Youth Re-engagement Support Worker

Are you a criminology, psychology, or sociology graduate looking for the perfect role to launch your career in youth justice? This Learning Support Assistant position is an ideal opportunity to gain substantial hands-on experience working with vulnerable young people in an independent school behavioural setting. You will be supporting students who face complex barriers to learning, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, challenging behaviour, and involvement with the criminal justice system. The school provides a structured, supportive, and restorative environment for young people who have struggled in mainstream education. By utilising trauma-informed practices and positive behaviour management strategies, the team supports pupils in re-engaging with education, developing pro-social skills, and building pathways toward positive futures. This role offers an excellent foundation for graduates aiming to progress into youth justice, probation, policing, social work, or forensic psychology.

The Role – A Stepping Stone into Youth Justice

• Gain In-Depth Experience: Support vulnerable young people on both an individual and small-group basis, developing a profound understanding of the factors that lead to youth offending, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), SEMH needs, and behavioural challenges.
• Apply Restorative and Behavioural Principles: Observe and participate in the application of restorative justice approaches, de-escalation techniques, and positive behaviour support strategies used to manage conflict and repair relationships.
• Work with a Multi-Agency Team: Collaborate closely with teachers, pastoral staff, SENCOs, and external agencies such as social care and youth offending teams (YOTs), gaining insight into holistic interventions and the multi-agency approach central to youth justice.
• Build Core Professional Skills: Develop essential skills for a career in youth justice, including rapport-building with hard-to-reach young people, boundary setting, risk assessment, reflective practice, and professional report writing.
• Make a Real Difference: Have a meaningful impact on young people's life chances by supporting their personal development, reducing barriers to education, and helping to steer them away from involvement in the justice system.

Candidate Profile

• A strong academic background in criminology, psychology, sociology, or a related discipline, with a clear interest in youth justice, offending behaviour, or social care.
• Previous experience supporting children or young people, particularly those with challenging behaviour or SEMH needs (desirable but not essential; passion and the right attitude are key).
• A resilient, patient, and empathetic approach, with the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusting relationships with young people who may be disengaged or mistrustful of authority.
• A genuine commitment to helping young people make positive changes and access better opportunities.
• A proactive, reflective attitude and a willingness to learn within a specialist setting.

This role is more than just a job; it is a valuable stepping stone for aspiring youth justice officers and allied professionals, providing practical, front-line experience that directly supports your long-term professional development and future applications.

Benefits

• Excellent rates of pay – £114.33 per day.
• Speedy registration process with fast-track compliance.
• Flexible working days and hours to suit your schedule (term time only).
• 5-star-rated agency with over 3,000 reviews across Google and Facebook.
• Exclusive partnerships with schools and trusts in the Southend area.
• FREE access to our Perks Portal, offering discounts similar to the Blue Light Card.
• Access to 1,000+ accredited and discounted CPD courses through Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and classroom resources, created by qualified teachers.
• FREE Educator Wellbeing eBook and access to our wellbeing hub, including CPD and fitness modules.
• School Preparation Pack to support you ahead of your placements.
• 24/7 support from your dedicated personal consultant.
• Access to our Unbottled programme, bringing lived-experience speakers into schools to cover topics such as mental health, discrimination, and exploitation.
• Join the UK’s only eco-friendly education supply agency.

Ready to take the next step in your youth justice career? Click ‘Apply Now’ or get in touch for more information about this exciting opportunity. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply immediately for June or September start dates.