Social consultant, County Administrative Board

What does a Social Consultant at the County Administrative Board do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A social consultant at the County Administrative Board works to follow up, coordinate, and develop social work within the county. The role involves oversight of social services operations, collaboration with municipalities and other authorities, as well as providing advice and training. The work environment is often office-based but can also include fieldwork, such as inspections or collaboration meetings. The job requires good analytical skills, teamwork, and a structured approach, as it often involves handling complex cases with high demands for legality and documentation.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for social consultants at the County Administrative Board has been stable and positive. In 2022, the average salary was 37,500 SEK per month, which increased to 38 800 SEK in 2023 and reached 40 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.5% over the period, with a particularly notable rise between 2023 and 2024. The salary increase can be explained by increased demand for qualified social workers, the need for competence development in the public sector, and a generally higher valuation of social work at the authority level. The trend shows that the profession not only has a stable salary progression but also that employers are willing to pay more for experience and specialized skills in the field.

Social Consultant at the County Administrative Board salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,800 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 54,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK/hour
• Women: 40 400 SEK/month
• Men: 39 500 SEK/month
• Women earn: 102% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a social consultant at the County Administrative Board, a university degree in social work, such as a social work degree (3.5 years), is usually required. Many employers also value previous experience from social services or authority work. Further training in areas such as supervision, leadership, or law is often meritorious, as well as the ability to work structured and independently.

• Social work degree: 3.5 years at university or college
• Supplementary training in supervision/law: 0.5–1 year
• Internship in social services or authority work: Recommended
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
• Courses in administrative law and investigative methods: Meritorious

Common benefits and compensations

Social consultants within the County Administrative Board are often covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as occupational pension, generous wellness allowance, and subsidized health insurance. Flexible working hours and opportunities for remote work are common, as well as paid further education and skills development. Other common compensations include extra vacation days, parental pay, and salary exchange options.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a social consultant at the County Administrative Board is assessed as moderate, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts. There is a balanced relationship between supply and demand for labor within the profession, but demand is expected to increase over five years. One challenge is managing complex cases where legislation, ethics, and societal interests must be balanced. High workload during periods and the requirement for continuous skills development are other factors affecting the profession. Digitalization and changing work methods may also impose new demands on flexibility and adaptability.

Tips for those who want to become a social consultant at the County Administrative Board

To succeed as a social consultant at the County Administrative Board, it is good to combine analytical skills with a genuine commitment to social issues. Gaining early experience from social services or authority work provides valuable insight into practical processes and case handling. Precision is an important trait, especially in investigations and inspections, where correct documentation is crucial. The ability to collaborate across professions and manage complex cooperation projects significantly facilitates the work. Continuously updating oneself on legislation and social policy issues is also a success factor, while initiative and independent decision-making are often rewarded in the role.

Key facts about Social Consultant at the County Administrative Board

• Average salary: 40 300 SEK/month
• Salary range: 34,800–54,300 SEK/month
• Educational requirement: Social work degree, 3.5 years
• Work environment: Office-based, sometimes fieldwork
• Future outlook: Demand is expected to increase

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a social consultant at the County Administrative Board, opportunities open for more specialized roles, such as coordinator for specific intervention areas or project managers within social development projects. Some choose to advance to managerial positions or move on to other authorities, such as the National Board of Health and Welfare or municipal administrations. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, job opportunities within the social worker group are moderate at present but are expected to increase over five years. The prognosis indicates that digitalization, increased legal certainty, and more complex societal challenges will lead to a continued need for qualified social consultants at the county level. For those interested in influencing social development and contributing to justice and welfare, the profession is therefore a long-term attractive career path.

Frequently asked questions about Social Consultant at the County Administrative Board

• What does a Social Consultant at the County Administrative Board earn?
  - The average salary is 40 300 SEK per month, with a salary range between 34,800 and 54,300 SEK.
• What does the gender distribution look like in the salary statistics?
  - Women earn an average of 40 400 SEK, men 39 500 SEK; women earn approximately 102% of what men do.
• What education is required to become a Social Consultant at the County Administrative Board?
  - A social work degree (3.5 years) and preferably supplementary courses in supervision and law.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is expected to increase over the next five years, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What benefits are common?
  - Occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and extra vacation days are common benefits.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Salary levels may vary slightly depending on the county and labor market demand, but the variation is generally low.
• How many job openings are there in the profession?
  - Currently, there are 237 job openings within the social worker group, including social consultants.