Job Description

Complex Assessments Manager

Location: North of England - Travelling across Lancashire/Yorkshire (Hybrid – Minimum 3 days office based)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Transforming Care, this newly created strategic role will lead the assessment, progression and mobilisation of complex referrals across Learning Disability, Autism, Mental Health and Complex Care services.

Working closely with operational teams, commissioners, Local Authorities, NHS partners and multidisciplinary professionals, you will support hospital discharge, admission avoidance, placement stability and the development of sustainable community-based support.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced practitioner, assessment lead, referrals/admissions manager, nurse, social worker, PBS practitioner, operational manager or commissioning professional seeking to influence service development and improve outcomes.

About Optimo Care Group

Optimo Care Group provides specialist, person-centred support across the UK for individuals with Learning Disabilities, Autism, Mental Health needs and Complex Care requirements. We are committed to delivering high-quality care, investing in our people and creating positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess complex referrals, determining suitability, viability and sustainability.
• Support hospital discharge, admission avoidance and community transitions.
• Build relationships with commissioners, Local Authorities, ICBs, NHS Trusts and care managers.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary assessments and specialist input.
• Develop bespoke, community-based support packages.
• Complete robust risk assessments and oversee safeguarding.
• Support occupancy growth through effective referral management.
• Contribute to service mobilisation, transition planning and workforce readiness.
• Produce high-quality assessments, reports and recommendations.
• Promote person-centred, least restrictive, outcome-focused practice.
• Support pathway development, innovation and continuous improvement.

About You

Essential

• Minimum three years' experience in a senior practitioner, assessment, referrals, admissions, commissioning, operational leadership or clinical role within Health & Social Care.
• Experience supporting people with Learning Disabilities, Autism, Mental Health needs, Complex Care needs and Behaviours that Challenge.
• Proven experience managing complex referrals, assessments, admissions, transitions and placement planning.
• Strong assessment, analytical, risk management and report-writing skills.
• Experience managing safeguarding concerns, restrictive practices and placement breakdowns.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, commissioners, Local Authorities, NHS Trusts and ICBs.
• Experience presenting recommendations to funding panels, governance forums and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, organisational and relationship-building skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Office.
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.

Qualifications & Knowledge

• Level 3 Health & Social Care qualification (minimum).
• Relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in Learning Disability, Autism, Mental Health, Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, PBS or a related field.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD.

Knowledge of:

• Learning Disabilities, Autism and Mental Health.
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
• Mental Capacity Act, DoLS/LPS and Care Act.
• Safeguarding legislation and best practice.
• Building the Right Support and Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture.
• Community transition and hospital discharge pathways.

Desirable

• Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification.
• RNLD, RMN, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or Psychology qualification.
• PBS, Leadership or Project Management qualification.
• Experience with Transforming Care, CTR/CETR and Dynamic Support Register (DSR).
• Experience within ABI, Forensic or specialist services.
• Experience in service mobilisation, pathway development, occupancy growth and commissioner engagement.

Why Join Us?

• Hybrid working (minimum three office days per week).
• Optimo Learning Academy.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured).
• Reward Gateway discounts and recognition.
• £500 Refer a Friend Scheme.
• Paid Birthday Leave.
• Supportive, collaborative working environment.

Additional Information

• Enhanced DBS required.
• Regional travel required.
• Initially supporting services across the North Region, with opportunities to contribute to wider organisational and national growth initiatives.

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