Clinical Coding Trainer

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust; Preston; Remote; GBP 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a Clinical Coding Trainer to lead regional training for coders across major clinical specialisms. You will mentor trainees and other coders, guiding day-to-day coding practice and ensuring adherence to national standards.

You will develop training programmes, provide expertise on complex coding queries, and work with the OneLSC regional team to improve service delivery and audit outcomes. Remote/hybrid working is available.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering clinical coding training across multiple specialties.
• Ability to develop and implement training programmes and materials.
• Proven track record of mentoring trainees and coders to achieve ACC status.

Responsibilities

• Lead a training programme for clinical coding staff across the region.
• Provide expert advice on complex coding queries and updates.
• Develop and maintain local coding policies and best practices.
• Provide coverage for auditors and senior staff when required.
• Support service development and audit-driven improvements.

Skills

Coding expertise

Trainer/educator

ICD-10/OPCS knowledge

Data protection & IG knowledge

Mentoring/leadership

Education

Clinical Coding Trainer or Auditor status

A-level or equivalent

Extensive coding experience in Acute Trust

Tools

Medicodes/Harris Flex CPR

Job description

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One LSC is a new collaborative partnership shared service formed by the five NHS Trusts serving the Lancashire and South Cumbria population of 1.8 million people. We are a shared service run by the NHS, for the NHS and are hosted by East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust on behalf of the partner Trusts of the Lancashire and South Cumbria system.

One LSC stands for ‘One Lancashire and South Cumbria’ and reflects the Lancashire and South Cumbria System ambition to have one team serving Lancashire and South Cumbria in a joined-up way. It is jointly run by the five Trusts as a collaborative partnership.

· Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

· East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

· Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

· Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

· University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust

One LSC brings together the Digital, Data and Technology, Estates and Facilities, Finance, People Services and Procurement and Logistics services from each of the provider Trusts to create one central community of professionals. Under one leadership team, they will provide services for and on behalf of all Trusts.

The aim is to bring services more closely together so that we can deliver the best service possible to each of our partner organisations. At the core of One LSC delivery is eliminating duplication, removing unwarranted variation, realisation of the benefits of sharing common systems and processes and ensuring we deliver value for money for our partners, our system and, ultimately, for the communities we serve.

Job overview

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to be part of the management team here at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, as part of One LSC, in the role of Clinical Coding Trainer.

Are you a qualified Trainer looking for a change of scene or to broaden your experience in regional specialist areas such as Major Trauma, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Vascular, Oncology or Renal? If so, then we want to hear from you.

Alternatively, if you are an experienced ACC Coder looking to take the next step in your coding career then you’ll get all the help and support you need from an excellent network of qualified Trainers in the region whilst working towards qualification.

Until that time is right for you, however, you can make a significant difference to the development of Trainees and Coders working for the LTH team by sharing your expertise in guiding them through the day-to‑day coding of a wide variety of clinical specialisms to ensure Coders are confident and effective in their roles.

Working closely as part of the management team you will be supported to play an important part in service development, help further the learning identified through audit and address any performance issues that may arise.

Main duties of the job

As a key member of the Clinical Coding management team, you will work alongside your senior colleagues to ensure and maintain maximum coverage and delivery of high quality clinically coded information within the Clinical Coding Department and in line with national and local standards in accordance with Trust deadlines to support service and management information requirements.

You will provide in‑house and external training for the development of all staff involved in the clinical coding process.

Develop, implement and maintain a training programme, working alongside trainers across the region

Provide expert advice on complex coding queries and support the implementation of new standards and updates to ensure that Coders are confident and effective in their roles from trainee to qualified levels.

The post holder will assist in the promotion and development of the service within the Organisation and assist the Clinical Coding Manager in the management of the department.

The post holder will provide cover, where required, for the Clinical Coding Auditors and Assistant Clinical Coding Manager.

The role is mentally demanding requiring long periods of concentration in coding data, understanding, interpreting and communicating complex Clinical Coding issues and delivering multiple deadlines in a changeable and pressured work environment.

Working for our organisation

LTH admitted care activity covers a wide variety of clinical specialisms, giving the coding team a broad skill set.

Our Coders work with a range of electronic systems including scanned patient notes and as such all roles involve full daily use of computer screens.

We can offer remote working for much of your time, flexibility with hours, and the ability to control your own workload in line with the requirements and demands of the role

As part of OneLSC we believe collaboration is a key factor to providing an outstanding clinical coding service for all the partner trusts.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

ROLE DUTIES

MEASURABLE OUTCOMES

Personal and People Development

• To supervise, manage workload and monitor performance of coding trainees against agreed targets, including assessments
• To undertake annual performance development reviews and 1:1 meetings in line with Trust requirements.
• To provide intensive and comprehensive training to coders, covering all specialties and to ensure that mentoring by Senior Specialist Coders takes place.
• Expected to gain appropriate training qualifications in order to prepare and deliver formalised Classifications Service training for new, existing and external coding staff.
• To identify the training needs of Coding staff and arrange courses and mandatory training.
• To identify own development needs and pursue own continuing professional development.
• Support staff in gaining ACC status by organising revision workshops and preparing study material in agreement with the student.
• Prepare thoroughly for any training sessions and create a supportive environment for individual needs, interest and styles.
• Discuss training and development needs with individuals and receive feedback from them. Listen to ideas for improvement.

