Job Purpose
The Referrals Officer is responsible for managing and coordinating all referrals into the hostel and supported accommodation service. The post holder will act as the main point of contact for referral agencies, local authorities, support providers, and prospective residents, ensuring referrals are assessed fairly, efficiently, and in line with organisational policies and service criteria.
The role involves assessing suitability for accommodation, maintaining accurate referral records, sourcing referrals, supporting occupancy management, and ensuring effective communication with internal and external stakeholders. The Referrals Officer will contribute to the smooth operation of the service by helping to ensure appropriate placements and positive outcomes for residents.
Key Responsibilities
1. Referral Management
- Receive, process, and manage referrals for hostel and supported accommodation placements.
- Assess referrals against eligibility criteria, risk assessments, and accommodation suitability.
- Gather and review supporting documentation from referring agencies and applicants.
- Make recommendations regarding placements in consultation with management and support teams.
- Maintain effective systems for tracking referrals, admissions, waiting lists, and vacancies.
2. Resident Assessment and Placement
- Conduct initial assessments and interviews with prospective residents where required.
- Identify support needs, risks, and vulnerabilities to determine appropriate placements.
- Ensure placements are completed in accordance with organisational procedures and safeguarding requirements.
- Coordinate move-ins and ensure relevant information is communicated to operational teams.
3. Liaison and Partnership Working
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with local authorities, housing teams, probation services, healthcare professionals, and external support agencies.
- Act as the primary point of contact for referral partners and stakeholders.
- Attend multi-agency meetings where required.
- Promote the organisation’s services and maintain professional communication with external agencies.
4. Record Keeping and Compliance
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and up to date referral records and resident information.
- Ensure all documentation is completed in line with GDPR and data protection requirements.
- Monitor referral outcomes and occupancy data for reporting purposes.
- Support audits and compliance checks relating to referrals and admissions processes.
5. Safeguarding and Risk Management
- Identify safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately in line with organisational policies.
- Ensure risk assessments are completed and reviewed prior to admission where applicable.
- Work collaboratively with support staff to ensure safe and appropriate placements.
- Maintain professional boundaries and uphold confidentiality at all times.
6. Operational Support
- Support the management team in maintaining occupancy levels and effective bed space management.
- Assist with resident move-ons and planned departures where required.
- Provide administrative support related to referrals, admissions, and resident records.
- Contribute to service development and continuous improvement initiatives.
7. Sourcing and Developing Referrals
- Proactively source referrals to maintain occupancy levels across the hostel and supported accommodation services.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with local authorities, housing options teams, homelessness services, probation services, hospitals, outreach teams, and other referral partners.
- Promote the organisation’s services to external agencies and stakeholders to increase referral opportunities.
- Attend networking events, partnership meetings, and multi-agency forums to develop referral pathways and strengthen professional relationships.
- Monitor referral trends and identify opportunities to improve referral numbers and placement suitability.
- Work collaboratively with management to support service growth and maintain sustainable occupancy levels.
- Ensure all sourced referrals are appropriate, assessed effectively, and aligned with the service criteria and resident needs.
Person Specification
Essential Knowledge and Experience
- Experience working within housing, homelessness, supported accommodation, social care, or a similar environment.
- Experience managing referrals, assessments, or admissions processes.
- Experience sourcing referrals and developing professional partnerships with external agencies.
- Understanding of the needs and challenges faced by vulnerable adults and homeless individuals.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment, and professional boundaries.
- Experience maintaining accurate records and handling sensitive information confidentially.
Essential Skills and Abilities
- Strong organisational and administrative skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to assess information objectively and make informed decisions.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
- Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with external stakeholders.
- Proficient IT skills, including use of databases and Microsoft Office applications.
Qualifications
- Relevant qualification in Housing, Health and Social Care, Business Administration, or a related field desirable.
- Safeguarding training desirable.
Personal Attributes
- Professional, empathetic, and approachable manner.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Reliable, flexible, and proactive approach to work.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Additional Requirements
- Enhanced DBS check required.
- Ability to attend meetings and visits as required.
- Flexibility to support operational needs where necessary.
Safeguarding
The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all residents and service users. The post holder will be expected to adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
Equality and Diversity
The organisation is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion and expects all staff to uphold these values in their work.
Pay: £28,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience:
- referrals: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
