Referrals & Assessments Manager

Referrals & Assessments Manager Salary: £40,000–£45,000 per annum, depending on experience Location: Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Cheshire Working pattern: Flexible, based on business needs, with regional travel, head-office and service visits, and some home working We are recruiting an experienced Referrals & Assessments Manager for a specialist care provider supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions and other complex needs. Operating residential care and supported-living services across the North West, the organisation provides person-centred support designed to promote independence, choice and positive outcomes. The role You will manage referrals from initial enquiry through to assessment and admission, ensuring that prospective placements are appropriate, carefully planned and centred around each individual’s needs. This is a varied, hands-on position involving travel throughout Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Your working week will reflect business priorities and include completing assessments in the community, visiting services, working from head office and some home working. Key responsibilities will include: * Managing referrals and enquiries efficiently from first contact through to placement. * Completing comprehensive assessments for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex support needs. * Evaluating whether services can safely and effectively meet each individual’s needs. * Producing clear assessment reports, recommendations and proposed support arrangements. * Coordinating smooth, person-centred transitions into residential or supported-living services. * Building effective relationships with commissioners, social workers, families, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. * Working closely with operational teams to ensure proposed placements are safe, sustainable and appropriately resourced. * Visiting existing and prospective services across the region. * Supporting occupancy and service-development objectives through responsive and professional referral management. * Maintaining accurate records while meeting safeguarding, confidentiality and regulatory requirements. About you You will ideally have: * Strong experience within learning disability and/or autism services. * Experience supporting adults, although relevant children’s-services experience will also be considered. * A background at Registered Manager level or above within health or social care. * The ability to undertake detailed, person-centred assessments and make sound decisions regarding placement suitability. * A good understanding of complex care, safeguarding, risk management and positive transitions. * Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality assessment reports. * Confidence communicating with commissioners, professionals, families and operational colleagues. * Excellent organisation and the flexibility to manage changing priorities. * A collaborative, compassionate and outcomes-focused approach. * Previous business-development experience would be advantageous, but it is not essential. Applications are welcomed from experienced operational leaders who understand service delivery and can build trusted professional relationships. * As regular regional travel is essential, you must hold a full UK driving licence, have access to a vehicle and live within Lancashire, Greater Manchester or Cheshire. Why apply? This is an opportunity to play an influential role within a growing specialist care provider, helping individuals find services that genuinely match their needs. You will combine professional assessment expertise with operational insight, contributing directly to safe placements and better outcomes for the people supported. To apply, please submit your CV and a brief supporting statement outlining your relevant experience