About this role
Job summary Are 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 processes
Base Location: University Hospitals Dorset with cross site and hybrid working Interview Date: 17th - 18th September 2026
Main duties of the job As a Senior Clinical Coder, you will:
Deliver high-quality, accurate, and timely coding across all specialties Work within clinical environments (wards, theatres, MDTs) to support real-time data capture Code complex and mortality cases Support audit, data quality improvement, and validation activity Act as a mentor and role model for developing coders Who 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 Route NCCQ Accredited Clinical Coder (ACC) ? Competency-Based Route Demonstrable, well-evidenced coding portfolio showing: Sustained coding accuracy (typically >=90%) Breadth of specialty experience Strong clinical knowledge and interpretation skills Evidence of complex case handling Contribution to mentoring, audit, or service improvement Sound 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 us Why join us?
Be part of a service thatvalues expertise, not just qualifications Access a structured pathway towardExpert Clinical Coder roles (Band 6) Gain experience in clinically integrated coding models Work in a supportive environment focused on development and progression Contribute to a forward-thinking service preparing for ICD-11 and AI-enabled coding Our approach We are committed to: Fair and inclusive progression routes Recognising diverse pathways into expertise Maintaining high standards through robust competency assessment Supporting 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.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please refer to the Job Descriptions and Person Specifications for further details about the Senior Clinical Coder and Clinical Coder roles.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
CCQ Clinical Coding Qualification (ACC status) Evidence of equivalent competency portfolio route or Evidence of continued professional development in clinical coding
Desirable
Coding audit or mentorship training
Experience Essential
A 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 documentation Sustained coding accuracy of >=90% across all specialties Evidence of meeting productivity, timeliness, and service KPIs Extensive clinical coding experience across a wide range of specialties in an acute NHS environment, with demonstrable ability to code complex case types.
Desirable
Experience coding mortality cases or other high-complexity, high-impact specialties. Familiarity with multi-site, cross-specialty coding rotation models.
Skills Essential
Ability to validate coded data for completeness and accuracy Competent use of clinical record systems (e.g., EPR, PAS, electronic document management systems) to review records and update coding or administrative data
Knowledge Essential
National Clinical Coding Standards and NHS Digital classification updates Confidentiality, Information Governance, Data Protection, and Caldicott principles
Desirable
Understanding of Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) principles
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.
Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address University Hospitals Dorset NHSFT
Poole/Bournemouth
BH152JB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)