Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children in a primary school setting, focusing on their emotional and educational needs.
- Company: Join a friendly team dedicated to restorative practices and making a difference in young lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent training, support, and a competitive daily rate of £85-£90.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while gaining valuable experience for a career in probation or social justice.
- Qualifications: Ideal for Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, or Sport graduates; no prior experience needed.
- Other info: Term time only, Monday to Friday, with a supportive environment and trial days to ensure a good fit.
Job Description
Aspiring Probation Officer – Haywards Heath – September 2025
Are you passionate about restorative approaches?
Are you passionate about demonstrating the value of education to vulnerable children?
We are looking for a dedicated Aspiring Probation Officer to fulfill the role of a Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join a friendly team and work in a challenging primary school for boys aged 6-11.
This role will give aspiring probation officers essential restorative experience within anti-social and challenging settings – the perfect opportunity if you have aspirations within probation, rehabilitation, prison, youth and social justice. Based on holistic and therapeutic practice, with a focus on restorative practice, this Learning Support Assistant role is an amazing opportunity for Criminology/Psychology Graduates or someone interested in working in youth/probation work.
The role will give you experience working with vulnerable students, increasing their engagement, attainment and overall independence, aiming to ensure they do not enter the criminal justice system. You will be working alongside teachers and specialist staff to support students with special educational needs (SEN), and a range of associated social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges and traumas. Some children / young people will have suffered adverse childhood experiences, and you will identify their risks and needs, escalating where necessary. Many of the children face various barriers in life and are more 'at risk' of negative outcomes. You will be instrumental in providing consistency, and equipping children and young people with tools to ensure they feel safe, secure, empowered, and believe that they can succeed in life.
Person Specification
* Passionate about helping children and young people achieve their full potential * Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively * Able to build confidence and motivation * Approachable, and able to build robust and effective relationships with students * Able to remain calm and resilient when placed in situations of stress or conflict * High levels of empathy, caring, compassionate, and a good listener * Motivated and enthusiastic, with a professional approach to work ASAP start, trial days taking place to ensure the role and school is right for you Excellent on-site training, support and CPD is provided to ensure safeguarding of all students £85-£90 per day PAYEMon-Fri, 08:30 to 15:55Term time only No previous experience is required If you are a graduate of Psychology / Criminology / Sociology / Sport, you'll find this role particularly applicable to your degreeYou MUST have right to work in the UK in order to apply – no Visa sponsorship
Candidates registering with Academics Ltd will need to have or apply for an Enhanced DBS and/or overseas police check where necessary
Aspiring Probation Officer employer: Academics
Contact Detail:
Academics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Probation Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with restorative practices and how they apply to education and youth work. Understanding these concepts will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of probation and youth support. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet people who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities within the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain some volunteer experience working with children or young people, especially those facing challenges. This hands-on experience will be invaluable and show your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by reflecting on scenarios where you've demonstrated empathy, resilience, and effective communication. Being able to share personal experiences will make you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Probation Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences and skills that align with the role of an Aspiring Probation Officer. Emphasise any work or volunteer experience with children, youth, or in educational settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for restorative approaches and your commitment to helping vulnerable children. Use specific examples from your background that demonstrate your empathy, communication skills, and ability to build relationships.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a degree in Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, or Sport, make sure to mention this prominently in your application. Explain how your academic background has prepared you for this role and your aspirations within probation and rehabilitation.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your interpersonal skills, resilience, and ability to remain calm under pressure. Provide examples of situations where you've successfully navigated conflict or supported individuals in challenging circumstances.
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Show Your Passion for Restorative Approaches
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for restorative practices during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or insights you have about how these approaches can positively impact vulnerable children and their education.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
Highlight your ability to empathise with children facing challenges. Prepare examples of how you've shown compassion in previous roles or situations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who can connect with students.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent interpersonal skills are crucial for this role, practice clear and concise communication. Be ready to discuss how you would build relationships with students and staff, and provide examples of how you've successfully communicated in past experiences.
✨Prepare for Situational Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle stress or conflict. Think of scenarios where you've remained calm under pressure and how you resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your resilience and problem-solving skills.
