Teaching Assistant - Aspiring County Lines Prevention Officer - Learning Support Assistant

Location: Addlestone

Salary: From £101.40 per day

Are you passionate about safeguarding vulnerable young people from criminal exploitation and helping them build positive futures? Milk Education is offering an exciting opportunity for individuals aspiring to work in County Lines prevention and intervention. Join our team as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) in an Alternative Provision and Specialist SEN school in Reading. This role is ideal for those looking to build a career in Youth Justice, County Lines Prevention, or Social Care while working closely with young people at risk of exploitation.

About the Role:

This role is focused on building trust with students aged 5-11 who may be vulnerable to criminal exploitation, gang involvement, or social and emotional challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, and trauma.

• Develop Trusting Relationships: Provide support and mentorship to help students regulate emotions and make safer choices.
• Promote Positive Decision-Making: Use restorative approaches to encourage resilience and deter involvement in criminal activities.
• Provide Tailored Support: Work in small classes (4-12 students), adapting interventions to address individual needs.
• Prevent Exploitation: Support reintegration into education and the wider community to reduce risks linked to County Lines activity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a role model and advocate for students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.
• Use trauma-informed and restorative practices to guide young people through challenging circumstances.
• Collaborate with school staff, safeguarding teams, and external agencies to implement effective prevention strategies.
• Encourage personal development and celebrate progress, focusing on positive milestones.

What We’re Looking For:

• Relevant Background: Graduates in Criminology, Psychology, Youth Work, or related fields are encouraged to apply (non-graduates with relevant experience are also welcome).
• Passion for Safeguarding: A commitment to protecting vulnerable young people from exploitation and criminal activity.
• Empathy & Resilience: A calm, proactive, and restorative approach to managing challenging behaviours.
• Experience: Previous work with at-risk youth or individuals affected by gang culture and exploitation is desirable (training provided).

Why Join Milk Education?

• Specialist Training: Gain expertise in restorative justice, trauma-informed care, and County Lines prevention.
• Impactful Partnerships: Work alongside Make Life Kind, a charity addressing gang-related exploitation and violence.
• Career Progression: Gain valuable experience for careers in Youth Justice, Social Work, Advocacy, or Criminal Exploitation Prevention.
• Supportive Environment: Join a dedicated school community that prioritises your professional growth and wellbeing.
• Make a Difference: Play a key role in preventing young people from being drawn into criminal exploitation and helping them achieve a brighter future.

How to Apply:

If you’re ready to inspire and safeguard young people at risk of County Lines exploitation, we want to hear from you. Send your CV and a short cover letter today.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you agree to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.