Curative Care Specialist
Curative care specialists (HEP) accompany people with disabilities in daily life — combining pedagogy and care to enable participation and the most self-determined life possible. The profession is in rare demand and indispensable in disability services. Here's what the role involves, how the training works — and which providers are hiring HEP right now.
Key takeaways
- Curative care specialists accompany, nurture and care for people with disabilities — in housing, workshops and assistance.
- The job combines pedagogy and care; training is mostly a three-year technical-college programme.
- Pay follows a collective agreement (TVöD SuE, often S8b — frequently a touch higher than educators) or AVR.
What does a curative care specialist do?
Curative care specialists help people with physical, intellectual or psychological disabilities to shape their daily lives and take part in society. This ranges from support with housing through education and leisure to nursing care — depending on the person's needs. The profession is distinctive in deliberately bringing pedagogy and care together.
Work happens mainly in disability and inclusion services: in residential homes and supported living groups, in workshops for people with disabilities, in special schools or in assistance. Self-determination and participation are central — the HEP shapes support so the person can live as independently as possible.
Typical tasks
- Accompany and assist people with disabilities in daily life
- Design education, support and leisure activities
- Take on nursing tasks where they are needed
- Actively foster participation and self-determination
- Help shape and deliver support and participation plans
- Cooperate with relatives, doctors, therapy and workshops
What you'll need
You become a curative care specialist via training at a technical college for curative education, usually three years (longer part-time) and ending with state recognition. A mid-level school certificate and a pre-placement or relevant prior experience are usually required. More important than grades are empathy, patience and a willingness to combine care and pedagogy.
- Completed training in curative education (state-recognised)
- Empathy and respect for self-determination
- Patience, resilience and physical fitness
- A willingness to work shifts and weekends
- A basic grasp of care and participation law (SGB IX)
Outlook
Disability services are growing, and qualified curative care specialists are in strong demand — the skills shortage is especially noticeable here. Anyone trained will find a role and can choose between housing, workshops, schools and assistance.
With experience you take on group or living-area leadership, specialise (in autism, challenging behaviour or augmentative communication, say) or qualify further via a degree in curative education or social work.
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Frequently asked questions
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