At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people and help them stay engaged in education.
- Company: Milk Education, dedicated to social justice and youth support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, valuable experience, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Gain frontline experience and collaborate with various agencies for impactful change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives and build a career in probation.
- Qualifications: Graduates in Criminology, Sociology, or related fields are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Location: Barnet
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:45pm (term time only)
Pay: £108 per day
Trial/observation days available
Gain frontline experience working with vulnerable young people and build the foundation for a career in social justice and probation.
Are you a Criminology, Sociology, Youth and Communities, or Social Science graduate passionate about breaking cycles of offending, disadvantage, and social exclusion? Do you want to understand what drives young people toward the justice system—and how early intervention can change their life trajectory?
Milk Education is recruiting an Aspiring Probation Officer to work as a Learning Support Assistant in a Barnet secondary school. This role places you at the frontline of early intervention and prevention, supporting students at risk of exclusion, persistent absence, or involvement in the criminal justice system.
The Role
- Work with students who are:
- At risk of school exclusion or persistent absence
- Experiencing social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs
- Affected by trauma, ACEs, or involvement with social care
- Exhibiting challenging behaviour linked to unmet needs
- Disengaged from education and at risk of entering the youth justice system
Collaborate with pastoral teams, SENCOs, and external agencies to provide targeted support that keeps young people in education and away from the justice system.
Your Experience Will Include
- 1:1 and small-group mentoring for vulnerable or at-risk pupils
- Supporting emotional regulation, behaviour, and engagement
- Building trusting relationships with disengaged or challenging learners
- Implementing trauma-informed, restorative approaches
- Gaining exposure to safeguarding, behaviour management, and multi-agency working
How This Role Prepares You for a Career in Probation and Social Justice
- Understanding the root causes of offending - Witness firsthand how trauma, inequality, SEMH needs, and exclusion drive young people toward the justice system.
- Early intervention and prevention - Learn how targeted support in education can divert young people from offending and reoffending.
- Building trust with resistant individuals - Develop the patience and relational skills needed to engage with young people who are wary of authority.
- Restorative and trauma-informed practice - Gain practical experience in approaches that are central to probation and youth justice work.
- Multi-agency working - Collaborate with social care, mental health services, and pastoral teams, mirroring the partnership working essential in probation.
- Safeguarding and risk management - Develop skills in identifying vulnerability, managing risk, and keeping young people safe.
Aspiring Probation Officer - Learning Support Assistant Barnet employer: AMA Admin
Milk Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic environment for aspiring Behaviour, Pastoral, or Cover Specialists in Bradford. With a focus on professional development and valuable classroom experience, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students while enjoying consistent hours and a positive school culture. Join us to build your career in education and contribute to a thriving community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Probation Officer - Learning Support Assistant Barnet
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at AMA Admin.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from AMA Admin!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like AMA Admin, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at AMA Admin or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Probation Officer - Learning Support Assistant Barnet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to AMA Admin:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to AMA Admin! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AMA Admin
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
