Become a Step Forward Foster Carer - A Life-Changing Opportunity for Assistant Psychologists

Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council

Are you an Assistant Psychologist passionate about supporting individuals with complex emotional and psychological needs? You already have the insight, patience, and empathy needed to make a life-changing difference in a young person's life.

We are looking for reflective, emotionally intelligent individuals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers — offering a safe, therapeutic home to a young person transitioning from residential care. This is a unique opportunity to take your academic and practical experience and apply it in the most meaningful way — building a secure future for a young person in need.

What is Step Forward Fostering?

Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering project that supports young people who've experienced trauma, instability, and loss, helping them move from residential care into a safe and supportive home environment.

These young people aren't just seeking accommodation — they need someone like you: a trusted adult who understands emotional needs, builds secure relationships, and supports recovery over time.

As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you'll be part of a multi-disciplinary team with full professional backing. You'll never be alone on this journey.

What You'll Receive:

Caring for a young person with complex emotional and behavioural needs requires robust support — and that's exactly what we offer.

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 each year
24/7 Out-of-Hours Support
Peer support from other Step Forward Carers
Ongoing training in trauma-informed care, attachment, and neurodevelopment
Therapeutic and psychological support aligned with your clinical knowledg
Financial Package:

We provide generous financial support so you can focus entirely on fostering and creating a safe, healing environment.

£1,052 per week while a child is placed with you (around £54,704 per year)
£408 per week retainer between placements (up to £21,216 annually)
Additional allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations
Tax exemptions designed for foster carers
Is This You?

We are looking for Assistant Psychologists who are:

Passionate about child development, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing
Skilled in building positive, trauma-informed relationships
Calm, resilient, and able to apply psychological thinking to everyday care
Ready to use their professional understanding in a more personal setting
To Be Eligible, You'll Need:

Experience working with children, young people, or vulnerable individuals in a psychology or mental health setting
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 Paramedic could be the foundation for a truly life-changing role