Specialist Foster Carers

TACT (The Adolescent & Childrens Trust); Blyth; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training

Comprehensive support

Fostering tax exemptions

Job summary

TACT is inviting experienced and compassionate individuals to join its Step Forward fostering scheme as self-employed foster carers. This role focuses on providing a therapeutic, long-term family environment for young people transitioning from residential care.

You will receive generous fees, allowances, training, and 24/7 support to promote stability and thriving family life. Applicants must have relevant experience, provide a dedicated bedroom, and be willing to work full-time in fostering,

Qualifications

• Experience supporting vulnerable children in fostering, residential care, social work, youth work, SEN, or related fields.
• Must offer a dedicated bedroom in your home for a child.
• Must have the right to work in the UK.
• Commit full-time to fostering (no other employment).
• Willingness to undertake therapeutic and trauma-informed training.

Responsibilities

• Provide a therapeutic, long-term family environment for a child in foster care.
• Work as part of a team to support the child's needs.
• Participate in safeguarding and welfare procedures.

Skills

Experience supporting vulnerable""

Team collaboration

Willingness to undertake therapeutic &

Job description

Specialist Foster Carers

TACT is looking for experienced, compassionate, and resilient individuals to join our Step Forward fostering scheme – a specialist type of foster care designed to help young people transition from residential care to a stable and nurturing family environment.

This is not an employed role, but as a self-employed foster carer, you will receive generous professional fostering fees & allowances, full training, and comprehensive support.

What is Step Forward Fostering?

Step Forward Foster Care is for young people who have been in residential care and need a therapeutic, long-term family environment. These young people may have complex needs, have experienced trauma or disruption, and will be the only foster child in your home. You will play a vital role in helping them achieve stability, security and the opportunity to thrive in family life.

Where is Step Forward Fostering Available

• South West - Specifically Bristol, Gloucestershire and Bath
• West Midlands - Specifically Birmingham, Sandwell and Dudley
• North West - Specifically Greater Manchester & Liverpool, and
• Wales - Specifically Cardiff

Financial Stability & Recognition

• Up to £54,704 per year (£1,052 per week) when a child is placed
• £408 per week retainer (£21,216 per year) between placements
• Additional payments and allowances available
• Special fostering tax exemptions, meaning lower tax compared to most employed roles

Qualifications and Experience

• Have experience supporting vulnerable children (some relevant roles may include work in fostering, residential care, social work, youth work, SEN work, care work, therapeutic work or similar)
• Be able to offer a dedicated bedroom in your home for a child
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Commit full-time to fostering (without other employment)
• Work as part of a team to support the child’s needs
• Willingness to undertake therapeutic and trauma-informed training

The Support You’ll Receive

• A dedicated Senior Practitioner for guidance and supervision
• A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and the child
• Planned breaks – 28 days per year with the help of a Hub Carer
• Access to a network of specialist foster carers for peer support
• Comprehensive training, including therapeutic and neurodevelopmental courses
• Psychological consultations and access to specialist therapeutic input
• 24/7 out-of-hours support whenever you need it

Foster carers are self-employed and subject to fostering regulations and approval processes, including checks, training, and assessment.

TACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all foster carers to share this commitment