At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people transitioning from care, using your therapeutic skills to foster growth and stability.
- Company: Join TACT Fostering and Bury Council, dedicated to transforming lives through compassionate care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous financial package, ongoing training, and 24/7 support while making a difference.
- Why this job: This role offers a unique chance to create lasting change in a child's life and build meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Must be a Paediatric Occupational Therapist with experience in therapeutic settings and full-time availability.
- Other info: Ideal for those without children under 16 at home; each situation considered individually.
The predicted salary is between 54704 - 54704 £ per year.
Become a Step Forward Foster Carer - A Life-Changing Opportunity for Paediatric Occupational Therapists.
Are you a Paediatric Occupational Therapist who is passionate about helping children and young people overcome challenges and thrive? You already have the dedication, patience, and commitment needed to make a profound difference in a young person’s life. We are looking for compassionate, resilient individuals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers, offering a safe, nurturing home to a young person transitioning from residential care. This is a unique opportunity to take the therapeutic skills you’ve developed and make a lasting, personal impact. This could be your most rewarding role yet, offering not just care, but a future full of hope.
What is Step Forward Fostering?
Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering project that helps young people who have faced trauma, loss, and instability transition from residential care into a caring family environment. These young people aren’t just looking for a place to stay; they need someone like you: a supportive adult who understands their needs, builds trust, and provides the consistency they’ve often lacked. As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you’ll be part of a supportive team, working alongside professionals who are there to guide you every step of the way. You’ll never be alone on this journey.
What You’ll Receive:
- Specialist Support:
- Your own Senior Practitioner offering regular guidance and supervision
- A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and your foster child
- A Hub Carer providing up to 28 days of planned short breaks every year
- 24/7 Out-of-Hours Support, ensuring you’re never alone
- Access to a network of other Step Forward Carers for peer support
- Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and understanding neurodevelopmental needs
- Therapeutic and psychological support to build on your existing skills
- GBP1,052 per week while you have a child placed with you (around GBP54,704 a year)
- GBP408 per week retainer between placements (up to GBP21,216 a year)
- Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations
- Tax exemptions specifically designed for foster carers
Is This You?
We are looking for Paediatric Occupational Therapists who are:
- Passionate about making a difference beyond their current role
- Skilled in building positive, trusting relationships with children and young people
- Resilient, empathetic, and committed to providing stability
- Ready to transfer their therapeutic skills to a family-based setting
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!
Please note: Ideally, applicants should not have children under 16 living at home, but we consider each family situation individually.
To Be Eligible, You’ll Need:
- Experience working with children, young people, or families in a therapeutic capacity
- Full-time availability and a spare bedroom
- A willingness to complete our professional training
- The right to work in the UK
Take the next step in your career and become a Step Forward Foster Carer. Your experience as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist could be the foundation for a truly life-changing role.
Foster Carer - Occupational Therapist employer: Sanctuary Personnel
Contact Detail:
Sanctuary Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Foster Carer - Occupational Therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with other professionals in the fostering and therapeutic fields. Attend workshops or seminars related to fostering or child psychology, as this can help you meet people who may have insights or connections that could lead to opportunities at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 2
Consider volunteering or shadowing in a fostering environment to gain firsthand experience. This not only enhances your understanding of the role but also demonstrates your commitment and passion for making a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed care practices. Being knowledgeable about these approaches will not only boost your confidence but also show potential employers that you are well-prepared to handle the complexities of fostering.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with online communities or forums focused on fostering and child welfare. Sharing experiences and learning from others can provide valuable insights and tips that may help you stand out during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Foster Carer - Occupational Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist. Focus on skills that are relevant to fostering, such as building relationships, resilience, and therapeutic techniques.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for fostering and how your background in occupational therapy equips you to support children transitioning from residential care. Share personal anecdotes if possible.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous work with children or young people, especially in therapeutic settings. Mention specific challenges you've helped them overcome and the impact you've made.
Showcase Your Commitment: Demonstrate your dedication to providing stability and care. Discuss your understanding of the complexities involved in fostering and your readiness to undertake the necessary training and support.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanctuary Personnel
✨Showcase Your Passion
Make sure to express your genuine passion for helping children and young people. Share specific examples from your experience as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist that highlight your dedication and commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare to discuss how you build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people. Use anecdotes that illustrate your ability to connect with them and provide the stability they need, which is crucial for a Step Forward Foster Carer.
✨Highlight Resilience and Empathy
Be ready to talk about situations where you've had to show resilience and empathy. This role requires a strong emotional foundation, so sharing personal stories of overcoming challenges will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Role's Unique Challenges
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by young people transitioning from residential care. Discuss how your therapeutic skills can be adapted to a family-based setting, showing that you understand the nuances of this unique opportunity.