Referrals and Assessment Practitioner - Part time role
About the Role
As a Referral & Assessment Practitioner, you will play a critical role in Lifeways’ growth by owning the full referral-to-placement journey — from initial enquiry and triage through to assessment, proposal development, funding agreement and mobilisation.
You will deliver high-quality, holistic assessments for individuals with complex needs, ensuring safe, person-centred and commercially viable support solutions aligned to Lifeways’ supported living pathways.
Working at pace and to clearly defined service expectations, you will analyse multi-source information, identify risks and develop evidence-based recommendations that underpin effective support plans and successful placements.
You will act as a key point of contact for commissioners, families and internal stakeholders, ensuring every individual experiences a professional, compassionate and efficient assessment journey.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full referral process, from enquiry and triage through to proposal, funding agreement and mobilisation readiness
- Conduct holistic, evidence-based assessments (face-to-face and virtual) for individuals with complex needs
- Align assessments to Lifeways’ supported living pathways (including crisis, transitions and complex behavioural support)
- Analyse multi-source and sometimes conflicting information to identify risks, needs and appropriate support models
- Produce high-quality, clear and professional assessment reports that form the foundation of support planning
- Develop costed proposals, ensuring packages are commercially viable and aligned to internal pricing frameworks
- Work to defined turnaround expectations and manage multiple referrals across a wide geographical area
- Collaborate closely with Business Development, Operations, Quality and external partners to ensure cohesive service delivery
- Present proposals to commissioners and support the negotiation of funding agreements
- Coordinate safe and well-planned transitions into Lifeways services
Position Duration
Permanent
Role Type
Business Development and Marketing
Salary / rate of pay
£19 000
Job Description
About You
We are looking for a highly capable, commercially aware professional who combines strong assessment expertise with excellent stakeholder and analytical skills.
Essential Skills & Experience
Assessment Expertise
- Proven ability to assess complex needs across learning disabilities, autism, mental health or related areas
- Strong experience analysing referral information and identifying gaps to inform decision-making
Sector Experience
- Background in health, social care or housing
- Experience working with individuals with complex or behavioural needs
Commercial & Financial Awareness
- Experience developing costed support packages
- Ability to balance person-centred care with financial viability
Analytical & Decision-Making Skills
- Ability to interpret complex information and make sound, defensible recommendations
- Strong risk assessment and safeguarding awareness
Organisation & Pace
- Experience managing a high-volume, complex caseload
- Ability to work to tight turnaround times and competing priorities
Communication & Reporting
- Excellent written skills with experience producing high-quality assessment reports
- Confident presenting to commissioners and external stakeholders
Relationship Building
- Ability to build credibility with commissioners, NHS partners and internal teams
IT & Systems
- Strong Microsoft Office skills and confidence using digital systems/CRM platforms
Why Choose Lifeways?
- Join one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist support services
- Be part of a high-performing growth and assessment function with ambitious expansion plans
- Play a direct role in enabling safe placements and service growth
- Hybrid working with autonomy over your diary and travel planning
- Work in a collaborative, forward-thinking and values-led environment
- Access to ongoing development and clear career progression opportunities
How to Apply
If you’re passionate about supporting people with complex needs and want to play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, sustainable support solutions, we’d love to hear from you.
