Job overview
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Clinical Coding department at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. We are looking to recruit two Trainee Clinical Coders based at Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath. The positions are solely office based with no scope for remote working. They do not offer sponsorship
We are looking for committed and enthusiastic individuals to collect, collate, analyse, and translate complex medical patient care records into diagnostic and procedural codes. Full training will be provided. The trainee period will last until successfully completing the Clinical Coding Refresher Course, within this time you will be required to assist with collection of case notes and locate uncoded episodes to allow the department to meet its monthly deadlines.
You will be working within a friendly and supportive team working who strive for continuous improvement.
The successful candidate will begin as a Band 3 Trainee Clinical Coder with the opportunity to progress to a Band 4 Trained Clinical Coder after passing their first mandatory National Clinical Coding Standards Refresher Course three years from the initial National Clinical Coding Standards Course and also meeting the required accuracy and productivity metrics.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the job
You will analyse medical and interventional terminology and translate it into nationally and internationally recognised alpha-numeric codes. You will code accurately and in a timely manner in order to meet Trust deadlines and manage your own daily workload and participate in training to maintain and increase these skills
You will analyse reports to locate and obtain missing or uncoded spells throughout the Trust.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
Communication
1. To communicate effectively at all levels within the trust
2. To build relationships with clinical staff
Service Delivery and Improvement
3. The ability to analyse medical (diagnostic and procedural) terminology as it is written by the clinician and translate it into alpha-numeric codes that are nationally and internationally recognised.
4. Using judgement to apply national standards and local policies to Clinical Coding to ensure we are coding appropriately and are successful at audit.
5. Using judgement as to when it is appropriate to follow clinical advice, ensuring that national standards are adhered to and that we are not up-coding to benefit the trust.
6. The ability to analyse exception reports and use judgement to locate missing casenotes throughout the trust.
7. The planning and organisation of own day-to-day workload.
8. Adjusting plans when organisational or national deadlines change
Learning and Development
9. Attend mandatory training updates as required.
10. Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.
11. Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
12. Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager
13. Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.
This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation.
Person specification
essential
Essential criteria
14. 5 grade C or above GSCE or equivalent including Maths, English and a Science
15. Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
16. Experience in using Microsoft Office, Word and Excel
17. Experience of working to tight deadlines
18. A good understanding of patient confidentiality and the Data Protection Act
19. Experience in using an NHS Trust Patient Administration System
Desirable criteria
20. Three A levels or equivalent
21. National Clinical Coding Standards Foundation Course pass in all modules
22. Experience in Microsoft Office Powerpoint
23. Experience of translating medical information into code
24. Experience in an administration role
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
25. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
26. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications