Aspiring Probation Officer Reading

Milk Education; Reading; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Aspiring Probation Officer Reading – Learning Support Assistant – Education and Training

Role: Learning Support Assistant (LSA) in a specialist school for autism and related neurodivergent needs.

Location: Reading

Pay: £95 to £105 per day, Monday to Friday, term time only

Start Date: Immediate

Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday (8:30 am – 4:00 pm), Temporary to Permanent (until the end of the Summer Term, with the opportunity to go permanent)

Are you a Psychology or Criminology graduate looking to gain hands-on experience with vulnerable young people before starting a career in Probation, Criminal Justice, Youth Work, Social Care, or Mental Health Support? If you’re considering careers in clinical psychology or occupational therapy, this is also an ideal stepping stone.

Milk Education is recruiting for a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to work in a specialist school supporting students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, autism, and challenging behaviour. This role offers invaluable experience in behaviour intervention, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed approaches—key skills for anyone pursuing a future in criminal justice or rehabilitation.

About the Role:

As an LSA, you will support students aged 4-16 who struggle with emotional regulation, social skills, and engagement in learning.

Many of these young people have experienced trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and difficulties with authority figures. Your role is to build trust, promote positive behaviour, and support their emotional well-being, helping them develop skills to reintegrate into education and society. You will be based in a specialist primary and secondary school for children with EHCPs for autism and related conditions, including speech and language difficulties, anxiety, depression, and other SEN needs.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Building strong, positive relationships with students to encourage trust and engagement.
2. Supporting pupils in managing their emotions and behaviour through structured interventions.
3. Providing academic and emotional support in small groups or one-to-one settings.
4. Assisting students at risk of exclusion to help them stay in education.
5. Helping teachers deliver lessons while ensuring pupils remain focused and supported.
6. Using restorative justice and trauma-informed approaches to manage behaviour and conflict.
7. Encouraging students to develop key life skills for their future.

What We’re Looking For:

1. Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, Youth & Community Work, or related fields.
2. Non-graduates with relevant experience in youth work, mentoring, or social care are also encouraged to apply.
3. A strong interest in working with young people at risk of entering the criminal justice system.
4. Sincerity is key—what drives you to work with some of society’s most vulnerable children?
5. A calm, patient, and resilient approach, with the ability to de-escalate difficult situations.
6. Experience (voluntary or paid) working with vulnerable young people, SEMH needs, or youth offending (desirable but not essential—full training provided).
7. A genuine passion for advocacy, rehabilitation, and social justice.