At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the coordination of referrals and assessments in mental health services.
- Company: Look Ahead, a compassionate organisation dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Up to 30 days annual leave, exclusive discounts, and fully paid training.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mental health while feeling valued and supported.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health services and strong customer focus required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager employer: Look Ahead Care and Support
Look Ahead is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Located in Islington, our Head Office provides a vibrant environment where you can thrive, with benefits such as generous annual leave, comprehensive training programmes, and a commitment to recognising staff contributions through quarterly awards. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while advancing your career in a dynamic and innovative organisation.
Contact Details:
Look Ahead Care and Support Recruitment Team
