Accountabilities:

• Developing a close relationship with the RDM to promote joint working
• Carry out regular 1:1 supervision, clinical observations, and dip tests/ live dip tests, audits, coaching FAs 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.
• Apply critical thinking and logical reasoning to support the FAs 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.

To maintain personal approval in specific disciplines/tasks as per the PIPAG guidelines.

Essential criteria:

• A minimum of 12 months experience as a DWP approved Functional Assessor, achieving consistently high-quality clinical audit outcomes.
• A minimum of 12 months' post-qualification experience as a physiotherapist, nurse, doctor, occupational therapist, or paramedic (PIP only) 
• 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.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience in delivering feedback and planning personal and professional development in a clinical setting.
• Positive approach to utilising feedback to maximise personal and professional development, for self and others.
• Driven to support others through sharing knowledge, experience, and best practice.