University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Band 4 Specialist Pharmacy Assistant - Stores/Distribution and PPU
The closing date is 16 June 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Solihull Hospital Pharmacy Department as a Specialist Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officer – Stores, Distribution and Pre‑Packing Services. This Band 4 role plays a key part in supporting the safe, efficient, and timely supply of medicines across the hospital.
The successful candidate will coordinate the daily workflow within the stores and pre‑packing areas, support the provision of ward stock medicines, and dispense and final check emergency boxes. The role also includes supervising and supporting pharmacy assistants, contributing to staff training and development, and supporting the implementation of service improvements.
We are seeking a proactive, organised, and motivated individual with excellent communication skills and a keen attention to detail. Previous hospital pharmacy experience is essential, along with a commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care, quality, and safety.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a busy and collaborative environment and is passionate about delivering an effective pharmacy service that positively impacts patient care.
For further information, please contact Linda Northall at Linda.Northall@uhb.nhs.uk.
Main duties of the job
Pass note that an NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills/Support Staff, or equivalent qualification, is essential for this role.
* Coordinating the day‑to‑day workflow within Stores, Distribution, and Pre‑Packing Services to ensure an efficient and responsive service.
* Supporting the timely preparation and supply of pre‑packed medicines, emergency drug boxes, and ward stock medication across the hospital.
* Managing stock control processes, including ordering, receipting, stock rotation, expiry date monitoring, and maintaining appropriate stock levels.
* Dispensing and accuracy checking inpatient, discharge, and outpatient prescriptions in line with departmental procedures and professional standards.
* Providing patients and ward staff with basic medication advice and ensuring patients understand how to take their medicines safely and effectively.
* Handling and recording controlled drugs in accordance with legal requirements, Trust policies, and departmental procedures.
Job responsibilities
* Supporting ward top‑up services and assisting with emergency and out‑of‑hours medication supplies when required.
* Supervising, supporting, and assisting in the training and development of pharmacy assistants and other support staff.
* Contributing to the development, review, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training documentation, and service improvement initiatives.
* Maintaining accurate records using pharmacy computer systems and ensuring all documentation is completed to a high standard.
* Liaising effectively with procurement teams, portering services, pharmacy colleagues, and clinical staff to resolve supply and medication queries promptly.
* Participating in departmental audits, team meetings, and continuous improvement activities to support service quality and patient safety.
* Ensuring compliance with all Trust policies and procedures, including health and safety, infection prevention, and confidentiality requirements.
* Contributing to weekend, late‑night, bank holiday, and extended‑hours rotas as required to support service delivery.
Main duties and Tasks Continued: Please note for a specific detailed job description for this vacancy please see attached job description.
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for the full list of duties and responsibilities.
About us
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued. We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people. As such we want to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds, and for each of you to feel supported for the diversity you bring, to achieve your full potential. For those staff with a disability, including physical disability, long term health condition, mental health or neurodiverse condition, this also means being committed to making reasonable adjustments needed for you to carry out your role.
Qualifications
* GCSEs: Mathematics, English and Science (Grade C/4 or equivalent) and two other GCSEs (Grade C/4)
* NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills/Support Staff or equivalent
* Have or are willing to work towards National Level 3 qualification (e.g. ILM Level 3 or similar) or hold equivalent experience
* Have or are working towards evidence of working accurately, such the West Midlands Dispensing Accuracy Assessment or equivalent
* Have or are working towards a Controlled Drug dispensing competency
* Accuracy Checking For Dispensing Assistants (National framework)
Experience
* Experience in dealing with patients, healthcare professionals at all levels, the general public and challenging situations
* Understanding of Health and Safety at Work, manual handling and COSHH
* Understanding of dispensing, stock control and supply systems and processes
* Knowledge of stock control systems
* Knowledge of code of practice/customer care
* Understands the need for delivering a cost effective service and the required work practices to reduce waste
* Experience of managing and leading a team
* Experience in staff training
* Working Knowledge of JAC pharmacy system
* Knowledge of drugs, side effects & where to find further information
* Understanding of pharmacy related computer systems
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
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