vägledar

Vägledare is a Swedish term for a person who provides guidance or advice to individuals or groups. The standard noun form is vägledare; vägledar can appear as a present tense form of the verb vägleda (to guide). In practice, vägledare refers to professionals who support others in decision-making, planning and navigating information or services.

Common contexts for vägledare include education, employment and social services, healthcare, and information work. In schools, studie- och yrkesvägledare (SYV) help students explore study options, labor market opportunities and application processes. In employment services or integration programs, vägledare assist job seekers, immigrants and families with goal setting, strategy, and referrals. Within healthcare or social care, care coordinators or patient navigators act as vägledare to help patients understand options and access services. Libraries, museums and public information centers may employ vägledare to help users find relevant information and use services effectively.

Responsibilities typically involve assessing needs, providing tailored information, supporting decision-making, creating action plans, and facilitating referrals to relevant resources. Ethical considerations often include confidentiality, respect for autonomy, and ensuring non-discriminatory guidance. Qualifications vary by country and sector; in Sweden, the profession is closely linked to the field of studie- och yrkesvägledning (SYV) and generally requires higher education in guidance, pedagogy or social work, plus ongoing professional development.

Etymology derives from väg (path) and leda (to lead), reflecting the notion of guiding someone along a path or process.