Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager - Islington, London

Look Ahead; Greater London; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading not-for-profit care provider in Greater London seeks a Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager to support business development and manage customer referrals for those with learning disabilities and autism. You will organize and coordinate assessments and ensure seamless communication with stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have experience in social care assessments and excellent relationship-building skills. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including annual leave and professional training opportunities.

Benefits

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days

Free DBS

Employee Assistance Programme

Online wellbeing resources

Generous pension contribution

Quarterly Staff Awards

Qualifications

• Experience in assessments, referrals, and placement coordination within supported living or health and social care settings.
• Ability to write reports for the senior management team.
• Familiarity with funding processes and financial negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and respond to referrals from external sources.
• Maintain a current tracking system for referral clarity.
• Develop a responsive referral and assessment pathway.

Skills

Understanding of learning disability and autism sector

Ability to manage staff

Proven ability to build professional relationships

Education

Experience in assessments and referrals

Knowledge of brokerage and commissioning portals

Experience of managing staff in social care

Job description

Job Details

Job Details Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager - Islington, London. We're looking for a organised, proactive and resilient Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager to join our Complex Specialist Services located at our Head Office in Islington. £44,.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week. Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here. Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award‑winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Benefits

• 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
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
• Online wellbeing resources
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10, (T&Cs apply)
• Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

Eligibility

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.

Job Overview

The Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting the Managing Director with new business development, coordinating and managing referrals, assessments, tenancies and transitions for our customers with learning disabilities and autism. The working pattern for this role is: Monday – Friday 9 am‑5 pm.

What you'll do

• Monitor and respond to referrals from external sources and direct contacts.
• Maintain a current tracking system for referral clarity and produce regular reports.
• Analyse referral data to identify local commissioning needs and growth opportunities.
• Work with managers on person‑centred assessments covering care needs, environmental suitability, risk management and transition planning.
• Complete and submit needs assessments with costings and support package requirements.
• Coordinate the assessment process and internal referral meetings.
• Develop a responsive referral and assessment pathway aligned with best practice.
• Act as the first point of contact for stakeholders ensuring timely and responsive communication.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

About you

• Strong understanding of the learning disability and autism sector, including CQC regulations.
• Proven ability to build professional relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of sector.
• Ability to manage staff effectively.

What you'll bring

Essential:

• Experience in assessments, referrals, and placement coordination within supported living or health and social care settings.
• Knowledge of brokerage, purchasing systems, and commissioning portals.
• Ability to write reports for the senior management team.
• Understanding of residential and supported living service models.
• Familiarity with funding processes and financial negotiations.
• Experience of working with costing models for placement pricing.
• Experience of managing staff and services in social care or health.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of how local authorities, councils and ICBs commission and agree services.
• Experience with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and trauma‑informed practice.
• Understanding of complex needs, forensic histories, and dual diagnoses.

About us

Look Ahead is a leading, not‑for‑profit care and support provider in London and the South‑East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co‑design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us. We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values: We focus on Excellence and innovation. We are Caring and Compassionate. We are Inclusive and Trusted. We work in Partnership and are One‑Team. Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job description.