We are seeking an experienced and passionate Associate Director of Assessment & Transition to join our Adult Care division in a primarily remote role, requiring extensive national travel and flexibility to respond at short notice across our portfolio. The role may require 3 or more days of travel per week, however you should be flexible and proactive in your diary management.
This pivotal role ensures every placement is thoroughly assessed, person-centred, and sustainable for autistic individuals with complex care and support needs. This role requires strong expertise in autism and the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) framework, you will lead high-quality assessments, support successful transitions, and help prevent placement breakdown.
Working collaboratively across services, you will align environments, teams, and care approaches to individual needs—driving improved outcomes and strengthening autism support across the organisation.
What you'll be doing
You will drive quality, performance, and consistency across autism services, embedding best practice and regulatory standards in partnership with the Quality Team. You’ll identify risks and improvement opportunities, setting clear objectives and tracking progress to enhance outcomes and sustainability.
Working closely with Operations Directors and service leaders, you will ensure teams are skilled and confident in supporting service users, creating environments that deliver positive, person-centred outcomes. You will also contribute to service growth and sustainability, supporting occupancy, funding considerations, and care package development.
You will play a key role in delivering the autism Strategy, providing expert guidance in autism, and shaping a specialist model for complex autism within Adult Care. Alongside this, you will build strong relationships with Commissioners and stakeholders, support service development and due diligence, and act as a subject matter expert to influence practice, policy, and continuous improvement.
What you'll bring to the role
You will bring extensive experience in leading high-quality residential care services, with strong expertise in assessing and transitioning autistic adults with complex needs. A deep understanding of autism and the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) framework will enable you to drive person-centred, sustainable outcomes. A recognised qualification at QCF Level 5 or higher, or a relevant degree, is highly desirable.
You will demonstrate strong strategic leadership, sound decision-making, and the ability to independently manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. With experience in quality improvement, safeguarding, and stakeholder engagement, you will confidently influence practice and outcomes across services.
You will also bring excellent communication skills, experience in developing and supporting teams, and a strong understanding of the UK social care and regulatory landscape, alongside a passion for continuous improvement and high-quality care.
This position is a leadership role at Priory and during the interview process we will be assessing candidates against our leadership behaviours. These are a set of ten values driven behaviours that define great leadership at Priory. They are integral to driving a positive high performing culture where we strive to deliver the best care and outcomes for the people we support. You can find out more about our interview approach and our leadership behaviours here.
What we will give you in return
We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.
- 25 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays + additional day’s leave for your Birthday!
- Annual leave entitlement increases based on length of service: 27 days after 5 years’ service and 30 days after 10 years’ service
- Length of service recognition awards – every 5 years
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Initial Disclosure Check Cost covered, if applicable to role
- ‘My Possible Self’ App and health-related benefits
- Online discounts and cashback rewards – Priory Perks
- Smart Technology scheme (qualifying period)
- Cycle to work scheme (qualifying period)
- Smart Holidays (qualifying period)
- Gym Flex (qualifying period)
- Healthcare Cash Plan – Simply Health Scheme
- Eye Care Vouchers
- ‘Cash for Colleagues’ – Employee referral scheme
- Access to development opportunities
- Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
- Leadership & management development
- Parental Leave Gift
Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the full job description attached prior to making an application.
Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.