Outreach Navigator
Substances Support Scotland (SSS)
Musselburgh, East Lothian
£30,000 per annum
35 hours per week
Fixed-Term Contract 12 months (subject to funding)
Change Starts With One Conversation
At Substances Support Scotland (SSS), we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, supported and empowered to make positive changes in their lives.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate and motivated Outreach Navigator to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly within communities, supporting individuals affected by alcohol and substance use, mental health challenges, homelessness, social isolation and other complex life circumstances.
This is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a genuine difference in people’s lives every single day.
About the Role
As an Outreach Navigator, you will provide trauma-informed, person-centred support to individuals experiencing problematic alcohol or substance use.
You will build trusted relationships, provide practical and emotional support, advocate on behalf of individuals and help people access the services they need to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life.
No two days are the same. You may be supporting someone to attend appointments, engaging with individuals in community settings, carrying out outreach visits, connecting people with housing and healthcare services, or helping someone take their first steps towards positive change.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Delivering one-to-one support and interventions.
- Supporting individuals to access treatment, healthcare, housing, benefits and community services.
- Building positive and trusting relationships with people experiencing multiple disadvantages.
- Delivering outreach support within community and outreach settings.
- Advocating for individuals to access the right support at the right time.
- Working alongside NHS services, local authorities, Alcohol & Drug Partnerships and third-sector organisations.
- Maintaining accurate case records and support plans.
- Contributing to service development and continuous improvement.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience supporting people affected by alcohol and/or substance use.
- Has experience working with vulnerable individuals experiencing complex needs.
- Holds an SVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
- Holds a full UK driving licence.
- Understands trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.
- Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Is compassionate, resilient and motivated to support positive change.
Desirable
- Experience facilitating groups.
- Experience working within outreach or community-based services.
- Motivational Interviewing, ABI, DBI, ASIST, SMHFA or Naloxone training.
- Experience supporting volunteers or contributing to service development.
Why Join Us?
At Substances Support Scotland, our people are our greatest asset. When you join our team, you will become part of an organisation committed to improving lives, supporting communities and driving positive change across Scotland.
We offer:
✅ 40 days annual leave
✅ Comprehensive induction and onboarding
✅ Ongoing training and professional development
✅ Regular supervision and reflective practice
✅ Opportunities for progression through our in-house promotion policy
✅ A supportive and inclusive working environment
✅ The opportunity to make a genuine difference every day
About Substances Support Scotland
Substances Support Scotland provides equitable, accessible services across Scotland, delivering information, early intervention, psychosocial support, counselling and recovery-focused support for individuals and families affected by alcohol and substance use.
It starts with a conversation.
To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role.
Substances Support Scotland is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Pay: £30,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
