Complex Needs Navigator

Position: Complex Needs Navigator Location: Slough Job: Temporary, initially 3 months - possible extension for right candidate Salary: £22ph - inside IR35 Mayfield Recruitment are working with a Local Authority who is looking for a Complex Needs Navigator to work in the community and homelessness in the Slough area on a temporary on going basis. You will need extensive expertise supporting rough sleepers, refugees, and vulnerable individuals across housing, outreach, and support services. Job description for the Complex Needs Navigator: • An experienced and resilient Complex Needs Navigator to work within the Rough Sleeping Team. • You will be supporting a small cohort of ex-rough sleepers with complex and multiple needs, providing intensive, person-centered 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. • You 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 for the Complex Needs Navigator: • 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 for the Complex Needs Navigator: • 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. • Proven multi-agency working experience and effective problem-solving 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 license and ability to use own vehicle for business use (essential for outreach). Additional Information: • 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