Senior Clinical Coder/Clinical Coder (ACC/Non-ACC)
National Health Service · Bournemouth, England ·
Job summaryAre you an experienced Clinical Coder looking to take the next step in your career? At University Hospitals Dorset, we are building a modern Clinical Coding service that recognises both formal accreditation and demonstrable expertise.
We are committed to creating inclusive, competency-based career pathways that value experience, capability, and professional judgement. This role offers an opportunity to work across a wide range of specialties, including real-time coding within clinical environments such as wards, theatres and multidisciplinary team meetings.
For further insight into thisrole, please view the recruitment brochure. If you are applying via Trac please click here - Recruitment Brochure - Clinical Coding Department. If you are viewing via NHS Jobs, you can find the brochure under the 'Supporting Links' section.
We are pleased to offer a 6,000 attraction incentive payment for this role, with full details confirmed in line with Trust processes. Relocation expenses may also be available, with details confirmed in line with Trust processesBase Location: University Hospitals Dorset with cross site and hybrid workingInterview Date: 17th - 18th September 2026Main duties of the jobAs a Senior Clinical Coder,
you will
Deliver high-quality, accurate, and timely coding across all specialtiesWork within clinical environments (wards, theatres, MDTs) to support real-time data captureCode complex and mortality casesSupport audit, data quality improvement, and validation activityAct as a mentor and role model for developing codersWho we're looking for We recognise that expertise in clinical coding is developed throughbothformal accreditation and practical experience.
You can apply through one of the following routes: ? Accredited RouteNCCQ Accredited Clinical Coder (ACC) ? Competency-Based RouteDemonstrable, well-evidenced coding portfolio showing: Sustained coding accuracy (typically >=90%)Breadth of specialty experienceStrong clinical knowledge and interpretation skillsEvidence of complex case handlingContribution to mentoring, audit, or service improvementSound professional judgement in coding decisions We welcome applications from experienced coders who may not hold the NCCQ but can clearly demonstrate the required level of competence through experience and evidence.
About usWhy join us? Be part of a service thatvalues expertise, not just qualificationsAccess a structured pathway towardExpert Clinical Coder roles (Band 6)Gain experience in clinically integrated coding modelsWork in a supportive environment focused on development and progressionContribute to a forward-thinking service preparing for ICD-11 and AI-enabled codingOur approach We are committed to: Fair and inclusive progression routesRecognising diverse pathways into expertiseMaintaining high standards through robust competency assessmentSupporting staff to achieve accreditation alongside career progression UHD are investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme.
As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service-specific questions at interview. If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed.
Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions. UHD has active networks including Women's, BAME, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces.
We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes. AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process. DetailsDate posted10 August 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 4Salary 28,392 to 39,043 a year Dependent on experience/qualifications (ACC/Non-ACC) ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number153-CO06315-AJob locationsUniversity Hospitals Dorset NHSFTPoole/BournemouthBH152JBUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesPlease refer to the Job Descriptions and Person Specifications for further details about the Senior Clinical Coder and Clinical Coder roles.
Job description Job responsibilitiesPlease refer to the Job Descriptions and Person Specifications for further details about the Senior Clinical Coder and Clinical Coder roles. Person Specification Qualifications EssentialCCQ Clinical Coding Qualification (ACC status)Evidence of equivalent competency portfolio route or Evidence of continued professional development in clinical codingDesirableCoding audit or mentorship training Experience EssentialA minimum of 3 years' coding experience - (used as a baseline indicator of sustained exposure only not a stand-alone qualifying metric).Proven experience resolving clinical queries and clarifying complex or ambiguous documentationSustained coding accuracy of >=90% across all specialtiesEvidence of meeting productivity, timeliness, and service KPIsExtensive clinical coding experience across a wide range of specialties in an acute NHS environment, with demonstrable ability to code complex case types.
DesirableExperience coding mortality cases or other high-complexity, high-impact specialties. Familiarity with multi-site, cross-specialty coding rotation models. Skills EssentialAbility to validate coded data for completeness and accuracyCompetent use of clinical record systems (e.g., EPR, PAS, electronic document management systems) to review records and update coding or administrative data Knowledge EssentialNational Clinical Coding Standards and NHS Digital classification updatesConfidentiality, Information Governance, Data Protection, and Caldicott principlesDesirableUnderstanding of Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) principles Person Specification Qualifications EssentialCCQ Clinical Coding Qualification (ACC status)Evidence of equivalent competency portfolio route or Evidence of continued professional development in clinical codingDesirableCoding audit or mentorship training Experience EssentialA minimum of 3 years' coding experience - (used as a baseline indicator of sustained exposure only not a stand-alone qualifying metric).Proven experience resolving clinical queries and clarifying complex or ambiguous documentationSustained coding accuracy of >=90% across all specialtiesEvidence of meeting productivity, timeliness, and service KPIsExtensive clinical coding experience across a wide range of specialties in an acute NHS environment, with demonstrable ability to code complex case types.
DesirableExperience coding mortality cases or other high-complexity, high-impact specialties. Familiarity with multi-site, cross-specialty coding rotation models. Skills EssentialAbility to validate coded data for completeness and accuracyCompetent use of clinical record systems (e.g., EPR, PAS, electronic document management systems) to review records and update coding or administrative data Knowledge EssentialNational Clinical Coding Standards and NHS Digital classification updatesConfidentiality, Information Governance, Data Protection, and Caldicott principlesDesirableUnderstanding of Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) principlesDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.
Employer detailsEmployer nameUniversity Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation TrustAddressUniversity Hospitals Dorset NHSFTPoole/BournemouthBH152JBUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameUniversity Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation TrustAddressUniversity Hospitals Dorset NHSFTPoole/BournemouthBH152JBUnited KingdomEmployer's website