A Disability Assessor is a compassionate and ambitious healthcare professional, responsible for carrying out holistic, face-to-face assessments with individuals who have a varied range of physical and/or mental health disabilities, seeking to receive the PIP benefit scheme.
What is PIP?
PIP is a benefit for people aged 16 to 64 with long-term health conditions. It helps people with a wide variety of disabilities cover the extra costs that they may face when trying to lead a fully active and independent life.
You will do things like:
- Carry out face-to-face consultations within a claimant’s home or in a consultation centre (currently remotely due to Covid-19)
- Use your clinical expertise to analyse a claimant’s information and write fair, accurate, and concise report that is sent on to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), so they can make a decision on whether a claimant is eligible
- Liaise with medical teams involved with a person’s care when necessary, for example, GPs, Community Psychiatric Nurses, Specialist Nurses, or social care teams
Candidate in focus – Emma, Registered Nurse
We caught up with Emma, a registered nurse who has recently started her new role as Disability Assessor at Independent Assessment Services.
What made you consider applying for the role of a Disability Assessor? What attracted you to the opportunity?
When I logged into Totaljobs it was the first job that I saw for nurses. I was interested in the role because an ex-colleague of mine worked as an assessor for ATOS years ago and is still there 10 years on. She has been happy with the role.
What are you expecting to get out of your new job?
I am hoping and expecting to learn a new role, be a helpful and supportive colleague and do my best as an assessor to ensure a fair outcome for the claimants. I am also hoping to potentially expand my career at ATOS. I am also looking forward to the office hours and doing 4 days a week to have some work life balance.
What are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to working close to home, as the Assessment Centre is just 8 miles drive for me. I am looking forward to not having to commute on trains and busses. I am looking forward to learning a new skill.
How did you find the application and recruitment process working with your consultant Luke? Please describe your experience
My recruitment process was outstanding. Luke was extremely helpful and supportive and was available to answer queries etc. He was really helpful providing knowledge to assist with interview preparation.
What did you find most challenging about the process and how did you overcome this?
For me, the most challenging part was preparing for the interview. I have found previous NHS interviews daunting and Luke really helped me to prepare by helping me to know what sort of questions may come up and how to answer them effectively.
In what ways were you supported by Luke to help you complete your application/interview successfully?
Luke assisted with knowing exactly what documents were needed, how to prepare for the interview and what to expect from the role. He was also really encouraging and supportive.
Would you recommend TFS Healthcare to a healthcare friend or colleague?
I would absolutely recommend TFS to a friend or colleague yes. I have in fact already helped a colleague to get herself a job through Luke as an assessor and will be recommending more of my ex-colleagues.
About the company
Independent Assessment Services is one of the UK’s leading assessment services providers. They deliver independent health and disability assessments on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions across the UK. As a trusted partner in the assessment process, they combine professionalism and compassion making assessments inclusive for all.
Who we are looking for:
- RGN, RMN, RLD, Paramedic, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist
- 2 years post reg clinical experience (or 18 months broad-based) minimum
- Full registration with NMC/HCPC with no restrictions on pin
- Ability to work autonomously and I.T competency would be beneficial
- Enthusiastic about career development
- Due to the nature of this role, strong written and oral communication is required as well as confident interpersonal skills
No previous experience is required, as a comprehensive training masterclass is provided to ensure you are fully prepared to successfully undertake this role.
Benefits:
- Salary: London – starting at £41,000, outside of London starting at £32,000 – £41,000 dependent on location
- Permanent position with flexible, part-time opportunities available after the full-time training is complete (minimum requirement of 22.5 hrs per week)
- 25 days’ annual leave, with option to buy and sell up to 10 days, plus all bank holidays off
- Pension scheme matching up to 10% of your contributions and as standard, you will retain earnings from any existing pensions (such as NHS)
- Life assurance, private medical insurance, and medical indemnity insurance
- Continuous CPD support provided, plus reimbursement of your annual HCPC/NMC registration fee
- Flexible benefits, including dental and travel insurance
- And many more!
Disability Assessor homebased opportunities
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, these assessments are currently being successfully conducted over the telephone and therefore we can now also offer the option of permanent homebased roles as a Disability Assessor. Training will be a mixture of virtual and assessment centre based to ensure the right level of support and learning is offered. To be eligible, you must have an appropriate work space within your home.
Secure your dream role with TFS Healthcare
If you’re looking to further progress your career as a Disability Assessor or discuss other opportunities within healthcare, please get in touch with our dedicated recruitment team on 020 7407 1323 or email dacareers@tfshealthcare.co.uk for an informal discussion.