Job summary
- Main area
- Pharmacy
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 4
- Contract
- Permanent: Lates, weekends and bank holidays
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (You will also work some Bank holidays lates and weekends)
- Job ref
- 218-AC-B4-8378130
- Employer
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
- Town
- Coventry
- Salary
- £28,392 - £31,157 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 03/11/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Assistant Technical Officer, Dispensary Support
NHS AfC: Band 4
Job overview
To contribute to the delivery and development of a high quality, comprehensive Trustwide pharmacy distribution service that is reliable, efficient and effective in meeting the needs of all wards, theatres and departments.
Please be advised that sponsorship is not eligible for this post.
Main duties of the job
- To effectively monitor workload and manage pharmacy technicians and assistants to respond to demands as required.
- To contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of new and improved pharmacy dispensary services.
- To support the workflow within the Dispensary, ensuring work is processed to required deadlines and urgent requests are dealt with promptly. To make appropriate escalations to the Duty Technician if workload reaches designated escalation points.
- Monitor turnaround times and workload status using in-house tracking system.
- To assist the Duty Technician in the investigation of complaints in accordance with the Trust policies and participate in any corrective action required.
Working for our organisation
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.
We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.
We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)
By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- To identify training gaps and work alongside the Training and Education and Pharmacy Operations team to ensure that all pharmacy staff within the dispensary are appropriately trained in all aspects of the service.
- To support the Education and Training team in ensuring that pharmacy dispensary staff receive a comprehensive local induction and updates in all areas of the service.
- To support the investigation of stock discrepancies liaising with the Operations Team, Medicines Management and Ward Stock Supply Co-ordinator and Procurement Team, assisting in any corrective action if necessary.
- To assist in all activities associated with product recalls ensuring stock is removed promptly from all wards, theatres and departments if necessary.
- Assist in regularly reviewing errors occurring within the department, with the aim of identifying actions to reduce risk and learning.
- Participate and encourage others to ensure good housekeeping is maintained, including supporting the dispensary reception team.
- Maintain a safe environment at all times.
- Ensure records of work (inpatient orders etc.) are maintained and accurately filed.
For further details of the role please see the attached job description.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- • NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills - or equivalent (or grand parented with the RPSGB) • Literate with a good standard of written and spoken English • Numerate
Desirable criteria
- • GCSEs Maths and English or equivalent • Experience of using CMM Dispensing computer system
Experience
Essential criteria
- • Significant experience of working in hospital pharmacy, including experience at band 3 assistant level. Proven experience of managing staff. • Experience of working in a busy environment • Stock control experience • Experience of liaising with members of pharmacy staff and other healthcare professionals to ensure that ward stock levels are maintained at a safe and appropriate level • Experience of working in a customer facing role • To be able to handle safely and competently • pharmaceutical equipment and medicines used in the dispensing process
Desirable criteria
- • Experience of dispensing in a pharmacy • Experience of staff training
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- • Health and safety at work and manual handling • An understanding of the role of the pharmacy department in a hospital • An understanding of confidentiality • A basic understanding of the dispensing process • To have specialist knowledge of stores and distribution systems • To have specialist knowledge of ward stock control • To have specialist knowledge of optimal/productive wards
Skills
Essential criteria
- • Good verbal and written, communication skills • Ability to work to set procedures • Able to work under pressure and maintain concentration for long periods • Able to plan and manage the work performance of technical and support staff working in stores and distribution areas according to departmental priorities. • Able to act independently, referring to line manager when needed. • Able to set priorities, meet deadlines and manage own time effectively. • Be able to give explanation and reassurance to other healthcare professionals in regard to distribution services • Day to day management of staff • Current IT skills
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential criteria
- • Evidence of demonstrating the Trust Values (Compassion, Openness, Pride, Partnership, Improve, Learn and Respect) and the associated Values in Action behaviours in the workplace. • For posts with managerial responsibility only Evidence of promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and ensuring fair and equitable practices throughout your work experience. Evidence of promoting a culture which helps individuals live behaviours aligned to our Trust Values (Compassion, Openness, Pride, Partnership, Improve, Learn and Respect)
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Poonam Thaper
- Job title
- Lead Operational Technician
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 02476966761
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