Associate Clinical Coder in Northampton

Would you like to join our Clinical Coding team as an Associate Clinical Coder? Read on to learn more about this rewarding role and submit your application. The Clinical Coding service is a part of the Digital & Data Team of the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group (UHN) and is responsible for extracting and codifying complex clinical information that describes a patient's diagnostic and procedural healthcare status within an episode of care in a timely manner. The ability of the UHN Group to accurately record and codify its clinical activity is fundamental to understanding the quality of its clinical services. Our coded data is used by all parts of the Group's business to deliver trusted and high‑quality services to patients. Associate Clinical Coders are a core component of the Clinical Coding service and have a crucial supporting role in the overall management of the Group as their output directly influences income through the NHS Payment Scheme.

Main duties of the job

As an Associate Clinical Coder you will be responsible for, with the support of experienced colleagues, codifying clinical activity according to all relevant National Clinical Coding Standards and Local Clinical Coding Policies. With the support of experienced colleagues you will be expected to develop professionally and evidence a good grasp of National Clinical Coding Standards (evidenced by audit results and passing an in‑house examination) within two years from commencement of this post.

Person Specification

Education, Training & Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs including English and Maths at least Grade C/Grade 4 or equivalent qualification
• A Level in a STEM subject at least Grade C or equivalent qualification

Knowledge & Experience

• Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and medical terminology
• Good level of knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office 365 suite
• Administration and clerical experience in an office environment
• Experience with accurate data entry
• Knowledge of National Clinical Coding Standards
• Experience of working in an Acute NHS Trust or equivalent knowledge
• Experience with hospital and/or clinical information systems
• Knowledge and experience with SNOMED-CT
• Good understanding of the relationship between codified data and HRG allocation and the various uses of codified data across the NHS

Skills

• Ability to work to a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills both written and verbal
• Ability to plan and prioritise workload to ensure timescales are met
• Ability to apply self‑learning directive to maintain and develop own skills and knowledge
• Fast and accurate keyboard skills with good IT skills
• Knowledge of the importance of confidentiality, the Data Protection Act and Caldicott principles
• Ability to maintain frequent prolonged concentration with a VDU
• Capable of safely lifting and handling medical records
• Passionate and committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users
• Willingness to undertake training to develop professionally
• Capable of handling indirect exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances
• Ability to travel between the Kettering and Northampton Hospital sites and other sites across the Group

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full‑time, Part‑time, Flexible working, Home or remote working

UHN welcomes applications from people from all protected groups and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and have achieved the Gold Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme. Our active staff networks support colleagues from all backgrounds and help ensure everyone feels valued here at UHN.