Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer - Occupational Therapist - Bedford - Sanctuary Personal

Sanctuary Personnel Ltd; Bedford; On-site; GBP 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A fostering organization in Bedford is seeking Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carers to provide full-time care for young people transitioning from residential care. The role requires experience in occupational therapy or related fields. Carers will receive a competitive salary of £62,000 along with additional allowances, professional training, and 24/7 support. Ideal candidates will be nurturing and resilient, able to offer a dedicated bedroom for the child in need.

Benefits

£1,000 additional allowances for holidays and birthdays

Up to 28 days respite each year

Specialist trauma-informed training

Clinical supervision and 24/7 support

Peer support networks

Membership of The Fostering Network

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with emotional or behavioral needs.
• Ability to offer a dedicated bedroom for fostering.
• Resilience, nurturing nature, and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Provide full-time care to a young person in your home.
• Work as part of a trauma-informed team.
• Help children transition from residential care to a family environment.

Skills

Occupational therapy

Experience in residential care

Support for emotional or behavioral needs

Job description

Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer – Occupational Therapist

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

Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer – Bedford and Surrounding Areas
Location: Bedford and surrounding areas
Salary: £62,000 per year (plus additional allowances)
Employment Type: Full-time | Self-employed

Is It Time to Use Your Occupational Therapy Skills Differently?

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and part of a family. Right now, young people in Bedford Borough are living in residential care and need someone who can help them take the next step into a stable home where they can heal and thrive.

If you have experience in occupational therapy, residential care, education, health, youth work, or social care, you already have skills that could change a child’s future. This role is not about providing a bed—it is about offering consistency, kindness, and the belief that life can get better.

As a Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer, you will welcome a young person into your home and provide full-time care, supported every step of the way by a dedicated local team.

Why Choose Specialist Therapeutic Fostering?

This specialist route is for people who want to make a profound difference. You will work as part of a trauma-informed team, helping children transition out of residential care into a safe family environment where they can build trust and independence.

This role offers you the chance to transform a child’s life while experiencing something life-changing yourself.

What You Will Receive as a Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer

• £62,000 per year plus £1,000 additional allowances for holidays and birthdays
• Up to 28 days respite each year
• Specialist trauma-informed training and ongoing professional development
• Clinical supervision and 24/7 out-of-hours support
• Peer support networks, including access to the Mockingbird Constellation model
• Membership of The Fostering Network
• Be part of a local fostering team that knows and values its carers

Could This Be You?

We are looking for individuals or couples who:

• Live in Bedford or the surrounding area
• Can offer a dedicated bedroom for fostering a young person
• Have experience supporting children with emotional or behavioural needs (your occupational therapy background is highly relevant here)
• Are resilient, nurturing, and open to learning
• Can provide full-time care (at least one person at home if applying as a couple)

Ideally, you will have no children under 12 living at home. Exceptions may apply depending on the child’s needs.

Please note – fostering requires you to register as self-employed. You will be responsible for managing your own tax affairs and maintaining the necessary records related to the role.

Is it Time for a Change?

This is your opportunity to use your occupational therapy skills in a way that truly matters. You will make a difference to a child, to your community, and to yourself.

Apply now to speak with our team and take the first step toward becoming a Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer for Bedford Borough.

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