Job reference
410345
Company Name
Salary
£39,104 - 42,828 per year + Tax free allowance
Location
Manchester, Greater Manchester, England
Industry sector
Social Care
Job type
Permanent | Full Time
Job start date
ASAP
Posted date
13/01/2026
Closing date
10/02/2026
Could You Be a Focus Foster Carer?
Join Our Vibrant Service as a Focus Foster Carer
£39,104 - £42,848 per year
(made up of £540 per week skills payment + £212-£284 weekly allowances, tax-free)
Do you have a spare room , live in Salford (Greater Manchester or within a commutable distance) are you aged 21 or over , and do you want to use your professional experience in a different but truly life-changing way?
We're 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, living within your home . 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?
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 we're looking for.
We 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?
You'll never do this alone. As a Focus Foster Carer, you'll receive:
* 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 Us?
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 .
Interested?
To find out more or express your interest.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Salford City Council (Fostering), please proceed through the following link to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
https://www.salford.gov.uk/fostering