Job overview
The mental health and learning disabilities pharmacy team in Pennine Care is progressive and forward-thinking and provides an inpatient and community mental health medicines optimisation service.
We are delighted to be able to offer the opportunity to an enthusiastic technician to join the pharmacy team and aid in the development and delivery of pharmacy services to the mental health wards on the Royal Oldham Hospital site.
This post is for 18-months fixed term to cover maternity leave.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will support the delivery of pharmacy services to optimise the use of medicines on the mental health wards.
The post holder will work within the Oldham Mental Health Pharmacy team day to day and be managed professionally by the Chief Technician.
The post holder will be supported by the Trust’s dedicated team of pharmacists and technicians, receive regular management and clinical supervision and attend team and governance meetings.
The post holder will also deliver training in medicines management, review and update guidance in relation to safe and secure handling of medicines, undertake medicines reconciliation and participate in audit work.
As this is a clinical post, there is no dispensary commitment and no requirement for emergency duty, bank holiday or weekend working.
Working for our organisation
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
If you come and work for us we will offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including:
* Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff.
* Flexible working opportunities to support your work/life balance
* Access to Continued Professional Development
* Involvement in improvement and research activities
* Health and Wellbeing activities and access to an excellent staff wellbeing service
* Access to staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification to support your application for this post. Please refer to the essential criteria in the person specification which will highlight the skills, knowledge and experience you will need to demonstrate in your application, by way of example, to give yourself the best opportunity to be shortlisted.
We invite all candidates to contact us for further details and an informal visit.
Person specification
Education and Qualification
Essential criteria
* BTEC Certificate in Pharmaceutical Sciences/ NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) (3)
* Registered with the GPhC / proof of application in process (3)
* Accuracy checking accreditation (3)
Experience
Essential criteria
* •Substantial experience as qualified technician in hospital pharmacy (3)
* •Substantial experience of dispensary and ward based services (3)
* •Experience of implementing change and new developments (3)
* •Experience of developing guidelines / protocols / SOP (3)
* •Experience of training healthcare professionals/ unqualified staff (3)
* •Experience of audit (3)
Desirable criteria
* Working knowledge of EPMA and related systems
* Experience of working on mental health wards
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* •Knowledge of dispensary and patient services (3)
* •Good clinical pharmaceutical knowledge (3)
* •Good presentation skills (verbal and written) (3)
* •Good technical pharmaceutical knowledge (3)
Desirable criteria
* •Good IT skills (including word processing and spreadsheets) (3)
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
* •Self-motivated (3)
* •Data Analysis (3
* •Excellent written and verbal communication skills (3)
* •Ability to work as a team member and independently (3)
* •Ability to work with multidisciplinary, multi-agency groups (3)
* •Ability to identify when advice needs to be sought (3)
📝 Application support - We recommend tailoring your application to each role you apply for, particularly your supporting information. This gives you the best chance of success. Your supporting information should clearly explain, with examples, how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
We are aware of the increase in AI being used for job applications. AI can be a useful tool to assist in writing your application, but these tools may not understand the context or requirements of the job you are applying for and using for all your application will not be a true reflection of your skills and experience. Relying on AI for your whole application can negatively impact on your chances of success throughout the recruitment process as you will be asked to provide evidence to support what you have written. Take the time to proofread your application to ensure you can evidence what you have submitted, whether this is by your experience or certificates
We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and need extra time or adjustments to complete your application, please contact us as soon as possible. We will ensure you are not disadvantaged where a reasonable adjustment is appropriate.