Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer - Psychologist

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

Job summary

A local fostering agency is seeking a Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer in Bedford to provide full-time care for young people with emotional and behavioral challenges. The role offers £62,000 per year, along with additional allowances and specialist training. Ideal candidates will have experience in supporting children, live in the Bedford area, and provide a dedicated bedroom for fostering. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful change in a child's life while being part of a supportive community.

Benefits

Additional £1,000 for holidays and birthdays

Up to 28 days respite each year

Clinical supervision and support

Specialist training and development

Peer support networks

Qualifications

• Ability to provide a dedicated bedroom for fostering.
• Experience supporting children or young people with psychological needs.
• Registration as self-employed required.

Responsibilities

• Provide full-time care to a young person.
• Work as part of a trauma-informed team.
• Assist children in transitioning from residential care.

Skills

Experience supporting children with emotional and behavioural challenges

Nurturing and resilient attitude

Openness to learning

Job description

Overview

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

About the role

Ready for a Change? Use Your Skills to Transform a Child's Life. If you have experience as a Psychologist, supporting children or young people through emotional, behavioural, or mental health challenges, you already have skills that could change a child's future. This role is not about providing a bed. It is about offering consistency, understanding, 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 this role

• 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, resilience, and independence.
• This role offers you the chance to transform a child's life while experiencing something life-changing yourself.

What you will receive

• £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

Who we are looking for

• Live in Bedford or the surrounding area
• Can offer a dedicated bedroom for fostering a young person
• Have experience supporting children or young people with emotional, behavioural, or psychological needs
• 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.

Apply

Is it Time for a Change? This is your opportunity to use your psychology 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