Foster Carer - SEN Worker

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

Job summary

A social care agency in Plymouth is seeking individuals to become Step Forward Foster Carers. The role offers a chance to work closely with children who require stability and emotional support. Applicants should be ready to offer full-time care, ideally in a home without children under 12. This role provides comprehensive training and a weekly salary starting from £840 when a child is placed, along with various 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

24/7 out-of-hours support

Access to Mockingbird Fostering Model

Qualifications

• Experience as an SEN support worker or similar role.
• Willingness to become self-employed.
• Ability to provide full-time care and a dedicated bedroom.

Responsibilities

• Provide stability and emotional support to foster children.
• Assist young people transitioning out of residential care.
• Work as part of a supported team to help children heal and thrive.

Skills

Supporting children with emotional or behavioral needs

Emotional resilience

Reflective practice

Job description

Step Forward Foster Carer – Plymouth & Surrounding Areas

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

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 | Special Education | Therapeutic Support

Is it time to use your skills differently? Whether you've worked as an SEN support worker, helping children with additional needs overcome challenges and achieve their potential, 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.

What You’ll Receive as a Step Forward Foster Carer

• From £840 per 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 per 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?

• 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.