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- Tasks: Lead coordination of referrals and assessments in mental health services.
- Company: Compassionate organisation dedicated to supporting mental health and complex needs.
- Benefits: Up to 30 days annual leave, exclusive discounts, and fully paid training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health services and strong customer focus required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are 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.
Our 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 will 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.
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:
- 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 will bring:
- Essential: Significant operational experience within Young People’s and/or Mental Health services, including supported living, residential, or health and social care environments.
- Desirable: Strong understanding of how local authorities, councils, and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) commission, procure, and agree services, including pathways and decision-making processes.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager - Islington, London employer: Look Ahead
Contact Detail:
Look Ahead Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager - Islington, London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health and social care sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral that could land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to customer care and operational development, so you can showcase how your experience aligns with their mission during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to operational management and working with vulnerable populations. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager - Islington, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in mental health and operational roles. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager position.
Showcase Your Compassion: Since this role is all about being kind and compassionate, don’t shy away from sharing examples that demonstrate your empathy and customer-focused approach. We love hearing about how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Look Ahead
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager, especially around coordinating referrals and assessments. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Compassion
Since this role requires empathy and a customer-focused approach, be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and professionalism. Think about situations where you balanced customer needs with operational requirements.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your ability to build strong working relationships with various stakeholders like commissioners and care managers. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your collaboration skills and how you've successfully navigated complex environments in the past.
✨Stay Updated on Regulations
Brush up on Ofsted regulations and best practices in mental health services. Being knowledgeable about compliance will not only impress your interviewers but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in your work.