Learning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate - Aspiring Probation Officer

Posted 2 hours 7 minutes ago by Milk Education

Permanent

Full Time

Academic Jobs

London, United Kingdom

Job Description

Job Title: Learning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate - Aspiring Probation Officer
Role: Student Support Mentor (SEMH & Vulnerable Learners)
Location: Southwark Pay: £115.90/day Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-3:30pm (term time only)
Start Date: September 2026 (with additional roles available throughout the academic year)

Learning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate - Aspiring Probation Officer Southwark - Education and Training

Are you a Criminology or Psychology Graduate with a passion for probation, social justice, and working with vulnerable and challenging children? This is your opportunity to gain meaningful, hands on experience supporting young people at risk of exclusion, persistent absence, and criminal exploitation-while building a strong foundation for a career in probation, forensic psychology, or social work.

Learning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate - Aspiring Probation Officer Southwark - Education and Training - Learning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate - Aspiring Probation Officer Southwark The Role: Learning Support Assistant in Southwark

Based within a secondary school in Southwark, you will work closely with the pastoral, SEN, and teaching teams to support the most vulnerable pupils. Many of these students present with:

Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs
Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Anxiety, low mood, anger, or emotionally driven behaviour
Challenging or disruptive behaviour linked to unmet needs
Undiagnosed SEN or additional learning needs
Significant barriers to attendance, engagement, and learning
Sensory processing difficulties and motor skill challenges

Your role will be to help these students regulate their emotions, rebuild trust, develop functional independence, and re engage with education. You will work 1:1 and in small groups, using trauma informed, relational, and restorative approaches to support behaviour change and improved outcomes.

Learning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate - Aspiring Probation Officer Southwark - Education and Training What You Will Gain:

This role offers exceptional experience for graduates pursuing careers in:

Probation Services
Youth Justice
Forensic Psychology
Educational Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Social Work
Mental Health and Therapy

Your daily experience will include:

Mentoring vulnerable pupils to improve attendance, punctuality, and engagement
Supporting emotional regulation, self control, and positive behaviour
Implementing personalised behaviour and support strategies
Using restorative practice and de escalation techniques
Delivering sensory breaks and movement based interventions
Supporting students with fine motor difficulties and functional independence
Assisting with transitions and daily school routines
Gaining exposure to safeguarding, pastoral care, and behaviour management
Building trusting, consistent relationships with disengaged or high risk learners
Understanding the link between trauma, behaviour, and social inequality

Why This Role Is Invaluable for Your Career:

You will develop:

A deep understanding of adolescent behaviour, SEMH, and the psychology of offending
Insight into how trauma, poverty, and systemic disadvantage impact young people
Practical skills in mentoring, motivation, de escalation, and relationship based practice
Knowledge of sensory processing and OT informed interventions
A critical understanding of social justice and early intervention as a tool for diversion from the criminal justice system

What We Offer: Training & CPD

Free CPD including SEMH, Trauma Informed Practice, Behaviour & De escalation, Safeguarding, and Mental Health Awareness
Training in sensory integration and OT informed approaches
Career focused development aligned with probation, criminology, and therapy pathways

Wellbeing & Support

Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform (including counselling)
A dedicated consultant who understands your long term career goals

Benefits for You

Competitive daily pay (£115.90)
Fast track registration and compliance
Flexible working opportunities
5 star rated agency with 3,000+ reviews
Free access to Milk Academy (1,000+ discounted CPD courses)
FREE wellbeing resources and school preparation materials
24/7 consultant support
Work with the UK's only eco friendly education supply agency
Nationwide network of schools and trusts

Who We're Looking For:

Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Science graduates
Aspiring Probation Officers, Youth Justice Officers, Forensic Psychologists, Educational Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Social Workers, or Mental Health Practitioners
Calm, empathetic, and resilient individuals
Graduates passionate about supporting students with SEMH needs and advocating for social justice
Those motivated to improve attendance, attainment, and wellbeing to divert young people from the criminal justice system
Candidates confident building relationships with challenging or disengaged learners
Those with an interest in sensory processing, motor development, and how daily activities support mental health
A genuine commitment to working with vulnerable and challenging children and a belief in restorative and relational practice

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website.