Aspiring Probation Officer - Learning Support Assistant Southend

Aspiring Probation Officer - Learning Support Assistant Southend

Location: Southend
Start Date: April 2026
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:45pm (term time only)
Pay: £108 per day

School: Specialist Secondary - 11-16

Trial/observation days available to qualify/disqualify the role for yourself.

Aspiring Probation Officer - Learning Support Assistant Southend - Education and Training

Gain the frontline experience needed to support and redirect young people before they enter the justice system.

Are you a Psychology or Criminology graduate with ambitions to work in probation, youth justice, or offender rehabilitation?

This mainstream secondary school in Southend is committed to early intervention. While serving a diverse community, the school recognises that Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs-if left unsupported-can lead to disengagement, exclusion, and increased vulnerability to criminal behaviour.

They are seeking aspiring probation officers to work as Learning Support Assistants, supporting pupils who need help navigating challenges, raising attainment, and staying engaged in education.

In a mainstream setting, you see the warning signs before a young person reaches crisis point - and that is where prevention begins.

Why mainstream experience is vital for probation careers

Working in a school allows you to understand the early pathways that can lead to offending. You will encounter pupils who may be:

• Displaying early signs of disengagement or persistent absence
• Experiencing SEMH needs such as anxiety, trauma, or behavioural challenges
• At risk of exclusion, a known pathway into offending
• Struggling academically, impacting confidence and life outcomes

Your role is to provide targeted support that improves attainment, builds resilience, and creates positive alternatives.

How this role prepares you for probation/youth justice

• Identifying vulnerability: Recognise early risk factors before escalation
• Raising attainment as prevention: Support academic progress as a protective factor
• Safeguarding experience: Work within real safeguarding frameworks
• Relationship building: Develop trust with vulnerable young people
• Understanding SEMH: See how mental health, trauma, and behaviour link to offending

Your responsibilities

• Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups to raise attainment
• Provide SEMH support to improve engagement and behaviour
• Help identify pupils at risk of exclusion or disengagement
• Work closely with teachers and pastoral teams
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive learning environment
• Use restorative approaches to manage behaviour

Sometimes, the pupil you keep engaged in school today is the young person who avoids the justice system tomorrow.

Who we are looking for

No school experience required - motivation and the right mindset matter most.

• Background in Psychology, Criminology, or related fields
• Interest in probation, youth justice, or rehabilitation
• Passion for prevention and early intervention
• Ability to build trust with vulnerable young people
• Calm, resilient, and consistent approach

What's in it for you

• £108 per day
• Fast-track registration
• Flexible working options
• Access to 1000+ CPD courses
• Free wellbeing resources
• Discount and perks platform
• Dedicated consultant support
• Opportunity to work with an eco-friendly education agency

If you're serious about a future in probation or youth justice and want real, frontline experience, apply today.