Specialist Pause and Reflect Foster Carer
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Social Work
Mental Health, Family Advocacy & Support Services, Crisis Counselor -
Healthcare
Mental Health, Family Advocacy & Support Services, Crisis Counselor
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Become a Specialist Pause and Reflect Foster Carer
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Role Type: Full-Time | Short-Term Therapeutic Fostering | Transformational Impact
Could you offer a safe and stable home to a child in crisis?
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is recruiting Specialist Pause and Reflect (PAR) Foster Carers to provide vital short-term care for children and young people with complex needs.
Pause and Reflect (PAR) placements provide care for up to 28 days while longer-term arrangements are assessed. These young people may be new to care, arriving in emergency situations, or waiting for a suitable longer-term foster home. You’ll provide them with calm, compassionate care during a time of intense uncertainty, helping them feel safe, heard, and supported.
What Is Pause and Reflect Care?- Short-term placements (up to 28 days)
- Often made with little or no notice
- Children may be of any age, and often have experienced trauma or instability
- Care focuses on stability, therapeutic support, and clear boundaries
- You’ll work closely with a multi-agency team to help assess and plan next steps
We’re seeking individuals or couples who are:
- Experienced in supporting children or young people, especially those with trauma or high-risk behaviours
- Able to provide full-time care (24/7) including during emergencies
- Over 21, living in the UK with a spare bedroom and a stable home environment
- Emotionally resilient, flexible, and reflective
- Strong communicators who can work as part of a professional team
- Willing to complete ongoing therapeutic training
- Understanding of safeguarding and adolescent risks (e.g. exploitation, mental health, substance misuse)
- Car users essential
- Specialist therapeutic training and ongoing development
- A dedicated key worker and enhanced supervision
- Peer support groups
- 24/7 standby support from our emergency duty team
- Coordination with multi-agency professionals
- Competitive professional fostering fee (up to 52 weeks per year)
- Age-related maintenance allowance
- Paid 14-day break after every 56 days of active PAR care
- Celebration allowances (e.g. birthdays, Christmas)
- Initial setup and clothing allowance
- Mileage allowance
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