Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer - Safeguarding Officer

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

Job summary

A fostering agency is seeking Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carers in Bedford and surrounding areas. In this role, you will provide full-time care to children, supporting their transition from residential care into a nurturing family environment. Applicants should have experience in safeguarding and the ability to offer a dedicated bedroom. The position offers a salary of £62,000 per year and additional allowances. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a child's life.

Benefits

£1,000 additional allowances

Up to 28 days respite each year

Specialist trauma-informed training

Clinical supervision and 24/7 support

Peer support networks

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with safeguarding, child protection, or welfare needs.
• Ability to offer a dedicated bedroom for fostering.
• Ideally no children under 12 living at home; exceptions may apply.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Experience supporting children with safeguarding needs

Resilience

Nurturing

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

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, independence, and resilience. This role is not about providing a bed; it is about offering safety, consistency, and the belief that life can get better. You will welcome a young person into your home and provide full-time care, supported by a dedicated local team.

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

What We Are Looking For

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 safeguarding, child protection, or welfare 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.

Is This You?

This is your opportunity to use your safeguarding 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.