Foster Carer

Smiley & Co, Ltd.; Salford; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable fostering organization in Salford is seeking Foster Carers to provide support and care for children aged 5–18, especially those with complex needs. Ideal candidates should possess emotional resilience and experience managing challenging behavior. The role offers competitive compensation and extensive support and training.

Benefits

24/7 dedicated support

Full training and preparation programme

Peer support groups

Qualifications

• You must be aged 21 or over.
• Have a spare room available for a child.

Responsibilities

• Provide a supportive and nurturing environment for children.
• Assist children in healing and stabilizing their lives.

Skills

Emotional resilience and calm under pressure

Experience managing challenging behaviour

A trauma-informed or attachment-aware approach

Support for children with SEN or mental health needs

Patience, empathy, and consistency

Strong communication and teamwork

Job description

Join to apply for the Foster Carer role at Smiley & Co, Ltd.

Location: Salford
Salary: £39,104 – £42,848 per annum, (made up of £540 per week skills payment + £212–£284 weekly allowances, tax‑free)

Do you have a spare room, are you aged 21 or over, and do you want to use your professional experience in a different but truly life‑changing way? The organisation are looking for people with the heart, resilience, and skills to make a real difference as a Focus Foster Carer.

What is Focus Fostering?

Focus Fostering is a specialist form of fostering for children aged 5–18 who need solo placements. These young people often have complex needs and may have experienced several moves before. It can be challenging — but it's also one of the most rewarding roles you'll ever do. You'll be giving a child not just a home, but the chance to heal, stabilise, and thrive.

What Skills Do You Need?

• Emotional resilience and calm under pressure
• Experience managing challenging behaviour
• A trauma‑informed or attachment‑aware approach
• Support for children with SEN or mental health needs
• Patience, empathy, and consistency
• Strong communication and teamwork

What Support Will You Get?

• 24/7 support with a dedicated on‑call service
• Fortnightly visits as a minimum from your own social worker
• Full training and preparation programme
• Peer support groups and a strong network of carers
• Regular family fun days and community events
• Support and skills sessions including therapeutic parenting training

Plus

• Fostering Network membership
• Blue Light Card
• Company Shop membership

Why Join Them? This is fostering with purpose — where your professional experience and personal commitment can transform a young person's future. Whether you’re moving on from shift work in residential care, looking for a new path after social work, or wanting to use your skills from teaching or counselling in a fresh way, fostering could be the next step for you. This is more than fostering — it's a professional role with real rewards.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable organisation, please do not hesitate to apply.
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