Foster Carer - South Tyneside Council

North East Ambition; South Shields; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals to become Foster Carers, providing essential support to children in need. This rewarding role allows you to make a significant impact on young lives, offering a nurturing environment for children from diverse backgrounds. With flexible options for full-time or part-time fostering, you can balance this fulfilling role with your personal life. Comprehensive support and training are provided, along with financial allowances based on the child's age. Join a community that values compassion and commitment, and help shape brighter futures for children in South Tyneside.

Benefits

14 nights paid holiday annually

School uniform payments

Furnishing and equipment setup support

Mileage at 48p per mile

Discounted family activity passes

Free leisure center swimming

Specialized training and support groups

Dedicated social worker support

Recognition events

Progression programs to increase earnings

Qualifications

• Must be over 21 years old and have a spare bedroom.
• Ability to provide a nurturing environment for children.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and nurturing home for children in need.
• Support children from diverse backgrounds and varying needs.

Skills

Empathy

Communication Skills

Patience

Job description

Earn up to £26,416pa by looking after 1 child – (£508.00 per week)

Or up to £52,832pa by caring for two children – (£1016.00 per week)

(See full job description for salary details and benefits)

Foster Carer
South Tyneside Council

Further Information:

Children across South Tyneside need safe, nurturing homes. We seek highly motivated and dedicated individuals to become Foster Carers.

Our children come from diverse backgrounds, so we need carers who are as individual and varied as they are. We welcome applicants from all cultures, religions, ethnicities, and sexual orientations, whether single or in couples.

You can be a full-time carer or balance fostering with employment. We also welcome first-time parents and those with children or grandchildren.

Our children may need a home for a day, a year, or longer. Regardless of duration, your care will have a lasting impact on their lives.

Financial allowances support your care, whether short or long-term, with full support from our experienced fostering team based in South Shields.

We offer various fostering types to fit your lifestyle. Our recruitment team will help identify the best option for you.

Salary:

Foster Carers receive a weekly allowance based on the child's age, plus an additional carer payment. Details are as follows:

Fostering Allowances by Age:

• 0-2 years: £170.00
• 3-4 years: £176.00
• 5-10 years: £194.00
• 11-15 years: £220.00
• 16-17 years: £258.00

Foster Carer Payment Levels:

• Level 2: £250.00
• Level 3: £350.00
• Level 4: £450.00

Example:

If caring for two children aged 5 and 11, weekly earnings would be:

• Child 5: £194.00
• Child 11: £220.00
• Carer Payment for each child: £250.00

Total weekly pay: £914.00 (£47,528 pa)

Tax Exemption Info:

As a self-employed Foster Carer, you can claim:

• Tax exemption up to £19,360 per household
• Tax relief for each week you foster a child

This is called qualifying care relief, often resulting in no tax on earnings above the exemption amount.

You may also qualify for National Insurance credits towards your State Pension.

Further details: Help and support for foster parents in England: Tax arrangements - GOV.UK

Additional Benefits:

• Updated fee structure from £250 to £450 per child per week
• Progression programs to increase earnings
• Allowances based on child's age
• 14 nights paid holiday annually
• School uniform payments
• Furnishing and equipment setup support
• Mileage at 48p per mile
• Support models like the Mockingbird Family Model
• Training programs before and after fostering
• Access to specialized training and support groups
• Discounted family activity passes and free leisure center swimming
• Recognition events and dedicated social worker support

Requirements:

• Be over 21 years old
• Have a spare bedroom or willingness to have a child under 3 sleep in your room

*Children under 5 cannot be cared for in households with smokers.

Interested? Contact us at 07744 3250695 or 0191 4238500, or email [e-mail]. Visit http://campaigns.southtyneside.gov.uk/fostering for more info.