Become a Step Forward Foster Carer - A Life-Changing Opportunity for Rehabilitation Officers

Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council

Are you a Rehabilitation Officer dedicated to helping people regain independence, rebuild confidence, and navigate complex needs? You already have the compassion, patience, and practical expertise to make a life-changing difference in a young person's life.

We are looking for calm, resilient professionals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers — offering a safe, stable home to a young person transitioning from residential care. This is your opportunity to take your problem-solving and person-centred support skills into a nurturing family environment, where you can make a lasting personal impact.

What is Step Forward Fostering?

Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering programme that helps young people who have experienced trauma, instability, and loss move from residential care into a secure and supportive home.

These young people aren't just looking for a place to stay — they need someone like you: a reliable adult who understands how to build trust, offer structure, and support individual needs with care and confidence.

As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you'll be part of a wraparound support network. You'll never be alone on this journey.

What You'll Receive:

Supporting a young person with complex needs takes dedication — so we ensure you're fully supported both emotionally and financially.

Specialist Support:

A dedicated Senior Practitioner providing supervision and regular support
A Family Wellbeing Worker to help both you and the young person in your care
A Hub Carer offering up to 28 days of planned short breaks per year
24/7 Out-of-Hours Support
Peer support from a network of other Step Forward Carers
Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and neurodevelopmental awareness
Access to therapeutic and psychological support
Financial Package:

We provide generous allowances so you can focus on delivering consistent, meaningful care.

£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)
Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations
Tax exemptions specifically for foster carers
Is This You?

We are looking for Rehabilitation Officers who are:

Experienced in supporting people with complex needs, disabilities, or sensory impairments
Skilled in helping individuals develop independence and self-confidence
Calm, empathetic, and committed to building trust
Ready to bring their care experience into a family-based environment
If this sounds like you, we'd 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:

Full-time availability and a spare bedroom
A willingness to complete our professional training
The right to work in the UK
If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you