Foster Carer - Family Support Worker

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

Job summary

A social care agency is seeking a full-time Step Forward Foster Carer in Plymouth. This role involves providing stability, emotional support, and a safe environment for children transitioning from residential care. Ideal candidates will have experience in supporting children with emotional needs and must be willing to become self-employed. The position offers a weekly salary starting from £840, along with various allowances and comprehensive support.

Benefits

£840 per week when a child is placed

Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations

100% Council Tax exemption

Up to 28-nights of paid respite per year

Bespoke training in trauma-informed care

24/7 support from a dedicated social work team

Qualifications

• Experience in family support, early help, or child protection.
• Willingness to become self-employed.
• Ability to provide full-time care and a dedicated bedroom.

Responsibilities

• Provide stability, love, and security for children in care.
• Offer emotional support to children transitioning from residential care.
• Work as part of a supportive team.

Skills

Support for children with emotional or behavioural needs

Emotional resilience

Reflective practice

Job description

Overview

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 | Family Support.

Is it time to use your skills differently? Whether you've worked as a family support worker, early help practitioner, or in child protection and safeguarding, 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.