Most social work roles leave you drowning in paperwork, disconnected from the real impact you're making. This is different. You'll join a specialist therapeutic service where every single day, you're helping children who've survived complex trauma learn to trust again, heal, and build a future in a family. This isn't social work as usual
Imagine working somewhere the whole team speaks the same language about trauma-informed care. Every staff member in this service is extensively trained in therapeutic parenting using the PACE model - Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy. The children you'll work with, aged 6 to 12, have experienced sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or bereavement. They arrive guarded, dysregulated, sometimes showing inappropriate sexual behaviours or signs of attachment disorder. But within an 18-month period in this homely, welcoming environment, they transform. They learn what safety feels like. They begin to trust. They develop the skills to move forward into family placements
You won't be alone in this work. You'll be part of a multi-disciplinary clinical team embedded within the homes themselves. There's a dedicated education service with two specialist SEMH schools, and therapeutic parents trained to make every interaction healing. You'll have access to clinical supervision and reflective practice sessions - the real stuff that stops you burning out and keeps you sharp. The service operates 11 homes across Shropshire and the Midlands, supporting up to 55 children at any one time
With over 20 years' experience, this provider knows how to prevent the cycle of placement breakdown. Ofsted has rated their complex trauma homes as Outstanding in seven consecutive inspections - that's not luck, that's a rigorous, proven approach. You'll be joining a team that measures success not in ticked boxes, but in children who leave them ready to thrive in family environments. That's the work that sticks with you
What you will be doing
- Provide social work assessment and care coordination for children aged 6-12 who have experienced complex trauma, working as part of the multi-disciplinary clinical team
- Develop and implement therapeutic support plans that address both immediate and long-term consequences of maltreatment and trauma
- Work collaboratively with therapeutic parents, education staff and clinicians to ensure every interaction with each child is therapeutic in nature
- Support children's progress through their healing journey using trauma-informed practice, recording and tracking outcomes across social, educational, psychological and wellbeing domains
- Maintain strong communication with referral sources, families and partner agencies to facilitate successful transitions into family placements after the 18-month placement period
Why you will love working here
- Work for a provider with genuine expertise and proven outcomes - seven consecutive Ofsted Outstanding ratings speak to a culture where you'll actually see children heal and move into family placements successfully
- Access regular clinical supervision and reflective practice - your wellbeing and professional development are built into the service, not bolt-ons
- Join 11 homes with a shared therapeutic philosophy, so whether you work across different settings or deepen practice in one, you're part of a coherent, knowledgeable team
- Develop real expertise in complex trauma and therapeutic parenting approaches - this is specialist work that will strengthen your social work practice for whatever comes next in your career
Is this you?
- You're a qualified social worker (or working towards qualification) with a genuine passion for children who've experienced complex trauma - not just the label, but the real human stories behind it
- You understand therapeutic approaches and are curious about evidence-based models like PACE - you're willing to learn and reflect on what works
- You're a team player who thrives in multi-disciplinary environments where clinical supervision and reflective practice are part of the rhythm of your week
- You communicate clearly with families, children and professionals - you can hold difficult conversations and build trust with vulnerable young people
- You're based in or willing to work across Shropshire and the Midlands, and you're ready to be part of a service genuinely committed to stopping placement breakdown
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.