Employment supervisor

What does an employment officer do? – Tasks and work environment

An employment officer works to support and guide individuals needing help to find meaningful employment, often within the framework of daily activities or labor market initiatives. The tasks include planning, leading, and following up activities that strengthen participants' work ability and social skills. The employment officer collaborates closely with colleagues, employers, and external actors to create individually tailored interventions. The work often takes place in environments where flexibility and adaptability are crucial, such as municipal operations, private care companies, or non-profit organizations.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for employment officers has shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month, which increased to 29 400 SEK in 2023 and now reaches 30 200 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 11% during the period. The salary increase can partly be explained by the increased demand for supportive roles within healthcare and social care as more municipalities invest in work-integrating initiatives. Additionally, some regions' employers have competed for skills by offering higher wages, especially within the municipal sector. Women have experienced slightly higher salary growth than men during this period, which is reflected in the current statistics.

Employment officer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK/month (female, government sector, pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 41,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, research education)
• Lowest salary for men: 26,800 SEK/month
• Highest salary for men: 35,600 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 181 SEK
• Women: 30 400 SEK/month (102% of men's salary)
• Men: 29 800 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on employer and region, with higher wages often found in metropolitan areas and municipal sectors.

Education and qualifications

To work as an employment officer, a high school diploma in health and social care is usually required, but many employers also seek further education or experience in similar fields. Practical experience and personal qualities are highly valued, and there are opportunities to supplement with shorter courses or certifications in, for example, social pedagogy.

• High school education: Health and social care program or equivalent
• YH education: Social pedagogue, treatment pedagogue (1–2 years)
• Certifications: Courses in supervision, pedagogy, or neuropsychiatric disabilities
• Internship: Often a requirement for practical training or work experience in similar settings
• Prerequisites: Experience working with persons with disabilities or in social work is advantageous
• Tips for choosing: Engagement with people and good teamwork skills are essential

Common benefits and compensations

Employment officers are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and subsidized lunches. In some cases, further training, extra vacation days, or access to occupational health services are included. Opportunities for part-time work and flexible hours are also common within several organizations.

Competition and challenges

The competition for employment officer positions varies depending on region and labor market conditions. Larger cities and municipal sectors may have more applicants per position, while smaller towns often struggle to recruit. A major challenge is that the profession involves a broad range of tasks and requires both psychosocial competence and practical skills. The lack of clear career paths and differing educational requirements among employers can also make it difficult for recent graduates to know which merits carry the most weight. Currently, there are 375 available jobs in the profession, but the Employment Service does not provide a specific forecast due to limited data.

Tips for those wishing to become an employment officer

To succeed as an employment officer, it is good to have a genuine interest in working with people and a high degree of sensitivity. Developing good teamwork skills is crucial, as the work is often team-based and involves close contact with other professionals. Flexibility and creativity facilitate finding solutions tailored to participants' unique needs. Patience and pedagogical skills are especially important when working with individuals with different prerequisites or challenges. Taking initiative and continuously furthering education in relevant areas can enhance job prospects and development opportunities. Finally, being organized and clear in communication is an advantage, as documentation and follow-up are central parts of the work.

Key facts about employment officers

• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Educational requirements: High school vocational training in health and social care, often supplemented with YH or courses
• Typical work environment: Municipal or private care services, often daytime work
• Gender distribution: Women earn 102% of what men do
• Available jobs: 375 nationwide (May 2024)

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, an employment officer can develop towards more specialized roles such as supervisor, coordinator, or service developer within daily activities and social care. Some choose to further their education to become a social pedagogue or treatment pedagogue to broaden their work field. According to the Employment Service's statistics, there are currently 375 available jobs in the profession, but no specific forecast for future job market conditions exists due to limited data. Overall, demand for supportive roles within healthcare and social care is expected to remain stable, especially as society becomes more inclusive and the need for individual support increases.

Frequently asked questions about employment officers

• What does an employment officer earn?
  - The average salary is 30 200 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and employer.
• How has the salary development looked for employment officers?
  - The salary has increased by about 11% over the past three years, from 27,100 SEK (2022) to 30 200 SEK (2024).
• What education is required to become an employment officer?
  - High school vocational training in health and social care is most common, often supplemented with YH education or relevant courses.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 30 400 SEK and men 29 800 SEK, meaning women earn 102% of men's salaries.
• What is the job market like for employment officers?
  - There are 375 available jobs nationwide, but the Employment Service does not provide a specific forecast for future prospects.
• What are the lowest and highest salaries in the profession?
  - The lowest salary is 26,500 SEK and the highest is 41,700 SEK, depending on education, sector, and experience.
• What personal qualities are important for an employment officer?
  - Attentiveness, teamwork skills, patience, and creativity are key qualities for success in the profession.