Foster Carer - Occupational Therapist

Job Title: NEST Foster Carer - Help a Young Person Build a More Stable Future

Location: Warwickshire (within 20 miles of county borders)

Employer: Warwickshire Council in partnership with Sanctuary Personnel

Salary: up to £55,000 per year, per child (age dependent), plus additional allowances

Employment Type: Full-time | Self-employed
Sectors: Social Care | Education | Healthcare

Foster Carer for Children Leaving Residential Care

Warwickshire County Council is recruiting NEST (Nurturing Environments for Supported Transitions) Foster Carers who can provide a safe, supportive family home for children and young people, within the area who are ready to transition from residential care.

For many children, residential care has offered safety at a difficult time. The next step is about something more lasting, somewhere they can settle, build relationships and feel part of family life. As a NEST Foster Carer, you will help create the stability, routine and support a young person needs to move forward with confidence.

We are looking for people with professional experience and demonstrable skills in supporting children, young people or vulnerable adults, particularly those who present higher level support needs, who can use these skills differently to support children and young people to settle into family life again. Whether you've worked as an Occupational Therapist-helping individuals develop skills for daily living and independence-you could change a child's life in ways you never imagined.

What the NEST Foster Carer Role Involves:

* Full-time care for a young person transitioning from residential care
* Creating a stable home environment with clear routines and boundaries
* Supporting emotional, behavioural and social development
* Encouraging engagement with education, hobbies and daily activities
* Working alongside social workers, educators and other professionals
* Keeping accurate records and supporting care plans
* Promoting safe and appropriate family connections

Who Can Apply to Become a NEST Foster Carer?

We welcome enquiries from experienced individuals and/or couples who:

* Are aged 21+ who have the legal Right to Work in the United Kingdom (see definition below)
* Can provide full-time care in their home (at least one carer must be present on a full-time basis if applying as a couple)
* Have at least one spare bedroom that can be dedicated to fostering
* Can demonstrate professional experience supporting children, young people, or adults who present with higher level support needs

Do You Have the Right to Work in the United Kingdom?

All Foster Carers must have the legal right to work in the UK.

You automatically have the right if you are:

* British or Irish Passport Holder
* Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
* Pre Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
* Granted Indefinite Leave to Remain permit

You will need to prove your right to work with original documents, such as a passport or Home Office documentation before starting an application.

Financial Support and Benefits

NEST Foster Carers receive financial and practical support that reflects the commitment and skill involved.

This includes:

* Up to £50,000 per year per child (up to age 15), rising to up to £55,000 (ages 16-17)
* A weekly age-related fostering allowance, increasing annually*
* Additional payments for holidays, birthdays and celebrations*
* A weekly retainer paid from the start of the child's transition plan
* A one off £500 payment following your first year of fostering, based on a successful annual review and having a child in your care.

Speak to our foster team about the additional ongoing support
*In line with age-related national guidance

Training and Support

You will receive structured training and a strong package of ongoing support.

This includes:

* A dedicated Supervising Social Worker and Family Support Worker to support you with your induction to fostering and ongoing development.
* Enhanced Therapeutic support through a dedicated team of professionals for the first 16 weeks of a child being placed. Access to therapeutic advice, including clinical consultation where required.
* Access to ongoing support, including out-of-hours support when necessary, along with up to 14 funded overnight stays annually.
* Consultation support from a Commissioned Psychology Service, if required.
* Ongoing fostering development training, both face to face and online, with bespoke input available.
* Peer support through experienced local NEST Foster Carers.

You will also have access to wider support services, including advice, out of hours support and opportunities to connect through local events and networks.

Take the First Step into Fostering with Warwickshire County Council
Becoming a NEST Foster Carer starts with a conversation, no pressure, just the opportunity to explore and learn more.

Our friendly and experienced fostering team will guide you through every stage, offering clear advice, training and ongoing support.

If you feel you could offer a stable, caring home, we would like to hear from you.

Please Note: Progression is subject to background checks, assessment, and full fostering panel approval.

Start Your Enquiry Today