Functional Assessor (PIP & WCA)
Contract: Full-time, Hybrid (50/50 split – approx. 3 days per week in an Assessment Centre)
Locations: UK-wide (PIP & WCA‑designated Serco sites)
Eligible Professions:
- Nurses (RGN, RMN, RNLD)
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Paramedics
- Pharmacists (PIP only)
About the Role:
Serco, working on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is recruiting motivated and clinically experienced healthcare professionals to join our expanding team of PIP (Personal Independence Payment) and WCA(Work Capability Assessment) Functional Assessors.
In this role, you will perform structured assessments to understand how an individual’s health conditions impact their daily living and functional capability. You will not diagnose, treat, or decide the outcome of a claim. Instead, your responsibility is to gather objective clinical evidence and produce high‑quality reports for DWP Decision Makers.
This role offers an excellent work–life balance, structured hours, and a move away from shift work and hands‑on clinical care.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct telephone, video, or face‑to‑face assessments for PIP & MCA
- Review medical evidence and gather detailed functional information
- Explore how physical, cognitive, and mental health conditions affect daily activities
- Assess reliability—can tasks be completed safely, repeatedly, timely, and to an acceptable standard
- Understand condition variability (good days/bad days) and document accordingly
- Produce clear, well‑structured, evidence‑based clinical reports
- Maintain safeguarding principles and uphold NMC/HCPC professional standards
- Work to set quality, performance, and clinical governance requirements
Essential Requirements:
- Registered healthcare professional: NMC or HCPC
- Minimum 12 months post‑registration clinical experience within the last 5 years
- No cautions or restrictions on registration (health‑related exceptions may require DWP approval)
- Strong IT literacy and competent use of MS Office
- Detailed CV with full MM/YY work history and no unexplained gaps
- Must live within 60 minutes of a Serco Assessment Centre
- Good communication skills, clinical reasoning, and ability to work objectively
Additional Screening Requirements:
- Right to Work & identity verification
- Registration checks (NMC Parts 1 & 2 / Full HCPC)
- Disclosure of investigations, dismissals, or convictions
- Overseas documentation if required (based on candidate circumstances)
What You’ll Receive:
- Full training programme for PIP and WCA roles
- Structured onboarding and support throughout vetting and contract stages
- 25 days annual leave (+ option to purchase 5 more)
- Employer pension contribution up to 6%
- Life Insurance (up to 2× salary)
- Paid Equipment Collection Day – counted as your first working day
- Clear, supportive pathway with experienced recruiters and account managers
Application & Assessment Journey:
- CV review & initial screening
- Pre‑telephone interview checks
- Telephone interview & registration verification
- Online Clinical Scenario Assessment
- Interview with Serco
- Verbal offer (subject to approvals)
- IDVT identity verification & contract issuance
- Security clearance process
- Training schedule issued & equipment collection day arranged
Why Choose a PIP & WCA Functional Assessor Role?
✔ No night shifts, emergencies, or hands‑on treatment
✔ Balanced hybrid working model
✔ Opportunity to use clinical expertise in a new, meaningful way
✔ High levels of training, governance, and professional support
✔ Stable environment with predictable work patterns
✔ Real contribution to fair and evidence‑based decision-making