Foster Carer - Safeguarding Officer

Sanctuary Personnel; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local fostering organization in Plymouth is seeking individuals to become Step Forward Foster Carers. This role focuses on providing emotional stability and care to children transitioning out of residential care. Ideal candidates should have experience in child support, emotional resilience, and be willing to self-employ. The position offers from £840 per week, plus additional benefits and support for foster carers.

Benefits

From £840 per week

Extra allowances for birthdays and holidays

Council Tax exemption

Paid respite opportunities

Bespoke trauma-informed training

24/7 support from social work team

Community involvement in Plymouth

Qualifications

• Experience as a safeguarding officer is a plus.
• Willingness to become self-employed.
• Ability to provide a dedicated bedroom.

Responsibilities

• Provide safety and emotional support to children.
• Work as part of a team to support children transitioning from care.
• Offer stability, love, and security to rebuild lives.

Skills

Support for children with emotional or behavioural needs

Emotional resilience

Reflective practice

Job description

Ready for a Change? Use Your Skills to Transform the 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 | Safeguarding | Child Protection

Is it time to use your skills differently? Whether you've worked as a safeguarding officer, protecting vulnerable children and supporting families through difficult times, 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.