Contact information
Please contact Shafeen Shabbir or Daniel Fisher if you have any queries about the role.
Shafeen.shabbir1@nhs.net
D.fisher@nhs.net
01924 541363
Ext: 51363
About the role
Would you like to be a part of a warm and friendly team? Here at Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust, we are a hardworking, enthusiastic bunch. We are looking for a Pharmacy Support Worker (Higher Level), based in the inpatient dispensary. As a member of the Patient Services team, you would support the technicians with the workflow whilst undertaking a wide range of duties, including dispensing, and would be encouraged to contribute to the forward planning of the department. Ideally applicants will have NVQ2 in Pharmaceutical Services (or equivalent pharmacy qualification) however training will be provided to this level if necessary, for the successful candidate. Pharmacy strives for excellence with the Trust values at the core of our service. The working hours for this post will be 37.5 with a commitment to working until 7pm. For further information please contact Shafeen Shabbir; shafeen.shabbir1@nhs.net or Daniel Fisher; d.fisher@nhs.net Telephone 01924 541365
**Please note that this role is not on the Home Office list of occupations eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.**
Main duties
Dispense medicines for in-patients (including TTOs) and outpatients when necessary following guidelines, under the supervision of the Pharmacy Technicians, with the final check by a Checking Technician or Pharmacist.
Ensure that all information needed for accurate stock control and prescription issues data is recorded using both paper systems and the computerised Pharmacy Information System (PIS).
Liaise with Procurement staff about urgently required medicines, and inform patients and other health care staff about supply problems / delays.
Dispense specialist hospital-only medicines and unlicensed medicines which require accurate, detailed records.
Dispense oral chemotherapy medicines taking necessary precautions detailed in SOPs.
Dispense controlled drugs and ensure that all legally required records are accurate and up to date.
Assist in the training and supervision of Student Technicians, Pharmacy Assistants and pre-registration Pharmacists.
Identify own development and training needs and keep up to date with all national codes of practice, standards and relevant legislation.
Attend courses and study days to maintain and extend knowledge of specialist subjects pertinent to the role. Actively participate in continuing professional development.
Provide cover for Dispensary Receptionist when required.
Adhere strictly to working procedures and departmental policies both for drug supply and security.
Comply with Trust and departmental procedures relating to Health and Safety and Clinical waste management.
Participate in weekend and bank holiday rotas.
Recover, assess and re-cycle drugs dispensed to inpatients, ensuring that all information needed for accurate stock control and prescription issues data is recorded using the appropriate paper or electronic system.
Additional Duties include-
Participate in the Ward Stock "Topping - up" service with responsibility for a designated group of Wards. This will require regular discussion with Pharmacists and Ward Managers about medicines usage and stock levels.
Accept prescriptions from out-patients, checking accuracy of patient details, before giving a prescription charge slip and a numbered patient identification ticket.
Undertake other duties which may be necessary in the interests of the service.
Take payment for prescription charges and generate a receipt when required
Issue medicines to out-patients, providing basic information on how to take their medicines, referring to the Technicians if further advice is necessary.
Key requirements
Qualifications
Essential criteria
Reasonable Standard of Education. GCSE Maths & English grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualification.
Desirable criteria
NVQ2 in pharmacy services or equivalent qualification.
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
Evidence of good literacy and numeracy skills. Keyboard skills
Desirable criteria
Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Physical Attributes
Essential criteria
Physically able to perform the duties of the post e.g., visit wards throughout the hospital and access stock from high and low shelving.
Experience
Essential criteria
NVQ2 in pharmacy services or equivalent qualification or to undertake full NVQ2 in pharmacy services or equivalent training within 15 months.
Desirable criteria
Previous pharmacy experience (NHS or Retail sector). Experience in a customer service environment.
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria
Must be able to work methodically and demonstrate meticulous attention to detail. Able to communicate well verbally with other healthcare professionals and patients some of whom may have barriers to understanding. Must be able to deal sensitively with all patients some of whom may be severely ill or distressed by their condition. Pleasant and helpful manner. Must possess initiative. Able to work well within a team.
Desirable criteria
Able to mix well with current staff establishment
Be part of MY team
We are an acute trust caring for over one million people in Wakefield and Kirklees. Our 10,000 staff work in patients’ homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield). We prioritise our people and values so we can deliver the best possible care to patients. Our team is friendly, passionate, and innovative, always seeking better ways to work.
We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Our staff networks offer safe spaces to share ideas and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the Trust.
If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day.
Application guidance:
We understand that more applicants are using AI technology to help with their applications. While these tools can be useful, they cannot fully capture your skills, knowledge, and experience. It’s important that you personalise your application. Relying solely on AI is not recommended, as it may reduce your chances of success. Our screening process is thorough, so if you have used AI, please make sure to disclose this on your application form.
Our benefits
* Access to the NHS pension plan
* Generous holiday allowance of 27 days plus bank holidays, increasing with 5 and 10 years of service
* Exceptional employee health and wellbeing services
* Extensive benefits and support, including:
* Onsite nurseries and childcare salary sacrifice scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Home electronics scheme
* Car lease salary sacrifice scheme
* Working carers support and advice, carers network and carers passport
* Flexible working options and family and carer-friendly policies
* Established staff networks, including LGBTQ+ and Race Equality
* Career progression, training and support
Skilled worker sponsorship
You can find out more about skilled worker and health and care visas on our careers site .