Specialist Pause and Reflect Foster Carer

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional council in the UK is recruiting Specialist Pause and Reflect Foster Carers to offer short-term care for children in crisis. Applicants should be over 21, have experience with children in traumatic situations, and provide full-time care. The role includes specialist training and ongoing support, alongside a competitive fostering fee and other benefits. Join us in making a difference to young lives during critical times.

Benefits

Specialist therapeutic training

24/7 standby support

Paid breaks

Celebration allowances

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting children or young people, especially those with trauma or high-risk behaviours.
• Able to provide full-time care (24/7) including during emergencies.
• Over 21, living in the UK with a spare bedroom and a stable home environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide calm, compassionate care to children in crisis.
• Work closely with a multi-agency team to plan next steps.
• Complete ongoing therapeutic training.

Skills

Supporting children with trauma

Strong communication

Emotional resilience

Flexibility

Job description

Become a Specialist Pause and Reflect Foster Carer

Location: Stoke-on-Trent

Role Type: Full-Time | Short-Term Therapeutic Fostering | Transformational Impact

Could you offer a safe and stable home to a child in crisis?

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is recruiting Specialist Pause and Reflect (PAR) Foster Carers to provide vital short-term care for children and young people with complex needs.

Pause and Reflect (PAR) placements provide care for up to 28 days while longer-term arrangements are assessed. These young people may be new to care, arriving in emergency situations, or waiting for a suitable longer-term foster home. You’ll provide them with calm, compassionate care during a time of intense uncertainty, helping them feel safe, heard, and supported.

What Is Pause and Reflect Care?

Short-term placements (up to 28 days). Often made with little or no notice. Children may be of any age, and often have experienced trauma or instability. Care focuses on stability, therapeutic support, and clear boundaries. You’ll work closely with a multi-agency team to help assess and plan next steps.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking individuals or couples who are:

• Experienced in supporting children or young people, especially those with trauma or high-risk behaviours
• Able to provide full-time care (24/7) including during emergencies
• Over 21, living in the UK with a spare bedroom and a stable home environment
• Emotionally resilient, flexible, and reflective
• Strong communicators who can work as part of a professional team
• Willing to complete ongoing therapeutic training
• Understanding of safeguarding and adolescent risks (e.g. exploitation, mental health, substance misuse)
• Car users essential

What We Offer

• Specialist therapeutic training and ongoing development
• A dedicated key worker and enhanced supervision
• Peer support groups
• 24/7 standby support from our emergency duty team
• Coordination with multi-agency professionals

Fees & Benefits

• Competitive professional fostering fee (up to 52 weeks per year)
• Age-related maintenance allowance
• Paid 14-day break after every 56 days of active PAR care
• Celebration allowances (e.g. birthdays, Christmas)
• Initial setup and clothing allowance
• Mileage allowance

Interested?

If you’re compassionate, resilient, and want to make a real difference in a young person’s life, we want to hear from you.

Apply now to become a Specialist Pause and Reflect Foster Carer:

email: [e-mail]

telephone: [phone]

web: fostering.stoke.gov.uk