Foster Carer - Education Welfare Officer

Sanctuary Personnel; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A social care organization in Plymouth is seeking a Step Forward Foster Carer to provide safety and emotional support to children. This full-time role involves working from home and making a profound impact on young lives. Ideal candidates will possess skills in supporting children with emotional needs and be ready to offer a dedicated environment. A weekly compensation starting at £840 is offered along with additional allowances and support.

Benefits

From £840 per week

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

Access to Fostering Network

Qualifications

• Experience as an education welfare officer or similar role is preferred.
• Ability to provide full-time care and a dedicated bedroom.
• Willing to become self-employed.

Responsibilities

• Provide safety, consistency, and emotional support to children.
• Work as part of a supportive team to help young people.
• Offer stability and love to children transitioning from residential care.

Skills

Supporting children with emotional or behavioural needs

Emotional resilience

Reflective practices

Job description

Ready for a Change? Use Your Skills to Transform a Child's Life

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 | Education Welfare | Attendance & Safeguarding

Is it time to use your skills differently? Whether you’ve worked as an education welfare officer, supporting children and families to improve attendance and engagement with education, your experience could change a child’s life in ways you never imagined. Right now, there’s an urgent need for foster carers in Plymouth, especially for young people transitioning out of residential care. Through our Step Forward programme, you can provide the safety, consistency, and emotional support these children need to heal, grow and thrive. This role is about more than providing a roof over a child’s head; it’s about offering them the stability, love, and security they need to rebuild their lives. It’s a full‑circle role that blends professional care with personal commitment, right in your own home.

Why Consider Step Forward Fostering?

This specialist role is designed for experienced professionals who are ready to make a deeper impact. You’ll work as part of a close‑knit, fully supported team, helping a young person move forward from trauma into stability and trust. This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to change lives, including your own.

What You’ll Receive as a Step Forward Foster Carer:

• From £840 p/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 p/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

Could this be you?

We’re looking for people who are:

• 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 (though we’ll assess on a case‑by‑case basis)

Is it time for a change?

If you’re ready to apply your skills in a new and deeply rewarding way, then this is your opportunity.

Apply now to speak with our team and take your first step toward becoming a Step Forward Foster Carer in Plymouth