activities. A basic requirement is a university degree in social work, theology, or similar, followed by deacon training often conducted within the Church of Sweden. Practical experience and personal suitability are crucial for working with people in difficult life situations.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's in social work or theology (3–4 years) + deacon training
• Certification: Eligibility assessment and ordination in the Church of Sweden
• Internship: Mandatory practical training in healthcare or parish
• Prerequisites: Relevant university degree and membership in the Church of Sweden
• Tips for choosing: Commitment to people and experience in conversation support are highly valued

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for hospital deacons include extended vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Some employers also offer supervision, flexible hours, and support for further education. The work environment often provides access to staff support and networks within both the church and healthcare sectors.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a hospital deacon can vary regionally, but nationally there is a clear demand for qualified professionals in the field. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, there are good prospects for employment, although the recruitment situation is characterized by difficulty in finding the right skills while some leave the profession or work part-time. Challenges often involve meeting people in difficult life situations, managing emotionally demanding conversations, and balancing different expectations from patients, relatives, and healthcare staff. Workload can be high, and the job requires a high degree of personal maturity and resilience.

Tips for those wishing to become a hospital deacon

To succeed as a hospital deacon, it’s beneficial to have a genuine interest in people and a strong capacity for empathy, as the work often involves meeting individuals in crisis or grief. Being attentive and flexible facilitates cooperation with both patients and healthcare staff, while good communication skills are essential for building trust in difficult conversations. Patience and the ability to handle stressful situations are important, as the work sometimes demands high presence and endurance. Investing in further education and supervision contributes to professional development and increased confidence in the role. Engagement and a sense of responsibility are appreciated by employers and colleagues, and being open to different worldviews is essential for respecting each individual. Finally, self-reflection and the ability to set boundaries are important qualities for sustaining long-term work in the profession.

Key facts about Hospital Deacon

• Education level: University degree + deacon training
• Work environment: Hospital setting in close collaboration with healthcare staff
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to the Swedish Public Employment Service
• Number of job openings: 237 within the profession
• Typical employment: Permanent position, often daytime hours

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a hospital deacon can advance to take greater responsibility within the workplace, such as coordinator for deacon work or supervisor for new colleagues and interns. There are also opportunities to specialize in areas like palliative care, trauma, or youth work. The forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicates that job opportunities are abundant and expected to remain stable over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by a combination of skill shortages and some surplus of labor, meaning employers often seek individuals with the right education and personal suitability. The profession offers good opportunities for further training and development within both church-related and healthcare fields.

Frequently asked questions about Hospital Deacon

• What does a hospital deacon earn?
  - A hospital deacon has an average salary of 42 900 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a hospital deacon?
  - The profession requires a university degree in fields such as social work or theology, as well as deacon training and ordination in the Church of Sweden.
• Are there many job openings for hospital deacons?
  - Yes, there are currently 237 job openings within the profession.
• What is the work environment like for a hospital deacon?
  - The work environment is varied and characterized by close collaboration with healthcare staff and meetings with patients and relatives in stressful situations.
• What personal qualities are important in this profession?
  - Empathy, attentiveness, communication skills, and patience are central qualities for thriving and succeeding as a hospital deacon.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Women earn an average of 43 000 SEK, while data on men is not available.