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 develop essential skills for a future in social justice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives and build a career in probation.
- Qualifications: Graduates in Criminology, Sociology, Youth and Communities, or Social Science preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Location: Hillingdon
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 Hillingdon 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.
Aspiring Probation Officer - Learning Support Assistant Hillingdon 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 Hillingdon
✨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 - Learning Support Assistant Hillingdon
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 AMA Admin 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 AMA Admin
✨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 AMA Admin 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 AMA Admin.
✨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 AMA Admin 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!
