At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people and help them stay engaged in education.
- Company: Milk Education, a leading eco-friendly education agency.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free CPD courses, and 24/7 consultant support.
- Other info: Trial days available; start your journey towards a rewarding career.
- Why this job: Gain frontline experience in social justice and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Graduates in Criminology, Sociology, or related fields; empathy and resilience required.
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
- 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.
This role gives you a critical foundation in social justice, helping you understand the link between education, behaviour, and offending—knowledge that is invaluable for anyone pursuing a career in probation, youth justice, or offender management.
Who We’re Looking For:
- Criminology, Sociology, Youth and Communities, or Social Science graduates
- Aspiring Probation Officers, Youth Justice Officers, or Offender Managers
- Calm, resilient, and empathetic individuals
- Passionate about social justice, early intervention, and rehabilitation
Why Join Milk Education?
- £108/day – competitive pay
- Free CPD (Safeguarding, De-escalation, Restorative Practice)
- 1,000+ CPD courses via Milk Academy
- Free wellbeing resources
- 24/7 consultant support
- UK’s only eco-friendly education agency
- Fast-track registration
Ready to start your journey toward a career in probation and social justice? Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines.
Aspiring Probation Officer – Learning Support Assistant Hillingdon in Uxbridge employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Liverpool. With significant progression pathways, generous incentives, and a supportive environment, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with 23 days off annually plus bank holidays.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Probation Officer – Learning Support Assistant Hillingdon in Uxbridge
✨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 Probation Officer – Learning Support Assistant Hillingdon in Uxbridge
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.
