At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children in crisis, helping them re-engage with learning and make safer choices.
- Company: Join a school with strong links to youth justice and mental health services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, term-time only, and fully funded training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression in youth justice and mental health fields.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in youth justice and SEMH, crucial for future careers in social work or psychology.
- Qualifications: Ideal for Criminology, Psychology, or Social Science graduates passionate about making a difference.
Location: Haringey, North London
Start Date: September 2026
Pay: £101.40-£110/day (depending on experience) | Term time only | 8:30am-3:45pm
Are you a Criminology, Psychology, or Social Science graduate wanting to understand the real link between SEMH, school exclusion, and the youth criminal justice system—specifically within the context of North London's gang dynamics and serious youth violence?
This role places you directly with vulnerable children at high risk of knife crime, gang exploitation, criminalisation, and the school-to-prison pipeline. Haringey has some of the highest rates of Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) in the capital, making this frontline, trauma-informed experience essential if you are aspiring to be a Forensic Psychologist, Youth Justice Officer, Probation Practitioner, Clinical Psychologist, or Social Worker.
The Role:
- SEN Learning Support Assistant (SEMH Focus)
- ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
- Community violence and crime exposure (gangs, county lines)
- Family breakdown and poverty
- Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) and gang affiliation
- Knife crime and serious youth violence
Many pupils have been permanently excluded from mainstream schools or are on the edge of the justice system. Your job: help them re-engage with learning, regulate emotions, and make safer choices—often in crisis moments.
What You'll Gain - Practical Youth Justice & SEMH Experience:
- Emotional regulation & de-escalation - supporting pupils in distress or aggression
- Restorative practice - facilitating conversations around harm and repair
- 1:1 & group mentoring - focusing on decision‑making, peer pressure, and risk
- Behaviour support - implementing tailored plans with specialist staff
- Safeguarding - risk assessments, incident reporting, and contextual safeguarding (with a focus on gang exits)
- Knife crime prevention - workshops and reflective discussions on violence and safety
- Trauma-informed practice - building trust with young people who've experienced harm and rejection
Why This Role Is Ideal for Criminal Justice Careers:
The school has strong links to Haringey's Youth Offending Team (YOT), Early Help, CAMHS, and Forensic/Clinical Psychology pathways. You'll see firsthand how SEMH, trauma, and exclusion predict youth offending—giving you a credible foundation for:
- Forensic Psychology Doctorates
- Youth Justice & Probation Graduate Schemes
- Social Work (Children & Families)
- Clinical Psychology (CAMHS/secure settings)
- Counselling & Therapeutic Services
Training & CPD - Fully Funded
Learning Support Assistant - SEMH & Youth Justice Pathway - Haringey 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 Learning Support Assistant - SEMH & Youth Justice Pathway - Haringey
✨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 Learning Support Assistant - SEMH & Youth Justice Pathway - Haringey
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.
