Position
Foster Carer at Smiley & Co, Ltd.
Location and Salary
Location: Salford
Salary: £39,104 – £42,848 per annum (made up of £540 per week skills payment + £212–£284 weekly allowances, tax‑free)
Job Description
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 is looking for people with 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.
Skills You Need
If you’ve worked in Residential care, education, SEN, social work, CAMHS, counselling, youth work, or with children with disabilities, you may already have the transferable skills they’re looking for.
They Value People Who Can Offer
* 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.
How 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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