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Trainee Clinical Coder Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Child Social Worker

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... Code of Ethics, policies and procedures as related to clinical social work. * Provides clinical supervision of trainees as needed and as appropriate. * Interprets, monitors, and record client ...

... Code PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCES (06250A) Is this split and/or fully grant funded? Yes Duties and ... Clinical trial design and analysis * Structural equation modeling * Bayesian data analysis

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Trainee Clinical Coder information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.3K

$72.6K

$115.9K

How much do trainee clinical coder jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee clinical coder in Chicago, IL is $72,558.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee clinical coder?

Trainee Clinical Coders are entry-level professionals who learn to translate medical diagnoses, procedures, and treatments from patient records into standardized codes. These codes are used for healthcare billing, data analysis, and ensuring accurate medical records. As trainees, they typically work under supervision while studying for accreditation and gaining hands-on experience in hospitals or healthcare settings. The role requires attention to detail, understanding of medical terminology, and adherence to coding standards such as ICD-10 and OPCS-4.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a trainee clinical coder?

To thrive as a Trainee Clinical Coder, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of medical terminology, often supported by GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Familiarity with coding classification systems like ICD-10, OPCS-4, and hospital information systems is typically required, and completing the National Clinical Coding Qualification (UK) can be an asset. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities help you work efficiently with clinical staff and handle complex information. These competencies ensure that medical records are coded accurately, supporting effective healthcare delivery, billing, and data analysis.

What are some typical challenges trainee clinical coders face when learning to interpret medical records?

Trainee Clinical Coders often encounter challenges in understanding complex medical terminology and deciphering handwritten or incomplete clinical notes. It's common to feel overwhelmed when first trying to translate detailed patient records into standardized codes, as accuracy is crucial for billing and patient care. Many trainees find it helpful to ask questions, use coding manuals, and collaborate closely with experienced coders and clinical staff to build confidence and competence over time.

What is the difference between Trainee Clinical Coder vs Clinical Coder?

AspectTrainee Clinical CoderClinical Coder
QualificationsTypically enrolled in training or certification programsCertified or fully qualified in clinical coding
Work ExperienceEntry-level, on-the-job trainingPrevious experience or completed training
Work EnvironmentSupervised, learning environment in hospitals or clinicsIndependent or team-based coding tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with coding under supervisionAssigning accurate codes to medical records

The main difference is that a Trainee Clinical Coder is in the learning phase, gaining skills and certifications, while a Clinical Coder is fully qualified and responsible for independently coding medical records. Trainees are supervised and still developing their expertise, whereas qualified coders perform the role autonomously.

How to become a trainee clinical coder?

To become a trainee clinical coder, candidates typically need a relevant qualification such as a health information management or medical coding certification, along with good knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems like ICD and CPT. Some roles require prior healthcare experience or training programs offered by healthcare organizations or professional bodies. On-the-job training often accompanies entry-level positions, and strong attention to detail is essential.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Coder jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Clinical Coder jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Trainee Clinical Coder jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Trainee Clinical Coder job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Clinical Coder job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,558 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Child Social Worker

Chicago, IL • On-site

The University of Chicago
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Department
BSD PSY - Clinical Social Work
About the Department
We are committed to providing evidence based psychiatric and mental health services for infants, children adolescents, adults and older adults to promote research, training, and serve our patients. To honor our promise to always put our patients first and to be ever mindful of each patient's dignity and individuality, we must also be at the forefront of transformative discovery and innovation in psychiatric care.
Job Summary
This position provides professional support and solves straightforward problems in chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family care givers, providing patient education and counseling, and making referrals for other services.
Responsibilities
  • Clinical experience in providing psychotherapy with children and adolescent.
  • Conducts clinical diagnostic evaluation and assessment of patients, including urgent-care/crisis evaluations.
  • Provides goal-focused, evidence-based, time-limited individual, and group psychotherapy.
  • Maintains timely and complete electronic documentation as appropriate.
  • Exercises discretion and confidentiality while handling sensitive situations.
  • Reviews, analyzes, interprets, and/or prepares federal and state laws, rules, regulations, Code of Ethics, policies and procedures as related to clinical social work.
  • Provides clinical supervision of trainees as needed and as appropriate.
  • Interprets, monitors, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.
  • Has moderate level of authority to refer patient, client, or family to community resources to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness and to provide access to services such as financial assistance, legal aid, housing, job placement or education.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
  • Clinical experience with child psychiatry patients.
  • Psychotherapy experience.

Licenses and Certifications:
  • LCSW.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, code of ethics, policies, and procedures as related to social work.

Preferred Competencies
  • Interactive communication.
  • Teamwork.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Develop reports and maintain records.
  • Exercise discretion and confidentiality while handling sensitive situations.

Working Conditions
  • Health clinics and hospital setting.

Application Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Healthcare & Medical Services
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
Yes
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$70,000.00 - $90,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
In addition to the base pay posted above, this position may be eligible for Participation in the Department's incentive compensation plan based on clinical productivity performance.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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