Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager

Look Ahead Care and Support; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days

Free DBS

Exclusive discounts and cashback

Fully paid induction programme

Job summary

Look Ahead Care and Support is seeking a compassionate Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager based in Islington, London. This senior position is responsible for managing referrals, assessments, and placements within the Mental Health and Complex Needs Directorate.

The successful candidate will have significant experience in mental health services and a strong understanding of local authority commissioning. The role offers a salary of £40,000 per annum for a 35-hour work week, along with generous benefits including up to 30 days annual leave.

Qualifications

• Significant operational experience within Young People's and/or Mental Health services.
• Strong understanding of local authority commissioning processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate referrals and assess placements and transitions.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and regulatory compliance.
• Develop best-practice tools aligning with regulatory requirements.

Skills

Operational experience in Young People's and/or Mental Health services

Understanding of local authorities and service commissioning

Customer-focused approach

Empathy and values-led

Job description

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager located at our Head Office in Islington.

£40,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel valued? You'll feel at home here.

Benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager is a senior operational role within the Mental Health and Complex Needs Directorate, responsible for leading the end-to-end coordination of referrals, assessments, placements, tenancies, and transitions across the portfolio.

What you'll do:

• Receive, monitor, and respond promptly to referrals from commissioners, brokerage teams, and direct contacts.
• Coordinate and quality‑assure person‑centred assessments.
• Complete and submit needs assessments, including costings and support package requirements.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with commissioners, brokerage teams, care managers, and housing partners.
• Support compliance with Ofsted regulations across assessment and placement reviews.
• Develop and embed best‑practice tools and processes aligned with regulatory requirements.

About you:

• Highly customer‑focused, championing customer rights, choice, dignity, independence, and positive outcomes.
• Empathetic and values‑led, able to balance compassion with professional boundaries.

What you'll bring:

• Significant operational experience within Young People's and/or Mental Health services, including supported living, residential, or health and social care environments.
• Strong understanding of how local authorities, councils, and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) commission, procure, and agree services, including pathways and decision‑making processes.