Job Introduction
Therapeutic Childcare Worker
Vacancies in Acle (NR13) and Stalham & Brumstead (NR12), Norfolk
Real relationships. Real change. Work that matters.
Most childcare roles are about shifts and schedules. This one is about being a steady, therapeutic presence in the lives of children who have experienced trauma — using the principles of Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) and PACE (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy) to help them feel safe, understood and ready to thrive. As a Therapeutic Childcare Worker with Clover Childcare Services, part of Silver Birch Care Holdings, you will work shift by shift alongside your Senior TRCW, Assistant Team Manager and Registered Manager to therapeutically re-parent the children in our care.
We are recruiting across our homes in Acle (NR13) and Stalham & Brumstead (NR12). If you are patient, resilient, and committed to giving children the consistency and care they deserve — we want to hear from you.
This post attracts an additional payment of approximately £3,000.00 per annum for sleep-in shifts, and additional hours are often available.
What You'll Own
You will support the emotional, physical and developmental needs of the children in your home, across five key areas:
Therapeutic Care & Relationships
- Provide high-quality, day-to-day childcare on a shift basis, assisting the shift lead or Senior TRCW
- Use the principles of PACE (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy) to therapeutically re-parent children
- Build a working knowledge of Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) and apply it consistently in daily practice
- Undertake a keyworker role with children as required, and — where selected by the Therapy Practice Forum — act as an attachment figure in therapy, including completing an Adult Attachment Interview where required
Care Planning, Meetings & Partnership Working
- Contribute to children's care plans, their review and implementation
- Ensure children's views and wishes are sought and acted upon where appropriate
- Attend Statutory Reviews, planning meetings and other childcare meetings as agreed by the Registered Manager, representing the organisation professionally
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with Social Workers, Independent Reviewing Officers, the Virtual School and other placing-authority professionals
- Attend and contribute to team meetings, including monthly psychiatry consultations
- Where necessary, support children's education, including supporting the delivery of education at home
Records, Practice & Compliance
- Keep high-quality records and produce reports within required timeframes
- Adhere to Clover Childcare Services' 'Positive Care' policy, including physical measures of control and how to keep children and adults safe
- Keep abreast of changes in policy, practice, legislation and research relating to residential childcare
- Build a working knowledge of the Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards
- Meet the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, including reporting maintenance issues promptly to a line manager
- Deliver services in line with Company policies and procedures, and our commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and quality assurance
Shift Working, Keyworking & Flexibility
- Undertake sleep-in duties on a rota basis, including weekends
- Work flexibly across 365 days of the year and 7 days a week as required, including bank holidays and Christmas
- Adhere to the dress code set out in the staff handbook
Training & Development
- Undertake mandatory training, including the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, legally required within two years of employment for those without an equivalent qualification
- Prepare for and engage fully with supervision to get the best out of the process
- Undertake other appropriate duties as required by the Directors of Clover Childcare Services Ltd
What We're Looking For
You'll need:
- A genuine commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
- Patience, resilience and a calm, consistent presence with children who have experienced trauma
- Willingness to work toward, or already hold, a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
- Strong written communication skills for care plans, records and reports
- The flexibility to work shifts, sleep-ins, weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis
- A team-focused approach and willingness to engage openly in supervision and training
Desirable:
- Previous experience in a residential childcare, foster care, youth work or similar caring role
- Awareness or experience of Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP), PACE, or other trauma-informed and attachment-focused approaches
- A full, clean UK driving licence, given the location of our homes
Working in a Care Environment
This role operates within children's residential homes. You will be required to:
- Hold an Enhanced DBS check
- Maintain high standards of confidentiality at all times
- Demonstrate an awareness of safeguarding responsibilities
- Present as calm and professional around vulnerable young people and home staff
These are not optional extras — they are core to how we work.
What We Offer
Build Your Career
- Fully funded qualifications, including your Level 3 Diploma, and clear pathways for progression
- Ongoing learning and development through structured programmes and hands-on experience
- Opportunities to step up, take on responsibility, and grow within the organisation
Feel Supported
- 24/7 access to confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme
- OnDemand GP access
- Private medical insurance
- A strong team culture where people support each other day-to-day
Work That Works for You
- 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays), increasing with service
- Celebrate your birthday!
- Wellbeing days to support staff when needed
- Sick pay
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food, and employee discount schemes
- On-site parking (where available)
Be Part of Something Bigger
- Opportunities to get involved in our international projects, including trips to Tanzania supporting local communities
- A values-led organisation focused on making a genuine difference — not just commercially, but socially
The Essentials
- Pension with NEST
- Access to discounts via Sage Employee Benefits and Blue Light Card
- Employee referral bonus scheme
- Long service recognition awards
- Relaxed dress code (subject to home requirements)
Pay & Job Details
- Pay: £26,364.00–£29,304.60 per year, depending on experience and qualification, plus approximately £3,000.00 per annum for sleep-in shifts
- Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
- Work Location: In person — no remote working
About Silver Birch Care (Holdings) Limited
Silver Birch Care Holdings is a leading provider of high-quality education, supported accommodation, residential care, and specialist support for children and young people aged 5 to 25 across the UK.
We are a family owned provider, driven by our commitment to care. This makes us different from other organisations in the sector. Because we are not owned by venture capital investors or corporate shareholders, we reinvest any surplus funds into our services and support charities around the world.
Through our family of services — including Silver Birch Care, Silver Birch Care (Residential Services), The Beeches, Benecare, and Clover Childcare Services, alongside our two independent specialist schools — we operate more than 60 children's homes and supported living services across London, Peterborough, Northampton, Kent, and Norfolk.
We are proud that Clover Childcare Services is the UK's first Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) Residential Certified Organisation, reflecting our strong commitment to trauma-informed and attachment-focused care.
Working in partnership with over 60 local authorities, we support children and young people to overcome challenges, celebrate their achievements, and build the skills they need to live safe, happy, and fulfilling lives. Our experienced and dedicated teams nurture every individual, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and valued.
Safeguarding
Silver Birch Care Holdings is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. Appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with Ofsted regulations. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained.
