Aspiring Gang Prevention Worker – Learning Support Assistant – Newbury in Reading

Aspiring Gang Prevention Worker – Learning Support Assistant – Newbury in Reading

Reading Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Milk Education

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support vulnerable young people, build trust, and promote positive behaviours in a school setting.
  • Company: Milk Education, dedicated to transforming lives and supporting youth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, expert training, and a supportive team environment.
  • Other info: Join a community focused on professional growth and meaningful partnerships.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people at risk of gang involvement.
  • Qualifications: Graduates in relevant fields or those with experience in youth support are encouraged to apply.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Location: Newbury

Salary: £108-£115 per day

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent, Fixed-term contract, Temp to perm, Graduate

Contract Length: 12 months

Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and helping them overcome challenges in a restorative, child‑centred environment?

About the Role: This unique role focuses on building strong, trusting relationships with students aged 11‑18. These young people may be at risk of gang involvement, exploitation, or facing social and emotional difficulties, including ADHD, anxiety, and trauma.

You Will:

  • Build Trust and Relationships: Foster meaningful connections with students to help them regulate emotions and make positive life choices.
  • Promote Positive Behaviours: Use restorative approaches to address barriers to learning and help students develop constructive coping strategies.
  • Support Individual Needs: Work in small classes of 4‑12 students, tailoring interventions to meet each young person’s needs.
  • Empower Change: Assist students in reintegrating into education and their communities, reducing risks of gang involvement.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Act as a role model and advocate for students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.
  • Use restorative and trauma‑informed practices to help students navigate challenging circumstances.
  • Work collaboratively with school staff and therapists to implement holistic interventions.
  • Celebrate progress and encourage resilience, focusing on small but significant milestones.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Qualifications: Graduates in Criminology, Psychology, Youth Work, or related fields are encouraged to apply (non‑graduates with relevant experience are also welcome).
  • Passion: A genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable young people and promoting positive change.
  • Empathy: A calm, proactive, and restorative approach to managing challenging behaviours.
  • Experience: Previous work with vulnerable young people or those at risk of gang involvement is desirable (training provided).

Why Join Milk Education:

  • Expert Training: Develop skills in restorative practices, trauma‑informed care, and SEMH education.
  • Meaningful Partnerships: Work with Make Life Kind, a charity addressing gang‑related issues such as exploitation and violence.
  • Career Foundation: Gain invaluable experience for careers in Youth Justice, Social Work, Advocacy, or Gang Prevention.
  • Supportive Team: Join a school community committed to your professional growth and wellbeing.
  • Transform Lives: Make a lasting impact on young people who need guidance, safety, and encouragement.

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.

Aspiring Gang Prevention Worker – Learning Support Assistant – Newbury in Reading employer: Milk Education

Milk Education is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable young people in Newbury. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from expert training in restorative practices and trauma-informed care, while working within a supportive team that values wellbeing and growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a child-centred environment where your passion for positive change can truly flourish.

Milk Education

Contact Details:

Milk Education Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Aspiring Gang Prevention Worker – Learning Support Assistant – Newbury in Reading

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 Milk Education.

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 Milk Education!

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 Milk Education, 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 Milk Education 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 Gang Prevention Worker – Learning Support Assistant – Newbury in Reading

Building Trust and Relationships
Restorative Approaches
Emotional Regulation Support
Positive Behaviour Promotion
Individual Needs Assessment
Empowerment Strategies
Collaboration with School Staff

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 Milk Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Milk Education! 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 Milk Education

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.