Job Details
Learning Support Assistant – Aspiring Anti-Gang Prevention Officer
Location: Hillingdon
Start Date: April 2026
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm (term time only)
Pay: £101.40 per day
Trial/observation days available
Overview
Gain the frontline experience needed to divert young people from harm.
Are you a Psychology or Criminology graduate with your sights set on a career in youth justice, gang prevention, or probation?
This mainstream secondary school in Hillingdon is committed to early intervention. While the school serves a diverse community, it recognises that Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, if left unsupported, can lead to disengagement, exclusion, and vulnerability to criminal exploitation.
They are seeking aspiring anti-gang prevention officers to work as Learning Support Assistants, supporting pupils who need help navigating challenges, raising their attainment, and keeping them safe.
In a mainstream setting, you see the warning signs before a crisis point — and that is where prevention begins.
Why mainstream experience is vital for anti-gang prevention
Gang prevention is not just about intervention after a young person is involved — it is about spotting the risk factors early. In a mainstream school, you will encounter pupils who may be:
* Displaying early signs of disengagement or persistent absence
* Experiencing SEMH needs such as anxiety, trauma, or unmet behavioural needs
* At risk of exclusion, which is a known gateway to criminal exploitation
* Struggling academically, leading to low self-worth and vulnerability
Your role will be to provide targeted support that raises attainment, re‑engages pupils with learning, and builds protective factors around them.
How this role prepares you for a career in anti-gang prevention
Through this position, you will develop the exact skills needed for youth justice, probation, or police work:
* Identifying vulnerability: Learn to spot pupils at risk of exploitation or gang affiliation before they are criminalised
* Raising attainment as protection: Support pupils to achieve academically, building self‑esteem and providing an alternative to the streets
* Safeguarding in practice: Work within school safeguarding policies, gaining frontline experience in keeping children safe
* Building trusting relationships: Develop the mentoring skills needed to influence young people at risk
* Understanding SEMH needs: Gain insight into how trauma, unmet mental health needs, and poor attainment intersect with youth crime
Responsibilities
* Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups to raise academic attainment
* Provide SEMH support to help pupils regulate, engage, and stay in class
* Work with teachers to identify pupils at risk of disengagement or exclusion
* Contribute to a safe, inclusive environment where every child can learn
* Support safeguarding by being a trusted, consistent adult in school
* Use restorative approaches to manage low-level behaviour and prevent escalation
Sometimes, the pupil you help stay in school today is the young person you divert from a gang tomorrow — and that can change everything.
Who we are looking for
No prior school experience is required, but you must be motivated by prevention, not punishment.
We’d love to hear from you if you:
* Have a background in Psychology, Criminology, or Youth Justice
* Are interested in a career in youth offending, probation, police, or forensic psychology
* Want to understand how education, attainment, and safeguarding intersect with crime prevention
* Can build trust with young people who may be disengaged or vulnerable
* Remain calm, consistent, and compassionate when facing challenges
What’s in it for you
* Excellent daily pay
* Fast‑track registration
* Flexible working options
* Access to 1000+ CPD courses via Milk Academy
* Free wellbeing resourcesExclusive perks and discount portal
* Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant
* Work with the UK’s only eco‑friendly education agency
If you are ready to understand the root causes of youth crime and gain the frontline experience needed for a career in prevention, we would love to speak with you.
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