Disability assessors play a pivotal role in the UK’s health system, yet the nature of their work often lacks clarity. To address this, we’ve put together a quick guide to allow you to gain an understanding of their role.

What is a disability assessor?

A disability assessor is a medical professional responsible for assessing the situations of those with a disability, to see if they qualify for PIP. They evaluate whether the person is able to work, how mobile they are and decide what types of living aids they may require.

These professionals allocate resources such as crutches for individuals with mobility issues due to leg injuries or may recommend benefit support for those unable to work. Given the transformative impact of their findings on someone’s life, accurate and detailed reports are essential in this role.

What is PIP?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is designed to assist those aged 16 to 64 facing additional costs associated with long-term health conditions or disabilities. It aims to support those struggling with the financial challenges of living with a health condition affecting their daily lives.

What does the role involve?

The role requires you to work in an assessment centre or conduct assessments in people’s homes. Each assessment involves producing a comprehensive written report that reviews the applicant’s history, the potential impact of their health condition on their daily functionality, the medications and treatments they use, and any other relevant information.

What are the eligibility and requirements to be a disability assessor?

This role is well-suited for experienced healthcare professionals such as nurses (RGN, RMN, RNLD, OHA, OHN), paramedics, physiotherapists, or occupational therapists with at least two years of post-registration experience.

As the role requires you to create accurate reports, clear, well-ordered report writing skills are essential. Furthermore, as you will closely interact with claimants, possessing strong observation, assessment, and communication skills is vital.

It is important for disability assessors to also empathise with claimants, in order to establish how their health conditions affects their everyday life, capability to look after themselves and their capacity to work. Flexibility to travel to different locations, whether in an assessment centre or people’s homes, is also essential.

Interested?

If this role is of interest to you and you meet the requirements, take a look at our latest opportunities here. Alternatively, please do not hesitate to call one of our specialised Consultants if you have any questions on 0203 897 1563.