Referrals and Assessments Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Complex Assessments Manager to take on a newly created strategic role supporting complex referrals across Learning Disabilities, Autism, Mental Health and Complex Care services across the North of England.

Working closely with operational teams, commissioners, Local Authorities, NHS partners and multidisciplinary professionals, you will play a key role in supporting hospital discharge, admission avoidance, placement stability and the development of sustainable community-based support.

This opportunity would suit an experienced practitioner, assessment lead, referrals or admissions manager, nurse, social worker, Positive Behaviour Support practitioner, operational manager or commissioning professional looking to influence service development and improve outcomes.

The role is hybrid, with a minimum of three days per week office based, and will involve regional travel across Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Key Responsibilities of a Complex Assessments Manager:

• Assess complex referrals, determining suitability, viability and sustainability.
• Support hospital discharge, admission avoidance and community transitions.
• Build relationships with commissioners, Local Authorities, ICBs, NHS Trusts and care managers.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary assessments and specialist input.
• Develop bespoke, community-based support packages.
• Complete robust risk assessments and oversee safeguarding.
• Support occupancy growth through effective referral management.
• Contribute to service mobilisation, transition planning and workforce readiness.
• Produce high-quality assessments, reports and recommendations.
• Promote person-centred, least restrictive and outcome-focused practice.
• Support pathway development, innovation and continuous improvement.

• Minimum three years'' experience in a senior practitioner, assessment, referrals, admissions, commissioning, operational leadership or clinical role within Health & Social Care.
• Experience supporting people with Learning Disabilities, Autism, Mental Health needs, Complex Care needs and Behaviours that Challenge.
• Proven experience managing complex referrals, assessments, admissions, transitions and placement planning.
• Strong assessment, analytical, risk management and report-writing skills.
• Experience managing safeguarding concerns, restrictive practices and placement breakdowns.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, commissioners, Local Authorities, NHS Trusts and ICBs.
• Experience presenting recommendations to funding panels, governance forums and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, organisational and relationship-building skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Office.
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.
• Minimum Level 3 Health & Social Care qualification.
• Relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in Learning Disability, Autism, Mental Health, Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, PBS or a related field.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD.

• Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification.
• RNLD, RMN, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or Psychology qualification.
• PBS, Leadership or Project Management qualification.
• Experience with Transforming Care, CTR/CETR and Dynamic Support Register (DSR).
• Experience within ABI, Forensic or specialist services.
• Experience in service mobilisation, pathway development, occupancy growth and commissioner engagement.

• Hybrid working, with a minimum of three office days per week.
• Access to a Learning Academy.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Reward Gateway discounts and recognition.
• -500 Refer a Friend Scheme.
• Paid Birthday Leave.
• Supportive, collaborative working environment.