Foster Carer - Art Therapist/Play Therapist

Harmonia Careers; Bury; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering project as a Foster Carer - Art Therapist/Play Therapist, providing a nurturing home for young people transitioning from residential care. Use your therapeutic skills to make a lasting impact in their lives. Comprehensive support and a generous financial package are offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive emotional and financial support

24/7 Out-of-Hours Support

Access to a network of other Step Forward Carers

Ongoing training in trauma-informed care

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, young people, or families in a therapeutic capacity.
• Full-time availability and a spare bedroom.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, nurturing home to a young person transitioning from residential care.
• Build trust and provide stability to young people facing trauma.

Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Commitment

Therapeutic Skills

Education

Experience working with children

Job description

Foster Carer - Art Therapist/Play Therapist

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Foster Carer - Art Therapist/Play Therapist

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Become a Step Forward Foster Carer: A Life-Changing Opportunity for Art Therapists and Play Therapists

Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council

Are you an Art Therapist or Play Therapist passionate about supporting young people through creative and therapeutic interventions? You already possess the empathy, dedication, and commitment needed to make a profound difference in a young person's life.

We are looking for compassionate, resilient individuals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers, offering a safe, nurturing home to a young person transitioning from residential care. This is a unique opportunity to apply your therapeutic skills and make a lasting, personal impact.

This could be your most rewarding role yet, offering not just care, but a future full of hope.

What is Step Forward Fostering?

Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering project that helps young people who have faced trauma, loss, and instability transition from residential care into a caring family environment.

These young people aren’t just looking for a place to stay; they need someone like you—a supportive adult who understands their needs, builds trust, and provides the consistency they often lack.

As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you'll be part of a supportive team, working alongside professionals who guide you every step of the way. You’ll never be alone on this journey.

What You’ll Receive

We understand caring for a young person with complex needs is a significant commitment. That’s why we provide comprehensive emotional and financial support.

Specialist Support

• Your own Senior Practitioner offering regular guidance and supervision
• A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and your foster child
• A Hub Carer providing up to 28 days of planned short breaks annually
• 24/7 Out-of-Hours Support, ensuring you're never alone
• Access to a network of other Step Forward Carers for peer support
• Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and neurodevelopmental needs
• Therapeutic and psychological support to build on your existing skills

Financial Package

We offer a generous financial package to support your commitment:

• £1,052 per week while a child is placed with you (around £54,704 annually)
• £408 per week retainer between placements (up to £21,216 annually)
• Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations
• Tax exemptions specifically for foster carers

Is This You?

We seek Art Therapists and Play Therapists who are:

• Passionate about making a difference beyond their current role
• Skilled in building positive, trusting relationships with children and young people
• Resilient, empathetic, and committed to providing stability
• Ready to transfer their therapeutic skills into a family-based setting

If this describes you, we want to hear from you!

Please note: Ideally, applicants should not have children under 16 living at home, but individual circumstances are considered.

To Be Eligible, You’ll Need

• Experience working with children, young people, or families in a therapeutic capacity
• Full-time availability and a spare bedroom
• A willingness to complete our professional training
• The right to work in the UK

Take the next step in your career—become a Step Forward Foster Carer. Your experience as an Art or Play Therapist could be the foundation for a truly life-changing role.