Job Title: Criminology Graduate - Aspiring Probation Officer Hackney: Criminology Graduate Hackney – Aspiring Probation Officer – September 2026 Start!

Student Support Mentor – SEMH & Vulnerable Learners (Secondary School)
Start Date: September 2026

Are you a Criminology Graduate in Hackney looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience supporting the most vulnerable students in the borough with Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs in a secondary school setting?
Are you interested in understanding behaviour, emotional regulation, attendance issues, and the wider social factors that impact learning?

Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency, is recruiting Criminology, Psychology, and Social Science graduates to work in a Hackney secondary school, supporting the most vulnerable pupils to raise attainment, improve attendance, and re-engage with education.

Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Probation Officer Hackney – Education and Training - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Probation Officer

Why This Role Is a Strong Pathway into Probation

Working with vulnerable students in a school setting provides direct, transferable experience for a career in probation. You will:

• Gain firsthand experience with individuals at risk of offending, exclusion, and disengagement

• Understand the link between trauma, SEMH, behaviour, and the justice system

• Develop skills in risk assessment, de-escalation, and relationship-based practice

• Build confidence in managing challenging behaviour and supporting positive change

• Work within a multi-agency framework, mirroring the collaborative approach used in probation

This role offers a unique opportunity to understand the root causes of offending behaviour and practice the intervention skills essential for a future in probation or youth justice.

Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Probation Officer Hackney – Education and Training - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Probation Officer

The Role: Student Support Mentor – Criminology Graduate (SEMH Focus)

Location: Hackney
Pay: £108 per day
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm (term time only)
Start Date: September 2026

This role focuses on supporting the most vulnerable students in Hackney – those at risk of underachievement, persistent absence, or exclusion. Many of these young people present with:

• Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs (SEMH)

• Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

• Anxiety, low mood, anger, or emotionally driven behaviour

• Challenging or disruptive behaviour linked to unmet needs

• SEN or undiagnosed additional needs

• Significant barriers to attendance, engagement, and learning

You will work closely with pastoral teams, SEN staff, and teaching staff to help students regulate emotions, rebuild trust, and access learning in a consistent and supportive way.

Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Probation Officer Hackney – Education and Training - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Probation Officer

Your Experience Will Include:

• 1:1 and small-group mentoring for vulnerable pupils with SEMH needs

• Supporting emotional regulation, self-control, and positive behaviour

• Working with students with behavioural challenges and trauma backgrounds

• Mentoring pupils to improve attendance, punctuality, and engagement

• Implementing personalised behaviour and SEMH support strategies

• Using trauma-informed, restorative, and relational approaches

• Building trusting relationships with disengaged or high-risk learners

• Gaining hands-on exposure to safeguarding, behaviour management, and pastoral care

Why Join Milk Education?

Training & CPD

• Free CPD including SEMH, Trauma-Informed Practice, Behaviour & De-escalation, Safeguarding, and Mental Health Awareness

• Career-focused development aligned with criminology and probation pathways

Wellbeing & Support

• Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform (including counselling)

• A dedicated consultant who understands your long-term career goals

Benefits for You

• Competitive daily pay

• Fast-track registration and compliance

• Free access to Milk Academy (1,000+ discounted CPD courses)

• FREE wellbeing resources and school preparation materials

• 24/7 consultant support

• Work with the UK's only eco-friendly education supply agency

Who We're Looking For:

• Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Science graduates

• Aspiring Probation Officers, Youth Justice Workers, or Offender Management Practitioners

• Calm, empathetic, and resilient individuals

• Graduates passionate about supporting students with SEMH needs

• Those motivated to improve attendance, attainment, and wellbeing

• Candidates confident building relationships with challenging or disengaged learners

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE and APSCo guidelines.

Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Probation Officer Hackney – Education and Training - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Probation Officer Hackney