Pharmacy Technician - Dispensary - Band 4 to Band 5 Progression

Job overview

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

We are looking for an enthusiastic pharmacy technician to work as a key part of the pharmacy team within our modern automated, dispensary area. You will undertake dispensing activities in our main dispensary alongside other key duties to ensure a smooth running dispensary service.

Once set criteria has been met and reviewed, the post holder will progress to a senior pharmacy technician, undertaking a leadership role including line management responsibilities. You must be able to demonstrate an enthusiasm for trying new roles, supporting innovation and delivering an excellent patient experience. This is an ideal opportunity to gain skills in staff management and service development in a busy hospital pharmacy department.

This post requires a proactive and dynamic individual to work closely with peers and dispensary management to uphold the high standards of patient care and medicines optimisation.

An ACPT qualification is an advantage, but a successful candidate without the ACPT will be required to undertake accreditation.

We will provide on the job training in areas such as staff supervision. Newly qualified Pharmacy Technicians and Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians due to qualify are also encouraged to apply. The Bedford Pharmacy operates a 7 day service and late and weekend shifts will be required.

Main duties of the job

• Support the senior technicians in the day to day running of the dispensary service by being a team lead and fulfilling duties as per dispensary procedures
• To provide patients with information on appropriate use of their medication
• To provide training in dispensary in accordance with competency frameworks on the use of pharmacy stock control software and dispensing cabinets
• To act as a professional role model for pre-registration trainee pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants
• Accurately dispense inpatients/outpatients/discharge prescriptions/controlled drugs for a wide range of specialities
• Maintain high quality data input of patient and drug information in to pharmacy JAC system
• To support with daily robot stock maintenance and be available to trouble shoot as appropriate
• To participate in audits necessary for service developments as set out by dispensary management
• To assist with the maintenance of efficient stock control, including management of returns
• To be an ACPT, undertaking the final check for dispensed prescriptions which have been clinically screened by a pharmacist for accuracy before release, subject to successful completion and conditions of the ACPT scheme accreditation

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

CLINICAL AND TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITY

• Accurately receive prescriptions in to the dispensary and ensuring prescription charges are collected where appropriate
• Accurately dispense inpatients/outpatients/discharge prescriptions/controlled drugs for a wide range of specialities
• Maintain high quality data input of patient and drug information in to pharmacy JAC system
• Support with daily robot stock maintenance and be available to trouble shoot as appropriate
• Undertake patient consultations when handing out medication and ensure patients are given appropriate advice to support
• Participate in audits necessary for service developments as set out by dispensary management
• Undertake and maintain own CPD record to ensure a high level service is provided to patients and staff
• Be an ACPT, undertaking the final check for dispensed prescriptions which have been clinically screened by a pharmacist for accuracy before release, subject to successful completion and conditions of the ACPT scheme accreditation
• Assist with the maintenance of efficient stock control, including management of returns

COMMUNICATION/CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Assist service users visiting the department, efficiently and quickly, whilst being sensitive to their needs
• Foster and maintain good working relationships with trust wide staff through effective communication
• Answer telephone promptly and courteously
• Work effectively as a member of the pharmacy team
• Communicate effectively with senior members of staff regarding any problems encountered

OTHER

• Support dispensary management in reviewing and updating Standard Operating Procedures ensuring the highest level of pharmacy practice
• Act as a team lead and ensure work flow is maintained and report to the Senior Pharmacy Technicians any problems or concerns
• Support the training of other Pharmacy Technicians, Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technicians, Trainee Pharmacists, Pharmacists and Senior Pharmacy Assistants when required
• Deputise as appropriate for Senior Pharmacy Technicians as and when required
• Contribute to the dispensary housekeeping rota
• Contribute to every work session without having to be asked and to take pride in the overall performance of the team
• Maintain a clean, tidy work area, ensuring all items and documentation are stored appropriately
• Attend and participate in dispensary and departmental meetings
• Undertake all statutory and mandatory training and relevant updates in accordance with the trust requirements
• Participate in late team, weekend and Bank Holiday Rotas as a part of the 7-day service
• Act as a role model for technical staff in line with the General Pharmaceutical Council
• Undertake other duties as reasonably requested by Deputy Chief Pharmacists and/or Chief Pharmacist

The list of responsibilities above, are key primary requirements for the role, however, additional duties may be required to ensure patient and employee safety is met.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES ONCE 4 TO 5 PROGRESSION CRITERIA ARE COMPLETE

In addition to the above duties, the post holder will also be expected to perform the following:

CLINICAL AND TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITY

• Ensure medication supplied is within agreed turnaround times to minimise waiting times for patients

LEADERSHIP

• Support the dispensary management in the day to day running of the dispensary service and supervision of junior staff
• Support and assist in the training of other Pharmacy Technicians, Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technicians, Trainee Pharmacists, Pharmacists and Senior Pharmacy Assistants
• Ensure staff working in the dispensary are supervised and performing to their maximum potential to provide a safe, efficient and high quality service
• Assist in the development of the systems and service to enhance the efficiency of the dispensary
• Undertake line management responsibilities to review staff performance on a regular basis and provide appropriate feedback
• Organise the daily roll call to ensure all sections are covered appropriately
• Re-organise the daily roll call as directed by the dispensary management team to manage sickness absence for all technical staff working in the dispensary
• Assist in maintaining, developing and co-ordinating the dispensary induction and training program
• Assist the dispensary management in collating information and investigating dispensary related incident reports (near-miss and trust wide)