Aspiring Youth Offending Officer

Academics; Horsham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in the UK is seeking an SEMH Teaching Assistant to support vulnerable young people with emotional and mental health challenges. This full-time position offers an opportunity for psychology and criminology graduates to gain relevant experience and make a meaningful impact in the education and training sector. Candidates should have empathy, communication skills, and a willingness to learn. Apply now to take the first step towards a rewarding career in youth justice.

Benefits

Full training and CPD opportunities

Supportive staff team

Qualifications

• Graduate with a calm, non-judgemental presence.
• Willingness to learn, reflect, and support students from all walks of life.
• Previous experience with young people is helpful but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support students with Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Build trusting relationships with young people presenting challenging behaviour.
• Help students develop coping strategies and social skills.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Strong communication and de-escalation skills

Education

Psychology or Criminology degree

Job description

🔎 SEMH Teaching Assistant – Ideal for Aspiring Youth Offending Officer

📍 Location : Kempston, Bedfordshire

🕒 Full-Time | Term-Time Only

Sector : Education and Training

💼 Salary : £460 – £500 per week

📅 Start Date : ASAP or September 2025

Are you a Psychology or Criminology graduate in Kempston or the surrounding area with a long‑term goal of working in youth justice or an Aspiring Youth Offending Officer? Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your knowledge in the educstion and training sector?

This position is your chance to gain real‑world, front‑line experience in the role that directly supports young people at risk of exclusion, involvement with the justice system, or mental health struggles in the education and training sector. This will opportunity will be a great stepping stone for an Aspiring Youth Offending officer.

We’re looking for a compassionate and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist provision in Kempston, working with pupils who need strong role models, consistent boundaries, and someone who genuinely cares.

👥 The Role :

• Support students with Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs – many of whom have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• Build trusting relationships with young people who may present challenging behaviour
• Help students develop coping strategies, emotional regulation, and social skills
• Work closely with teachers, behaviour mentors, safeguarding leads, and external agencies

🧠 This Role is Perfect for :

• Psychology or Criminology graduates with an interest in youth justice, offending behaviour, or trauma‑informed practice
• Aspiring Youth Offending Officer, Probation Officers, or Social Workers seeking relevant frontline experience
• Someone who wants to understand the root causes of challenging behaviour – not just manage the symptoms

✅ What We’re Looking For :

• A graduate with empathy, patience, and a calm, non‑judgemental presence
• Strong communication and de‑escalation skills
• Ability to commute to Kempston
• A willingness to learn, reflect, and support students from all walks of life
• Previous experience with young people is helpful but not essential – the right attitude is more important

💼 What You’ll Gain :

• Real‑life experience working with high‑risk and vulnerable young people
• Insight into the links between mental health, behaviour, and youth offending
• A springboard into careers in youth justice, social care, mental health, or education
• Full training and CPD opportunities, plus a supportive staff team

👉Are you ready to make a genuine impact and take a meaningful impact in the education and training sector and taking the step toward a career as an Aspiring Youth Offending officer?

Apply now and be the person who helps rewrite someone’s story in Kempston.