Assistant Technical Officer – NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group
Band: 3
Grade: Band 3
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time – 37.5 hours per week (including lates, weekends and bank holidays as per rotas)
Salary: £24,937 – £26,598 per annum
Closing date: 22/12/2025 23:59
Job Overview
We are looking for a Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO) to work as a role model, provide excellent training, and demonstrate our trust values. The role is based at the Royal Liverpool Hospital Pharmacy Store and requires on‑site work at the Royal Hospital. On a rota basis with other SATOs, you will deliver a stock distribution service to our Sexual Health and A&E departments and supervise ATOs in our Pharmacy Store. You will be flexible to service demands and willing to work across both Royal hospital sites.
Key Responsibilities
* Dispense and issue medicines, including extemporaneously prepared products, controlled drugs, unlicensed medicines and clinical trials, in accordance with policies and safe systems of work.
* Order and supply pharmaceuticals for the ward stock top‑up service.
* Load medicines into the automated dispensing machine.
* Lead reception duties, directing workload and queries and escalating when required.
* Input data into the Pharmacy computer system, ensuring accurate records.
* Receive and document medicines, maintaining timely and accurate entry.
* Investigate and resolve delivery discrepancies, liaising with invoicing staff and suppliers.
* Ensure appropriate storage of all pharmaceutical preparations.
* Rotate stock at the point of goods receipt.
* Refer complex enquiries to the line manager.
* Return unused medicines and recycle in accordance with safe systems of work.
* Manually handle IV fluids, bulk feed deliveries and manoeuvre cages and tote boxes for delivery.
* Deliver medicines to wards and departments.
* Manage telephone enquiries from internal and external customers.
* Fix basic robot errors.
* Participate in daily stock counts.
* Issue medicines on the "To‑Follows" list.
* Engage in development and project work in line with Trust objectives.
* Check picked stock items for accuracy during top‑ups.
* Train, supervise and assess support workers.
* Deliver robot error training for pharmacy assistants and new staff.
* Provide training to pharmacy assistants and staff rotating through areas of practice.
* Handle ad‑hoc stock requests via telephone or portal.
* Supply emergency orders.
* Support NVQ Level 2 training for pharmacy assistants as appropriate.
* Prioritise work to meet service objectives.
* Ensure procedures comply with legislation, COSHH, and Health and Safety laws.
* Participate in weekend, bank holiday, statutory holiday, early morning and evening services.
* Undertake other reasonable duties as required.
* Work across sites as required.
* Adapt to changes in pharmacy practice, equipment, policies, and hours.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 2 Pharmacy Services or equivalent Pharmacy qualification.
Experience
* Demonstrable experience working in a pharmacy environment.
* Experience working in a team.
* Experience of dispensing prescriptions or preparing aseptic products.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of procedures in your pharmacy area (on‑the‑job training, NVQ3 or equivalent).
* Knowledge of stock control systems and medication storage.
* Desirable: Knowledge of hospital pharmacy supply and discharge planning.
* Desirable: Ability to relate to all grades within a multidisciplinary team.
Skills
* Clear written communication.
* Clear verbal communication.
* IT application proficiency.
* Ability to work in a busy environment and meet deadlines.
* Teamwork and independent working skills.
* Methodical and attention to detail.
* Adaptability and initiative.
* Supervision and task prioritisation.
* Training others and escalating non‑routine queries.
Other
* Enthusiasm, initiative, and proactive attitude.
* Empathy, reliability, and excellent service approach.
* Willingness to learn and commitment to work.
* Reliability and flexibility to meet service needs.
* Self‑motivation and ability to motivate others.
* Availability for weekend, evening, and bank holiday rotas.
Equal Opportunities
The Trust is committed to promoting equality and diversity; we value the contribution of individual talent, skills, knowledge and experience and aim for a workforce that reflects the local community. We encourage applicants from under‑represented groups: black, Asian and minority ethnic, LGBTQ+, disabled, male and age 16‑24.
Legal
Under current Home Office Immigration Rules we cannot offer visa sponsorship for Band 2 and 3 roles below £25,000 pa. Trust policy requires DBS deduction from salary (£23 or £43) after start, with upfront payment for bank posts. Skilled visa applicants must provide criminal record certificates from each country lived in for 12+ months over the past decade. Staff must comply with safeguarding policies and protection procedures as required by law.
Apply
Apply online or contact Lisa Hegarty (Lead Pharmacy Technician – Procurement, Distribution) at 0151 706 2073 or email provided on the application portal. Ensure you clear your email inbox to receive communications regarding your application.
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