Band 4 Specialist Pharmacy Assistant – Clinical
Closing date: 30 December 2025.
A skilled and motivated Specialist Pharmacy Assistant will join our pharmacy team at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. This role offers diverse experience across dispensary and clinical settings, direct patient contact, medication reconciliation, and collaboration with the clinical pharmacy team. Professional development pathways, training programmes, audit participation, and a supportive, collaborative environment are part of this role.
Main Duties
As a Specialist Pharmacy Assistant you will split your time between dispensary duties and ward‑based clinical activities.
* Accurately dispense and check prescriptions, ensuring safe and timely medication supply.
* Conduct medication reconciliation on admission, gathering medication histories from multiple sources including GP records and patient interviews.
* Provide medication advice to patients, carers and ward staff.
* Support ward stock management, maintaining appropriate supply levels and minimising waste.
* Handle controlled drugs accurately, maintaining records in line with legislation.
* Fast‑track urgent medication requests and TTOs, delivering directly to wards when needed.
* Participate in medicines optimisation initiatives and audits.
Qualifications
* GCSE grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English (or equivalent).
* NVQ level 2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills (QCF) or BTEC in Pharmaceutical Science.
* NVQ level 2 qualification also acceptable.
* Accredited Dispensing Assistants Course (NPA).
* National Level 3 qualification (e.g. ILM Level 3 or similar) or equivalent experience.
* Completion of the ‘West Midlands Dispensing Accuracy Assessment Programme’ or equivalent.
* Post NVQ level 2 qualification developmental experience of dispensing with formal training and annual revalidated accreditation as a dispenser.
* Presence of or working towards a Controlled Drug dispensing competency.
* Completion of Accuracy Checking for Dispensing Assistants (National framework).
Experience
* Understanding of pharmacy related computer systems.
* Knowledge 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.
* Understanding of delivering a cost‑effective service and the required work practices to reduce waste.
* Previous experience within a hospital pharmacy setting.
* Experience in staff training.
* Working knowledge of JAC pharmacy system.
* Knowledge of drugs, side effects and where to find further information.
Additional Criteria
* Able to reflect on own practice and learn from experience.
* Able to identify customer needs and deliver services to the required level.
* Able to communicate complex information verbally, written and electronically at an appropriate level.
* Demonstrates ability to work to set procedures.
* Takes responsibility for own work and actions and contributes to team success.
* Demonstrates IT and keyboard skills.
* Demonstrates ability to recognise professional and personal limitations and refer to appropriate person when necessary.
* Demonstrates ability to undertake a variety of tasks.
* Demonstrates ability to work independently.
* Demonstrates ability to maintain accuracy under pressure.
* Demonstrates ability to deal with frequent interruptions (e.g., bleeps/pagers).
* Able to maintain confidentiality of information.
* Able to adapt to change.
* Demonstrates ability to prioritise and organise daily tasks using own initiative.
* Good time management.
* Able to demonstrate discretion and diplomacy.
* Strong attention to detail.
* Reliable.
* Ability to travel to all UHB sites.
* Flexible to work in accordance with service needs.
* Committed to abide by the Trust vision and values.
* Able to lift moderate weights (up to 15kg).
* Demonstrates ability to guide and train others.
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 develop compassionate and culturally competent leaders, are values‑driven in all that we do, and create a welcoming inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support staff with disabilities.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr