Become a Step Forward Foster Carer A Life-Changing Opportunity for Paediatric Occupational Therapists
Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council
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:
We understand that caring for a young person with complex needs is a significant commitment. That s why we provide comprehensive support both emotionally and financially.
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
Financial Package:
We recognise the commitment it takes to support a young person with complex needs and offer a generous financial package to help you focus fully on providing stability and care.
- £1,052 per week while you have a child placed with you (around £54,704 a year)
- £408 per week retainer between placements (up to £21,216 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.