Referrals and Assessment Practitioner - South West

Job Description

About the Role

As a Referral & Assessment Practitioner, you will be responsible for:

• Assessing the diverse support needs of individuals referred to Lifeways’ services, using emotional intelligence and professional expertise.
• You can conduct assessments with face to face or virtually online
• Promoting a recovery-oriented approach, tailoring assessments to individual circumstances.
• Developing clear, high-quality assessments that form the foundation of effective support plans. These plans need to be detailed and thorough but also recognise that there is person a the end of the assessment waiting for a placement so ability to prioritise is key
• Collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure cohesive service delivery.
• Producing detailed financial costings for support proposals and securing funding agreements.
• Coordinating transitions to ensure a smooth move into our services.

Essential Skills and Experience

We are looking for candidates with the following:

• Assessment Expertise: Demonstrated ability to assess a wide range of support needs, analysing referral information and identifying gaps to create comprehensive care plans.
• Sector Experience: Proven experience within the care, health, and/or housing sectors, particularly in learning disabilities, autism, or mental health.
• Knowledge and Promotion of Recovery: Strong understanding of mental health, contributors to poor mental health, and risk management.
• Financial Acumen: Experience in developing financial costings for support packages.
• Analytical Skills: High-level ability to interpret complex information and apply it effectively.
• Coordination and Organization: Evidence of managing complex workloads across large geographical areas with competing demands.
• Communication and Writing: Ability to produce professional, well-written assessment reports and quality-assure others' work.
• Relationship Building: Skill in fostering positive relationships with external and partner organizations to deliver cohesive services.
• Full UK Driving Licence: This role requires a full UK driving licence as frequent travel is essential.
• IT Proficiency: Strong command of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and relevant digital tools to produce high-quality documentation.

Why Join Lifeways?

When you join Lifeways, you step into a leadership role in a company that values and invests in its people. Our shared values guide everything we do:
Caring – Honest – One Team – Innovative – Courageous – Equal

You’ll get:

• Enjoy financial wellbeing tools with Stream — real-time pay tracking, savings features, and instant access to earned pay when you need it.
• Leadership development programmes & progression pathways
• A supportive, inclusive workplace culture
• Matched contribution company pension scheme
• Wellbeing resources and mental health support
• Reward and Recognition Schemes
• Discounts on shopping, tech, travel, and more through CHOICE Rewards

Why Now?

We are on a bold journey to become the Care Provider of Choice — and this is an exciting time to join us.

We listen closely to our team members through surveys and forums and act on their ideas, continuously improving how we support both our people and the individuals in our care.

At Lifeways, you’re not just anyone. You’re a leader who can make a difference every single day.

How to Apply

If you’re an experienced professional passionate about supporting individuals with complex needs and meeting the criteria above, we want to hear from you! Submit your CV and a Application Form explaining how your skills and experience align with this role.

Lifeways is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all team members.

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