· Duties undertaken in line with progression

· Appraisals undertaken in accordance with annual timeframes and 1:1 meetings undertaken regularly

· Duties undertaken in line with progression and support given to Senior Coders

· Qualification gained within an agreed timeframe

· Discuss training and development needs of the department and self with the Clinical Coding Manager

· Duties undertaken in a timely manner

· Staff feedback states they feel supported

· Staff feedback states they feel valued and listened to

Service Improvement

• To be responsible for the development and maintenance of local coding policies and implementation of any agreed changes to coding rules, both local and national.
• To take decisions upon the coding of rare and unusual diagnosis and new operative procedures.
• Identify and evaluate areas for improvement in the clinical coding service to the Trust.
• To develop and implement best practice systems such as training programmes to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of coding across the Trust.

· Duties undertaken in a timely manner

· Technical data searches performed to ensure accuracy of code assignment

· Participation in management team meetings evidenced

· Work with management team and peers across the region

Communication

• Represent the department at local meetings, where required, assisting in raising the profile of Clinical Coding within the Trust.
• To establish and maintain cohesive working relationships with, and provide cover for, peers within the department structure.
• Provide and receive complex, sensitive and potentially contentious information and issues on clinical coding to clinicians and management.
• Remove barriers to understanding the role of clinical coding within the Trust by means of awareness sessions.
• Become a credible Clinical Coding lead for the Trust and influence clinicians in the necessary information requirements in patient case notes.
• Anticipate barriers to communication and take action to improve communication.

· Meetings attended whenever required

· Duties of auditors and assistant manager undertaken whenever required

· Duties performed whenever required

· Awareness sessions delivered regularly to clinical and Trust staff

· Attend meetings as appropriate and when required

· Staff feedback states they feel valued, complaints are listened to and reported, and issues are resolved without conflict

Quality

• Maintain and improve the quality of coding through agreed training programmes and assist with audit feedback.
• Ensure that national guidelines and standards are adhered to so that high levels of coding accuracy and consistency are maintained.
• Establish and develop relationships with clinicians in order to streamline appropriate local coding policies.
• To ensure, in accordance with the Clinical Coding Manager and peers within the structure, that the high levels achieved at DSPT audit are maintained.

· Comprehensive training programme developed and implemented

· Updates delivered to staff and system testing undertaken

· Clinical engagement evidenced

· Provide assistance with any training needs identified

Information Processing

• Ensure accurate inputting of data on the Medicode coding system and Harris Flex CPR system.
• Develop and maintain specialty binders.
• Ensure the adherence to legislation, policies and procedures surrounding data information and IT procedures.
• Identify and report incorrect data on the Medicode coding system and Harris Flex CPR system.
• Access various software systems to provide information for coding purposes.
• Generate reports using Qlikview Business Intelligence system to support adherence to Trust deadlines.

· Trainees work is checked in a timely manner

· Work with specialist coders

· Policies followed and breaches reported

· Errors reported in a timely manner

· Technical data searched performed to ensure accuracy of information

· Reports generated whenever required

Information Collection and Analysis

• Clinically code episodes from case notes to meet deadlines and alleviate the pressure in the department. This involves translating complex medical terminology into alpha numeric codes using the ICD10 and OPCS classifications.
• Collate and analyse HRG data to provide reports etc. at the request of managers / clinicians.
• Assist in ensuring that admitted patient clinical coding is accurately completed to meet strict local and national deadlines.

· To assist in the completion of the Clinical Coding training elements of the Information Governance Toolkit

· Demonstrate accuracy levels of at least 90% for primary diagnosis and procedures / 80% for secondary diagnosis and procedures

· Information provided whenever required

· Help with coding to meet deadlines

· All evidence submitted in line with deadlines

Knowledge and Information Resource

• Maintain regular access to Classifications Service in order to ensure that standard updates are issued and coding queries are resolved via the coding query mechanism.
• To ensure all staff are apprised of changes to coding practice.
• Facilitate access to knowledge and information via the intranet, internet and new coding classification documents.

