At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students with social, emotional, and mental health needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Alternative Provision College focused on holistic education and well-being.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, excellent training, and term-time only hours.
- Other info: No previous experience required; perfect for Criminology and Psychology graduates.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and gain valuable experience for your future career.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others, strong communication skills, and empathy.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 22000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about demonstrating the value of education to vulnerable children who have been exposed to adverse childhood experiences?
The Alternative Provision College is looking for a dedicated Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant to work in this small, Alternative Provision College, based in Crawley, for secondary aged students. All students have social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, and associated challenging behaviours. The college has a deep focus on addressing the educational, social and therapeutic needs of students, focusing on individual happiness and well-being where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
This role in Crawley will give you essential restorative experience within anti-social and challenging settings - the perfect opportunity if you are thinking of a career in probation, rehabilitation, prison, or youth justice services. Based on holistic and therapeutic practice, this role is an amazing opportunity for Criminology and Psychology Graduates. You will gain hands-on experience working with vulnerable children; and through building strong, robust relationships, you will increase the engagement, attainment and life chances of children, aiming to ensure they do not enter the criminal justice system.
You will be working alongside teachers and specialist staff to support students with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges and traumas. Many of the young people face various barriers in life and are more 'at risk' of negative outcomes. You will be instrumental in providing consistency, and equipping 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
- 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
- Able to commute to Crawley
September 2026 start
Excellent on-site training, support and CPD is provided to ensure safeguarding of all students.
£102.96 per day, Mon-Fri, 8.30am-4.00pm, PAYE, term time only
No previous experience is required.
You MUST have right to work in the UK in order to apply - no Visa sponsorship.
Apply now or contact Maddy Thatcher at Academics Ltd, if interested in the role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Probation Officer in Crawley
✨Join Local Community Initiatives
Jump into local community groups or organisations focused on social work. They often have internship opportunities or can connect you with places that do. It's a great way to meet people already in the field and get a feel for what different roles involve.
✨Utilise Your University Resources
Make good use of your university's career services—most have strong links with organisations looking for interns in social work. Check for workshops, job fairs, or even guest speakers in the field who can provide insights and connections for internships.
✨Attend Social Work Events
Keep an eye on events like workshops, conferences, and panel discussions related to social work. These gatherings are perfect for networking and you might even hear about internship openings that are not widely advertised.
✨Don't Dismiss Smaller Organisations
While big names in social work can seem appealing, small organisations often provide hands-on experience that's invaluable. Be sure to apply through our website, as these places might not be on your radar but can offer fantastic internships!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Probation Officer in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Helping Others:In your application, let your passion for social work really shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to this field. We want to see your motivation and your genuine drive to make a difference in people's lives, especially in your cover letter.
Highlight Relevant Academic Knowledge:Since this is an internship, it's a great opportunity to showcase any coursework or projects related to social work. Including details about your studies, relevant modules, or even research you’ve done can really set you apart. It shows us that you’ve got a strong foundation and are keen to apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting.
Include Experience with Vulnerable Populations:Have you volunteered or worked with vulnerable groups? Make sure you mention this in your CV! Highlight any internships, volunteer roles, or work experience that demonstrates your understanding of the issues faced by these communities. Practical experience is essential in social work, and it will give us insight into your hands-on skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should do more than just repeat what's in your CV – it’s your chance to tell us why you want this internship at Academics specifically. Talk about what you hope to learn and how your values align with our mission. A strong, tailored letter can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about the people! Make sure to share examples that showcase your passion for making a difference, like any volunteer work or community initiatives you've been a part of. This helps interviewers at Academics see your genuine commitment to the field.
✨Know the Key Theories and Models
Brush up on important social work theories and models, such as Ecological Systems Theory or Strengths-based practice. Being able to talk about how these concepts apply to real-life situations can impress your interviewers and show that you're ready to dive into the internship at Academics.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Interviewers often ask behavioural questions to understand how you'd handle real-world challenges in social work. Think of scenarios from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy, communication skills, or conflict resolution – these will help us illustrate your problem-solving abilities during the interview.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As an intern, you’ll likely be new to many aspects of social work. Make it clear to Academics that you’re open to learning and adapting. Share what you hope to gain from the internship and how you wish to grow in the field, as this can reflect your growth mindset!
