Working Conditions in Gerontological Social Work in Spain: An Exploratory Study of the Private Sector and Third Sector via the InfoJobs Platform
Abstract
Demographic aging represents one of the greatest social, economic, and healthcare challenges of the 21st century, significantly impacting the labor market, particularly in the field of dependency care. In this context, Gerontological Social Work (GSW) plays a crucial role in promoting the quality of life of older adults. However, there is a lack of studies analyzing the employment opportunities and working conditions of these professionals.
This study adopts a quantitative and observational approach to examine job postings in the field of GSW in Spain during 2024, based on 508 job offers collected from the InfoJobs platform. The analysis includes the geographical distribution of vacancies, contract types, working hours, educational and experience requirements, professional licensing, and salary transparency. The results reveal a significant territorial disparity in job availability, with a high concentration in Catalonia and Madrid, while several autonomous communities show a scarcity of opportunities. Additionally, although permanent contracts slightly predominate (54.3%), a considerable proportion of temporary employment remains (45.7%), with notable regional variations.
The study concludes that job precarization, lack of salary transparency, and inequality in job distribution may undermine the job stability of social workers and the quality of care for older adults. Greater regulation and institutional coordination are recommended to ensure equitable and sustainable working conditions in the gerontological sector.
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