2-3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• Slough Borough Council is seeking an experienced and resilient Complex Needs Navigator to work within the Rough Sleeping Team.
• The postholder will support a small cohort of ex-rough sleepers with complex and multiple needs, providing intensive, person-centred support to help them access services, stabilise their circumstances, and move towards sustainable accommodation and independence.
• This role requires someone confident working in challenging environments, able to build trust with highly vulnerable individuals, and skilled in navigating multi-agency pathways.
• The Navigator will advocate for clients, break down barriers to engagement, act as a central point of coordination, and promote improved health, wellbeing and long-term stability.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Deliver a holistic, outcomes-focused service for individuals with complex needs, utilising creative, professional and person-centred approaches.
• Build trusting relationships with ex/rough sleepers to motivate positive change and reduce reliance on a street-based lifestyle.
• Identify risks, vulnerabilities and support needs including substance misuse, alcohol dependence, mental health, offending, anti-social behaviour and exploitation.
• Coordinate and facilitate multi-agency working, enabling effective pathways and support plans.
• Support clients to develop life skills, sustain accommodation, improve health and move toward employment or volunteering.
• Provide advocacy and actively remove barriers preventing access to essential services.
• Link clients with relevant services such as mental health teams, drug and alcohol support, healthcare and community resources.
• Support outreach activities including early-morning and late-evening shifts as required.
• Contribute to the delivery of night shelter operations, SWEP, night counts and other homelessness-related initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records, case notes and reports in line with GDPR and council policies.
• Participate in internal reviews, case conferences and multi-agency problem-solving meetings.
• Ensure compliance with lone working procedures, safeguarding requirements and health and safety standards.
Skills/Experience:
• Experience supporting ex/rough sleepers or individuals with highly complex and multiple needs.
• Background in outreach, homelessness services, tenancy sustainment, mental health or drug/alcohol services.
• Strong understanding of homelessness legislation, health and social care frameworks, welfare benefits and immigration considerations.
• Experience in person-centred support planning, case management and accurate record keeping.
• Ability to engage individuals who are reluctant or ambivalent about accessing services.
• Proven multi-agency working experience and effective problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and motivational skills.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour and maintain professional boundaries.
• Skilled in working independently and under pressure, with resilience and emotional stability.
• IT literate with experience using Microsoft Office and case-management systems.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures for adults and children.
• Full driving licence and ability to use own vehicle for business use (essential for outreach).
Additional Information:
• The closing date: 14/12/2025 @11:00.
• Client: Slough Borough Council.
• Location: Observatory House.
• Hours: 37 per week.
• Working Pattern: Primarily 09:00–17:30, but must support outreach shifts (06:00–14:00 / 17:00–01:00).
• Driving required: Yes – ability to use personal vehicle for business use.
• On-site working: Required.