Foster Carer - Child Development Support Worker

Sanctuary Personnel; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local fostering agency is seeking a dedicated Step Forward Foster Carer in Plymouth. The role involves providing emotional support and stability for children transitioning from care. Candidates must be based in Plymouth and ready to become self-employed. Competitive weekly salary and various allowances are offered, along with bespoke training in trauma-informed care.

Benefits

£840+ per week when a child is placed

Extra allowances for birthdays and holidays

100% Council Tax exemption

Up to 28 nights of paid respite per year

Bespoke training in trauma-informed care

24/7 out-of-hours support

Qualifications

• Based in Plymouth or surrounding areas.
• Ready to offer full-time care and a dedicated bedroom.
• Skilled in supporting children with emotional or behavioural needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide safety, consistency, emotional support, and stability for children in your care.
• Offer tailored care that helps children heal and thrive.
• Work as part of a supported team with access to dedicated social work support.

Skills

Emotional resilience

Support for children with emotional needs

Reflection skills

Job description

Overview

Step Forward Foster Carer - Plymouth & Surrounding Areas

Employer: Sanctuary Personnel (in partnership with Plymouth City Council) • Location: Plymouth & surrounding areas • Salary: From £840 per week when a child is placed • Employment Type: Full-time | Self-employed • Sector: Social Care | Residential Management | Child Welfare

Ready for a change? Use your skills to transform a child’s life by stepping forward as a foster carer in Plymouth and surrounding areas. This role focuses on providing safety, stability and emotional support to children who need it most, including those transitioning out of residential care.

Why Step Forward Foster Carer

This specialist role is designed for experienced professionals who want to make a deeper impact. You’ll work as part of a close-knit, fully supported team to help a young person move from trauma toward stability and trust. It’s more than a job—it’s an opportunity to change lives, including your own.

Responsibilities

• Provide safety, consistency, emotional support, and stability for children in your care within your own home.
• Offer tailored care that helps children heal, grow, and thrive.
• Work as part of a supported team, including access to a dedicated social work team and 24/7 out-of-hours support.
• Engage with trauma-informed and therapeutic care approaches through bespoke training.
• Be part of the Mockingbird Fostering Model and The Fostering Network as applicable.

What You’ll Receive

• From £840 per week (when a child is placed)
• Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations
• 100% Council Tax exemption (eligibility criteria applies)
• Up to 28 nights of paid respite per year
• Bespoke training in trauma-informed and therapeutic care
• 24/7 out-of-hours support and a dedicated social work team
• Access to Mockingbird Fostering Model and The Fostering Network
• Be part of a local community, helping Plymouth’s children stay close to home

Qualifications & Who We’re Looking For

• Based in Plymouth or surrounding areas
• Ready to offer full-time care and a dedicated bedroom
• Skilled in supporting children with emotional or behavioural needs
• Emotionally resilient and reflective
• Willing to become self-employed
• Ideally with no children under 12 at home (case-by-case assessment)

How to Apply

If you’re ready to apply your child development support experience in a new and deeply rewarding way, apply now to speak with our team and take your first step toward becoming a Step Forward Foster Carer in Plymouth.