Social Work jobs in United Kingdom

Are you a residential care worker, social worker, or someone who has supported vulnerable children through their toughest challenges? If so, we invite you to make a life-changing difference for a child in need.

Through Sanctuary Personnel’s partnership with TACT Fostering and Bury Council, Step Forward Fostering offers a truly unique opportunity for those with the right skills and passion: to foster a young person with complex needs, transitioning from residential care into the warmth and stability of a loving home.

This is fostering at its most meaningful – and it could be your most fulfilling and impactful chapter yet. It’s more than just a job; it’s a chance to change a life.

Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering initiative that supports young people who have experienced trauma, loss, and disruption, helping them transition from institutional care to safe, nurturing family homes where they can heal, grow, and thrive.

These children are not just looking for a home – they need a dedicated, emotionally intelligent adult who can guide them through the difficult process of rebuilding trust, learning essential life skills, and rediscovering what it means to be part of a family.

This is not a traditional fostering role. As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you will offer a child the stability they need while being fully supported by a team of specialists. You’ll also remain connected to your community, ensuring the child maintains ties while receiving the care they deserve.

And we are seeking exceptional individuals like you to make this a reality.

We understand that fostering a child with complex needs requires immense dedication, and we are here to ensure you have the support you need every step of the way.

• Dedicated Senior Practitioner for regular supervision and guidance
• Family Wellbeing Worker supporting you and the child
• Hub Carer offering 28 days of planned short breaks annually
• A peer network of other Step Forward Carers, providing mutual support
• Ongoing therapeutic training and psychological support to ensure you’re equipped to handle the challenges
• Advanced training in trauma-informed care and neurodevelopmental needs
• £1,052 per week when a child is placed (£54,860 per year)
• £420 per week retainer between placements
• Additional allowances for birthdays, holidays, and religious celebrations
• Access to favourable tax exemptions for foster carers

We’re seeking individuals who are emotionally intelligent, compassionate, and committed to providing a child with the care they need as they transition out of residential care and into a family home.

If you have experience in any of the following, you could be the perfect fit:

• Residential Care Work
• Social Work
• Youth Work or Family Support
• Or any role where you’ve supported vulnerable children through trauma or instability.

We ask that applicants don’t have children under 16 living at home, but we will assess each situation individually to ensure the best match for both the child and the foster family.

• Have experience working with vulnerable children.
• Be available full-time and offer a dedicated bedroom in your home for the child.
• Be committed to ongoing professional development and complete the necessary training and assessments.
• Have the right to work in the UK.

You’ve already shown your passion for helping young people. Now, as a Step Forward Foster Carer, you have the opportunity to make an even greater impact by welcoming a child into your home.

This role is about more than providing a roof over a child’s head – it’s about offering them the stability, love, and security they need to rebuild their lives.

Apply today and speak to our team about how you can become the healing presence a young person needs.

TACT (The Adolescent and Children’s Trust) is the UK’s largest dedicated fostering charity. With over 30 years of experience, our not-for-profit ethos ensures that every penny goes back into supporting carers and children. Our partnership with Bury Council ensures that local children stay within their communities, with expert carers helping them thrive.

Submit your details today and find out how fostering could be the most powerful and rewarding decision you’ll ever make.