The Clinical Standards Lead role will work closely with new and experienced Functional Assessors to provide supervision and feedback, utilising quality and productivity data to enable professional development in line with the Performance Excellence Framework.

The successful applicant will also need to maintain their DWP approval by carrying out assessments to evaluate the overall functional effects of the Claimant’s health condition and or disability on their everyday life, following the PIP and/or WCA guidelines. Assessors will be expected to use DWP processes and systems and conduct high quality assessments in an empathetic and professional manner.

Responsibilities:

• Carry out regular 1:1 supervision, clinical observations, and dip tests/ live dip tests (audits), coaching HPs in line with defined Support Pathways based on quality performance related risk assessments.

• Monitor trends and specific emerging issues that need to be addressed, delivering group quality improvement sessions where common issues are apparent.

• Supervise the support pathways of Functional Assessors as defined within the Performance Excellence Framework, utilising clinical audit and quality outcomes with a view to achieving sustained quality improvement within the contract.

• Carry out telephone, video and/ or face-to-face functional assessments to establish any functional restriction caused by a claimant’s health concern. Be the point of contact during the consultation stage for claimants with a wide range of health conditions and disabilities.

• Obtain evidence from the claimant, using active listening and asking appropriate questions to establish any functional restriction.

• Apply critical thinking and logical reasoning to produce accurate, and detailed reports, utilising DWP systems and processes.

• Ensure that reports are completed to a high standard to achieve the required quality grades, including in relation to accurate spelling and grammar.

• Support achievement of service delivery KPIs through provision of an effective and efficient Assessment Service.

• Liaise with a range of clinical peers across the NHS and private healthcare sector, charities, and support organisations to obtain and evaluate evidence that assists in the production of detailed reports.

• Proactively develop knowledge of health conditions through engaging with Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities in line with professional registration and contractual requirements.

• Undertake any training required to carry out Functional Assessor role e.g., Paper-based Reviews and initial Triage.

• Take ownership of professional revalidation to ensure that this is completed within the required timescales.

Essential Criteria:

• A minimum of 12 months experience as a DWP approved Functional Assessor, achieving consistently high-quality clinical audit outcomes.

• Be HCPC / NMC/ GMC registered with no restrictions on practice.

• Have a proven record of proactively engaging with relevant Continual Professional Development (CPD).

• Broad-ranging clinical experience across a range on conditions, including working with adults.

• Demonstrable knowledge of the clinical aspects and likely functional effects of a wide range of medical conditions, including skills in assessing people and the ability to perform a relevant examination.

• Knowledge and skills in assessing people with conditions affecting mental health, intellectual and cognitive function including the ability to perform a relevant examination.

• Ability to critically evaluate evidence and use logical reasoning to provide accurate evidence-based advice.

• Have excellent interpersonal and written communication skills that include the ability to interact sensitively and appropriately, take a comprehensive, history; accurately recording clinical findings, producing succinct, accurate reports in Plain English, while utilising a questioning style that allows the Claimant to talk freely about their level of function.

• Be able to take part in the continuous feedback cycle, including 360-degree feedback, and use this feedback to improve practice.

• Efficient IT skills and an ability to type notes accurately whilst conducting assessments (30 words per minute minimum).

• Ability to maintain a strong work ethic while working independently.

• Ability and willingness to share clinical experience and knowledge to positive effect within a team.

• Comfortable working to team and individual targets.

• An eye for detail.

• Driven and flexible.

• Demonstrable ability to manage time effectively.