Foster Carer - Healthcare Assistant & Support Worker

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

Job summary

A social care organization is seeking a Step Forward Foster Carer in Plymouth to provide stability and emotional support to children in need. You will work with a supportive team, fostering resilience and trust in a home environment. The role requires experience in care and a commitment to offering a dedicated space for children. Compensation starts at £840 per week with various benefits.

Benefits

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 support from social work team

Qualifications

• Experience as a healthcare assistant, support worker, or in care homes.
• Willingness to become self-employed.
• Ability to provide full-time care in a dedicated bedroom.

Responsibilities

• Provide stability, love, and security to children.
• Work as part of a supported team.
• Assist young people transitioning from trauma.

Skills

Supporting children with emotional or behavioural needs

Emotional resilience

Reflective practice

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 | Healthcare | Support Work

Is it time to use your skills differently? Whether you've worked as a healthcare assistant, support worker, or in care homes, mental health services or community support, 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.