Trainee Clinical Coder

Job summary

The Trainee Clinical Coder is the entry level position for development into an ACC Qualified Clinical Coder. The Post holder will undertake the Clinical Coding Standards Course to become an ACC Clinical Coder. The post holder is responsible for extracting clinical information from the Medical record of care, either in paper format or from the electronic patient information systems.

The post holder takes responsibility for their own professional development to obtain the necessary skills to progress through to professional accreditation status. They must apply clinical codes whilst adhering to required National standards, local policies and meet the monthly coding deadline. The post holder will engage with the internal coding audit programme and ensure that all audit recommendations are actioned.

This role provides you with the opportunity to study towards the National Clinical Coding Qualification (NCCQ) and become an Accredited Clinical Coder. Passing the NCCQ is required for career progression to the next band. We will support you by providing various training sessions in work time, but please be aware that there will be an expectation that you will allow time outside of work for study. NHS England recommend that 2-4 hours of study time per week is needed to adequately prepare for the NCCQ.

You will be asked to sit a 30min pre interview test consisting of basic anatomy & physiology and clinical terminology, effectively testing your aptitude to perform the role of a Clinical Coder.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

Undertakes the Clinical Coding Standards Course that is fundamental to this role.

Develops and maintain practical coding skills and theoretical knowledge relating to the use of the encoding schemes. This will require a range of formal internal and external specialist training.

Ensures that national and local policies that govern the use of the encoding schemes are followed and implemented throughout the department and to report instances where policies have not been followed.

Liaises with Trust staff in order to achieve the collection of complete and accurate data and works closely with department colleagues to ensure that departmental objectives and targets are achieved.

Organises own work in order to ensure that individual deadlines and objectives are met and organises own study schedule to follow on from the Clinical Coding Standards Course to work towards taking the National Clinical Coding Qualification.

Analyses and abstracts appropriate information from a range of information sources e.g. case notes, clinical systems, histopathology reports and accurately translates clinical information into a statistical code using the encoding schemes ICD-10 and OPCS 4.

Enters encoded data on to a computer system correctly. This will require the ability to be able to review a completed screen of data and identify errors such as incorrectly typed prefix, reversed characters, mistyped numerals etc

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job description

Highlights (for full Job Description please see attached documents)

• To liaise with Trust staff in order to achieve the collection of complete and accurate data
• To liaise with and work closely with department colleagues to ensure that departmental objectives and targets are achieved
• Working closely with the Management team to ensure that the Service develops in line with both the needs of the Organisation and the National Requirements

Please be aware that there will be an expectation that you will allow time outside of work for study. NHS England recommend that 2-4 hours of study time per week is needed to adequately prepare for the NCCQ.

You will be asked to sit a 30min pre interview test consisting of basic anatomy & physiology and clinical terminology, effectively testing your aptitude to perform the role of a Clinical Coder.

This vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if a high volume of suitable applications is received. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

English language and Maths GCSE or equivalent

Human biology O'level, A'Level, GCSE

Relevant work-based experience

Evidence of a willingness and ability to undertake further study in their own time.

Commitment to undertake the required Clinical Coding Standards training and associated assessments.

Desirable

Evidence of recent further education or workplace-based learning.
Qualification in a healthcare, science, administration, information or related subject.
Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology qualification or relevant previous study

Experience

Essential

Competent in the use of computer-based systems
Ability to extract and analyse relevant information
Ability to use initiative and be proactive to achieve deadlines.
Ability to discuss cases and examples whilst maintaining confidentiality
Ability to liaise and communicate appropriately with a range of hospital personnel
Ability to organise own work
Ability to work under pressure
Willingness and aptitude to develop knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology and clinical conditions.

Desirable

Relevant IT or data-processing qualification.

Basic knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology.

Awareness of Clinical Coding and its role within healthcare.

Awareness of ICD and OPCS classifications.

Experience of working in a health and social care environment.

Awareness of information governance and confidentiality requirements within a healthcare environment.

Understanding of healthcare/medical records and clinical documentation

Motivated to achieve deadlines to assist with departmental requirements

Additional Criteria

Essential

Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret detailed and sometimes complex information.
Ability to organise own work
Attention to detail
Ability to act on own initiative in accordance with the limitations of the role
Demonstrates a professional and responsible approach to work.
Willingness to undertake structured training, self-directed learning and ongoing assessment.
Receptive to coaching, supervision and constructive feedback.
Able to recognise own limitations and seek guidance appropriately.
Demonstrates initiative while working within the boundaries of their level of competence.
Reliable, organised and able to manage competing priorities.

Desirable

Previous experience of analysing, interpreting or extracting information from complex records, documentation or datasets.
Motivated and enthusiastic with a genuine commitment to developing a career in Clinical Coding

For help with your application, contact:

Jake Viney

jake.viney@somersetft.nhs.uk