Foster Carer - Health Play Specialist

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

Job summary

A leading foster care provider is seeking Step Forward Foster Carers in Plymouth to provide essential support to children in need. This role requires emotional resilience and a commitment to fostering, with a full-time care offering. Compensation starts at £840 per week when a child is placed, including training and support. Ideal candidates will be self-employed and willing to provide a dedicated living space for foster children.

Benefits

Extra allowances for birthdays and holidays

100% Council Tax exemption

Bespoke training in trauma-informed care

24/7 support from a social work team

Qualifications

• Skilled in supporting children with emotional or behavioural needs.
• Emotionally resilient and reflective.
• Willing to become self-employed.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and supportive environment for children.
• Help children transition from trauma to stability.
• Offer emotional and practical support for children's wellbeing.

Skills

Supporting 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 | Residential Management | Child Welfare

What You’ll Do

Whether you\'ve worked as a Health Play Specialist—using play to support children\'s health, wellbeing, and emotional resilience—you 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 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

Who We’re Looking For

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)

Apply

If you\'re ready to apply your health play expertise 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