Aspiring Youth Justice Officer – Learning Support Assistant Maidenhead

Aspiring Youth Justice Officer – Learning Support Assistant (Maidenhead) Location: Maidenhead Start Date: Immediate or 6th January 2025 Contract: Full-time, Term-Time Only Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:45pm Pay: £101.40 per day Milk Education is working in partnership with a specialist SEMH and trauma‑informed school in Maidenhead to recruit an Aspiring Youth Justice Officer. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about supporting young people who have experienced trauma, ACEs, school refusal or avoidance, or significant emotional and behavioural challenges. You will gain invaluable frontline experience with pupils who require consistent, trusted adults to help them regulate emotions, rebuild trust, and engage successfully in education. This role is an excellent progression route into careers such as Youth Justice, Social Work, Behaviour Intervention, Youth Work, CAMHS, Policing, or Community Support Services. About the LSA Role You will support young learners aged 5–16 with SEMH needs, Autism, trauma‑related barriers to learning, and school avoidance or refusal. Many pupils display heightened anxiety or behavioural responses, including those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) – a profile associated with Autism where individuals experience significant, anxiety‑driven resistance to everyday demands. This means pupils may avoid expectations or refuse learning not out of defiance, but due to anxiety and fear of losing control. You will learn how to Use low‑down, collaborative approaches to reduce pressure and anxiety Build trust through consistency, empathy, and relational practice Increase engagement through negotiation, choice, and co‑regulation These approaches are foundational in Youth Justice and Social Care roles, where behaviour is understood as communication of need. You will be responsible for Supporting pupils during moments of emotional dysregulation or distress Re‑engaging pupils who refuse or avoid learning, using PDA‑informed strategies Providing calm, predictable responses and emotional reassurance Modelling emotional regulation and pro‑social behaviours Advocating for pupils whose needs may be misunderstood or masked by behaviour Key Responsibilities Deliver personalised, relationship‑based support to pupils with SEMH, Autism, PDA, trauma backgrounds, and school‑refusing behaviours Build safe and consistent relationships with pupils who struggle to trust adults Use trauma‑informed, restorative, and de‑escalation strategies Implement regulation strategies and behaviour plans created by SENCOs and therapists Encourage resilience, independence, and problem‑solving Work collaboratively with therapists, SENCOs, and external professionals Record observations and progress, communicating with staff and families Contribute to a structured and nurturing, low‑arousal learning environment Ideal Candidate Degree (or currently studying) in Criminology, Psychology, Youth Work, Sociology, Social Care, or a related field is desirable but not essential Experience supporting young people, particularly those displaying disengagement or challenging behaviour Resilient, calm, and emotionally regulated – able to keep professional boundaries while showing empathy Strong communication, active listening, and problem‑solving skills Enhanced DBS or willingness to apply Why This Role Will Boost Your Career This role provides experience and training directly transferable to Youth Justice, Social Care, Family Intervention, CAMHS, and safeguarding roles. You will develop: Trauma‑informed practice PDA‑aware behaviour approaches Restorative practice and de‑escalation strategies Advocacy skills for vulnerable young people Understanding of safeguarding and early intervention pathways You will learn how to interpret behaviour through the lens of unmet need, risk, and emotional distress – essential skills for Youth Justice and Social Care careers. Benefits to You Excellent daily pay rate Fast‑track registration and compliance Exclusive partnerships with schools and trusts 5-star rated agency (3,000+ reviews on Google & Facebook) Access to over 1,000 accredited CPD courses through Milk Academy Free Perks Portal (similar to Blue Light discounts) Free wellbeing resources and PSHE lesson plans First‑day preparation pack 24/7 consultant support Unbottled initiative – lived‑experience mental health speakers The UK’s only eco‑friendly education supply agency How to Apply If you are passionate about advocating for young people, supporting learners with Autism and PDA, and gaining real experience for a future in Youth Justice or Social Care, apply today. Immediate and January 6th 2025 start dates available. #J-18808-Ljbffr