Aspiring Probation Officer

Academics; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization is seeking an Aspiring Probation Officer to join their team as a Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant in Haywards Heath. This role is perfect for graduates in Psychology or Criminology, offering essential restorative experience and the chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children. You will work closely with students facing various challenges, providing support to enhance their engagement and prevent entry into the criminal justice system. Training and support will be provided to ensure your success in this vital role.

Benefits

On-site training

CPD support

Qualifications

• Passionate about helping children achieve their full potential.
• Ability to build confidence and motivation in students.
• Calm and resilient in stressful situations.

Responsibilities

• Support vulnerable students to enhance engagement and independence.
• Collaborate with teachers to assist students with special educational needs.
• Identify risks and needs of students and escalate where necessary.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Motivation

Resilience

Education

Degree in Psychology

Degree in Criminology

Degree in Sociology

Degree in Sport

Job description

Aspiring Probation Officer - Haywards Heath - September 2025

Are you passionate about restorative approaches?

Are you committed to demonstrating the value of education to vulnerable children?

We are seeking a dedicated Aspiring Probation Officer to join a friendly team as a Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant (LSA) in a challenging primary school for boys aged 6-11.

This role offers essential restorative experience within anti-social and challenging settings—an excellent opportunity for those interested in probation, rehabilitation, prison, youth, and social justice. Based on holistic and therapeutic practices, with a focus on restorative methods, this position is ideal for Criminology/Psychology Graduates or individuals interested in youth/probation work.

You will gain experience working with vulnerable students, enhancing their engagement, attainment, and independence, aiming to prevent entry into the criminal justice system. You will collaborate with teachers and specialists to support students with special educational needs (SEN) and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges and traumas. Some children may have experienced adverse childhood experiences; you will identify their risks and needs, escalating where necessary. Many face various barriers in life and are at higher risk of negative outcomes. Your role will be crucial in providing consistency and equipping children and young people with tools to feel safe, secure, empowered, and confident in their potential.

Person Specification

• Passionate about helping children and young people achieve their full potential
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to build confidence and motivation in students
• Approachable, with the ability to develop effective relationships with students
• Calm and resilient in stressful or conflict situations
• High empathy, caring, compassionate, and a good listener
• Motivated and enthusiastic with a professional approach

Start date: ASAP. Trial days will be arranged to ensure the role and school are suitable for you.

We provide excellent on-site training, support, and CPD to ensure safeguarding of all students.

Salary: £85-£90 per day PAYE

Working hours: Mon-Fri, 08:30 to 15:55

Term time only

No previous experience required.

If you are a graduate in Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, or Sport, this role is particularly relevant to your degree.

You must have the right to work in the UK; we do not offer Visa sponsorship.

Candidates registering with Academics Ltd will need to obtain or apply for an Enhanced DBS and/or overseas police check where necessary.