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- Tasks: Provide a nurturing home for young people transitioning from residential care.
- Company: Join TACT, a leading fostering organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Earn up to £54,704 per year plus generous allowances and tax exemptions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while receiving comprehensive support and training.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable children and a commitment to full-time fostering required.
- Other info: Enjoy planned breaks, 24/7 support, and a network of fellow foster carers.
Specialist Foster Carer
Experience, qualification, and soft skills, have you got everything required to succeed in this opportunity Find out below.
Location: Greater Manchester
Contract Type: Self-Employed
Fostering Fees: Up to £54,704 per year (£1,052 per week) when a child is placed £408 per week (£21,216 per year) between placements
TACT is looking for experienced, compassionate, and resilient individuals to join our Step Forward fostering scheme – a specialist type of foster care designed to help young people transition from residential care to a stable and nurturing family environment.
This is not an employed role, but as a self-employed foster carer, you will receive generous professional fostering fees & allowances, full training, and comprehensive support.
What is Step Forward Fostering?
Step Forward Foster Care is for young people who have been in residential care and need a therapeutic, long-term family environment. These young people may have complex needs, have experienced trauma or disruption, and will be the only foster child in your home. You will play a vital role in helping them achieve stability, security and the opportunity to thrive in family life.
Financial Stability & Recognition
We value your dedication and expertise – and ensure you are rewarded fairly:
* Up to £54,704 per year (£1,052 per week) when a child is placed
* £408 per week retainer (£21,216 per year) between placements
* Additional payments and allowances available
* Special fostering tax exemptions, meaning lower tax compared to most employed roles
Qualifications and Experience
We’re looking for people who can commit to this life-changing role. To be eligible, you must:
* Have experience supporting vulnerable children (some relevant roles may include work in fostering, residential care, social work, youth work, SEN work, care work, therapeutic work or similar)
* Be able to offer a dedicated bedroom in your home for a child
* Have the right to work in the UK
* Commit full-time to fostering (without other employment)
* Work as part of a team to support the child’s needs
* Willingness to undertake therapeutic and trauma-informed training
The Support You’ll Receive
We know this is a specialist role – which is why we offer outstanding support and training so you’ll never feel alone on your fostering journey:
* A dedicated Senior Practitioner for guidance and supervision
* A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and the child
* Planned breaks – 28 days per year with the help of a Hub Carer
* Access to a network of specialist foster carers for peer support
* Comprehensive training, including therapeutic and neurodevelopmental courses
* Psychological consultations and access to specialist therapeutic input
* 24/7 out-of-hours support whenever you need it
How to apply Interested in finding out more? We’d love to hear from you.
Foster carers are self-employed and subject to fostering regulations and approval processes, including checks, training, and assessment. TACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all foster carers to share this commitment
Specialist Foster Carer employer: TACT (The Adolescent & Childrens Trust)
Contact Detail:
TACT (The Adolescent & Childrens Trust) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Foster Carer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the fostering community or related fields. You never know who might have a lead on a great opportunity or can offer valuable advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local fostering events or workshops. This is a fantastic way to meet other foster carers and professionals, plus it shows your commitment to the role and helps you learn more about the fostering landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t hesitate to showcase your experience! When chatting with potential agencies or during interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported vulnerable children. It’s all about demonstrating your skills and passion.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to get started on your fostering journey. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to prepare for the application process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Foster Carer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about fostering.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any experience you have with vulnerable children or in similar roles. We’re looking for compassionate individuals, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills and resilience.
Tailor Your Application: Read the job description carefully and tailor your application to match what we’re looking for. Use keywords from the description to show that you understand the role and how you fit into our Step Forward fostering scheme.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important information about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at TACT (The Adolescent & Childrens Trust)
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Specialist Foster Carer and the Step Forward fostering scheme. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of young people transitioning from residential care and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these requirements.
✨Show Your Compassion
This role requires a lot of empathy and resilience. Be prepared to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your ability to support vulnerable children. Demonstrating your compassion will show that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely invested in making a difference.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the support and training provided, as well as the challenges faced by foster carers. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key! The interviewers want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your motivations for becoming a foster carer and what drives you to support young people in need.
