Nurses and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) often grapple with the challenge of achieving a perfect work-life balance due to job demands. In response, many turn to locum work, seeking a solution. However, this choice may compromise job stability and certainty in working patterns. Enter the role of a functional assessor – a position that not only offers job stability but also facilitates a balanced lifestyle. In this guide, we outline the role, benefits, and requirements essential for becoming a functional assessor.

What is a Functional Assessor?

The role of a functional assessor entails conducting face-to-face interviews with benefit claimants and performing clinical assessments for the Centre for Health & Disability Assessments. This role is particularly suitable for individuals with strong clinical assessment skills and confidence in decision-making.

As you will be working closely with claimants, possessing strong interpersonal skills is crucial. While succinct report writing is a requirement, a training program is available to assist in producing professional health assessments and crafting concise yet detailed reports.

What are the Benefits of Being a Functional Assessor?

This role offers the opportunity to trade unsociable hours for standard business hours in an office-based environment, with a typical working day from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Working as a functional assessor exposes you to a variety of conditions, allowing the development of clinical knowledge compared to specialising in a single area.

Potential Earnings:

Annual salaries start at approximately £44,000 in London and £38,000 in surrounding regions throughout England. Additional benefits may include paid training, private healthcare, and a pension scheme.

What are the Specific Requirements Needed to be a Functional Assessor?

To pursue a career as a functional assessor, you must be an NMC nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist with at least two years of post-registration experience. Current HCPC registration is also mandatory.

Given the nature of the role, strong written and oral communication skills, along with confident interpersonal skills, are essential.

If this role is of interest to you and you meet the requirements, take a look at our latest opportunities here, or call one of our specialised Consultants if you have any questions on 0203 897 1563.