Occupational Therapist Assessor

Are you looking for a better work/life balance?

If you’re a registered Occupational Therapist looking for a move away from shift working and a less physically demanding role then read on!

We offer a values-driven environment – our Capita Values of Customers First, Fearless Innovation, Achieve Together and Everyone is Valued underpin how we treat each other and our clients.

We have hybrid (2 days at home per week) roles now available based at one of our clinics located across Wales: Cardiff, Swansea, Colwyn Bay, Wrexham, Bridgend, Pembroke Dock, Newtown, Aberystwyth, and Bangor.

As an Occupational Therapist Assessor / Functional Specialist at Capita HAAS (Health Assessment Advisory Service) you’ll use your clinical expertise and analytical skills in a different way - to meet with benefits claimants in person or via video link, write in-depth reports and make important clinical recommendations, all while enjoying a more structured and flexible way of working.

What we offer

• Excellent training and ongoing support – be part of our valued team where wellbeing is prioritised.
• Full or part time hours (minimum 3 days per week).
• Monday to Friday between 8am to 5pm with no weekend or night shifts (occasional 8pm finishes may be required).
• £39,500 starting salary, rising to £40,500 after DWP approval.
• 10% of Salary Bonus scheme (based on quality and performance).
• Hybrid working – home and clinic based (up to 3 days per week).
• Watch this short video to find out more https://capita.wistia.com/medias/2spl0ey4a9

Other benefits

• HCPC fees paid and full revalidation support.
• 15 weeks’ full maternity, adoption and shared parental pay.
• Company pension, life assurance and Cycle2Work scheme.
• Discounts across retail, travel, technology and wellbeing.
• Free access to Headspace (for you and up to 5 others).
• A paid volunteering day each year.
• Ongoing training, development and clear career pathways.
• 25 days’ holiday (rising to 27 with service) with the option to buy more up to 5 days.

What you’ll do in this role: 

• Conduct initial reviews, face-to-face, video or telephone assessments to evaluate how a claimant’s health condition or disability affects them for various types of benefit including WCA and PIP. 

• Analyse and interpret clinical information and supporting evidence. 

• Write detailed evidence-based reports to support the DWP in making informed and objective decisions - no treatment or diagnosis required. 

• Use IT systems to support clinical decision-making and report writing. 

• Develop your clinical knowledge and constantly learn about health conditions which are less familiar to you. 

What are PIP and WCA? 

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people with a long-term health condition or impairment. It is paid to make a contribution to the extra costs that disabled people may face, to help them lead full, active and independent lives.  

• Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is a functional assessment that looks at a range of different activities relating to physical, mental, intellectual and cognitive functions, to help DWP determine a customer's capability for work or work-related activity. 

About you

• HCPC occupational therapist with a valid PIN and no current restrictions
• Minimum of one year’s post-registration experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to produce clear, accurate and detailed reports.
• Comfortable working quickly to meet structured targets.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn new systems while working remotely.
• excellent observational and communication skills, giving you the ability to listen, empathise and dig deeper.
• A driving licence or access to transport for assessment centre working.

Please note: all candidates must hold the right to work in the UK as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

About Capita HAAS

We were awarded two contracts to deliver the Health Assessment Advisory Service (HAAS) assessments in the Midlands and Wales for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and in Northern Ireland for the Department for Communities (DfC).

We deliver assessments for a variety of different benefits, including delivering PIP assessments in the Midlands and Wales since 2013, and in Northern Ireland since 2016.

Security and compliance 

Successful candidates will be required to successfully complete government baseline personnel security standard vetting. This is the recognised standard for the pre-employment screening of individuals with access to government asset. 

This role is defined as regulated activity relating to children or vulnerable adults within the meaning of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. At vetting, you will undergo an enhanced criminality check which will show both spent and unspent convictions. 

What happens next?

Please do complete our short application form and upload your CV. (Please ensure there are no unexplained gaps in your CV). 

We’re an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.  

As a Disability Confident Leader, we are proud to guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for this role. 

Please note part-time staff will be required to work either a Monday or a Friday each week and there will be an initial full time (paid) training period of 8 weeks so candidates must be able to commit to that. 

If you have queries, or want to discuss any reasonable adjustments, please contact our friendly recruitment team:  

[email protected] 

0300 303 8544