· Access to databases evidenced, queries submitted and feedback delivered in line with processes

· Updates or Teams sessions delivered when necessary

Other

• To be responsible, with the Clinical Coding Manager, for selection and recruitment in the department in accordance with the Trust’s employment policies and procedures.
• Cover for peers within the structure

· Identify risks in workplace and activities and assist in managing them

• Represent the Trust at regional and national forums and workshops
• Take an active part in the delivery and development of the service

· Policies are adhered to

· Duties of the Assistant Manager, and Auditors undertaken whenever required

· Risks are escalated appropriately

· Attend conferences or meetings as required

· Assist with any new projects that may arise, taking the lead where appropriate

Person specification

• Educated to A level or equivalent standard
• Extensive experience of coding in an Acute Trust setting
• Expert knowledge of ICD 10 and OPCS Classifications
• In depth knowledge of Medical Terminology / Anatomy & Physiology
• Knowledge of Data Protection and Information Governance
• Able to demonstrate high levels of accuracy
• Ability to organise and prioritise workloads
• Ability to drive / meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Ability to work autonomously
• Ability to manage time effectively
• Willingness to travel to regional / national workshops, courses and forums
• Clinical Coding Trainer or Auditor status
• Knowledge of Payment by Results process
• Experience of meeting with Clinicians / Trust Management
• Knowledge of Harris Flex CPR and Solventum Medicode 360 systems
• Experience of staff management
• Ability to use Microsoft packages

Dear Potential Applicant,

It is important you are made aware of the following as regards your application to East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

• Please note that the salary advertised is for full time hours. If this post is less than 37.5 hours per week, the salary will be pro‑ra­ta. For posts on Agenda for Change pay‑scales, new entrants to the NHS will normally commence on the first pay point of the relevant band.
• Please note that shortlisting is completed anonymously with candidates being assessed against the essential criteria for the post. Therefore only applicants, who can clearly demonstrate how they meet our person specification criteria in their application, will be short‑listed.

Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS)

If the role you are applying for is identified as either controlled or regulated activity as defined in in the Safeguarding vulnerable Groups Act (2006) any offer of employment is provisional upon a satisfactory DBS check being obtained.

The healthcare sector is exempted from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

In line with other NHS organisations in the North West Region, the Trust is now passing the charge for undertaking a DBS check on to candidates in the event they are successfully appointed into the post for which they have applied. Candidates can choose whether to pay this over 1-3 months as a deduction from the monthly salary. However, if you are applying for a post as a BANK worker, the payment must be made in full at the time of employment checks. By applying for this vacancy you are agreeing to this undertaking in the event you are successfully appointed.

The cost of an Enhanced Disclosure will be £55.38 and for a Standard Disclosure will be £27.38.

This cost is not applicable for a Volunteer post

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The Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to improving the working lives of our staff and operates a 'Zero Tolerance' policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. In addition, our aim is to help protect children and vulnerable adults by providing a first‑class service to the recruitment of people into positions of trust.

We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability or social background.

We especially welcome applications from members of our black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, as we have identified that ELHT has an under-representation of BAME employees. Appointments will be made on merit.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

Thanks for taking the time to view this advert; we look forward to receiving your application.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when writing job applications

If you choose to use AI or other tools to assist in writing your application, it's essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section. While AI can help streamline the writing process, these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job you’re applying for. There is also a risk that it can generate false or misleading information.
AI-generated job applications can often be generic, impersonal and may not accurately reflect your qualifications, knowledge, skills and experiences. It is crucial that you personalise your supporting statement by articulating these in your unique voice. Relying solely on AI to write your application or supporting information section is not advocated by East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and could negatively impact on your chances of success in the application process.

We have added a disclaimer to our application process advising that the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.

Supporting Information

The supporting information section is an opportunity for you to showcase how your qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience align with the requirements and criteria outlined in the job description and person specification.
Recruiting managers score applications based on the criteria listed in the person specification. They will be looking for evidence of how you meet these criteria. To increase your chances of securing an interview, please provide examples of how you have applied your skills and knowledge in real‑life situations. Share work‑related successes and challenges you have navigated that align with the criteria. These could be from various aspects of your life, including work, education, and personal experiences.
Consider structuring your supporting information section with clear headings or bullet points. This approach will help both you and the recruiting manager navigate through your application more effectively.

Please note: a young person must be in part‑time education or training until they’re 18. If you are under 18 we are unable to employ you on a full time basis, unless it is in an apprenticeship role.

Disclosure and Barring Service checks

If the role you’ve applied for requires a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check we will administer this on your behalf and the cost will be recovered from your salary, either as a one‑off payment, or over 3 months. The level of check required depends on the role that you have been offered. Currently the charges are - Basic DBS check £26.40, Standard DBS check £26.40, Enhanced DBS check £54.40 and Enhanced DBS check with Barred List(s) £54.40. You should be aware that if you are successful in obtaining a position that requires a DBS check but later withdraw your application, you may be required to reimburse the cost of the DBS check. DBS checks remain free of charge for volunteer positions. The DBS Code of Practice can be accessed here .

In line with guidance from United Kingdom Health Security Agency, all staff and volunteers are required to comply with Trust Infection Prevention and Control processes in relation to safe working.

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We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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