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Job DescriptionFor a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.Ready for a Change? Use Your Skills to Transform a Childs LifeSpecialist Therapeutic Foster Carer Bedford and Surrounding Areas Location: Bedford and surrounding areas Salary: 62,000 per year (plus additional allowances) Employment Type: Full-time | Self-employedTo foster in the UK, you must meet all of the following requirements:Be 21 years of age or overHave a spare, dedicated bedroom in your homeHave experience supporting children, young people, or vulnerable adults (professionally or personally)Be a British citizen or hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UKImportant Visa StatusWe are unable to accept applications from individuals who hold:EU Settled or Pre-Settled StatusGraduate visasSkilled Worker visasStudent visasHealth & Care Worker visasSpouse VisaAny other temporary or time-limited visaFostering requires permanent residency status in the UK.If you do not meet all of the above criteria, please do not apply, as your application will not be progressedIs It Time to Use Your Childcare Skills Differently?Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and part of a family. Right now, young people in Bedford Borough are living in residential care and need someone who can help them take the next step into a stable home where they can heal and thrive.If you have experience as a childminder, nanny, or working in residential care, education, health, youth work, or social care, you already have skills that could change a childs future. This role is not about providing a bedit is about offering consistency, kindness, and the belief that life can get better.As a Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer, you will welcome a young person into your home and provide full-time care, supported every step of the way by a dedicated local team.Why Choose Specialist Therapeutic Fostering?This specialist route is for people who want to make a profound difference. You will work as part of a trauma-informed team, helping children transition out of residential care into a safe family environment where they can build trust and independence.This role offers you the chance to transform a childs life while experiencing something life-changing yourself.What You Will Receive as a Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer62,000 per year plus 1,000 additional allowances for holidays and birthdaysUp to 28 days respite each yearSpecialist trauma-informed training and ongoing professional developmentClinical supervision and 24/7 out-of-hours supportPeer support networks, including access to the Mockingbird Constellation modelMembership of The Fostering NetworkBe part of a local fostering team that knows and values its carersCould This Be You?We are looking for individuals or couples who:Live in Bedford or the surrounding areaCan offer a dedicated bedroom for fostering a young personHave experience supporting children with emotional or behavioural needs (your childcare background as a childminder or nanny is highly relevant here)Are resilient, nurturing, and open to learningCan provide full-time care (at least one person at home if applying as a couple)Ideally, you will have no children under 12 living at home. Exceptions may apply depending on the childs needs.Please note fostering requires you to register as self-employed. You will be responsible for managing your own tax affairs and maintaining the necessary records related to the role.Is it Time for a Change?This is your opportunity to use your childcare skills in a way that truly matters. You will make a difference to a child, to your community, and to yourself. xjdpvnf Apply now to speak with our team and take the first step toward becoming a Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer for Bedford Borough.