Bank – Dispensary Pharmacy Assistant – Band 3
Closing date: 09 March 2026.
Job summary
The post holder will provide support services to the Trust from the Pharmacy department, including ordering, receipt, storage and supply of pharmaceuticals and other stocks. Duties also include administrative support to various pharmacy teams such as Medication Governance, Clinical Pharmacy teams and the Operational Lead Technician.
Main duties of the job
* Distribution:
o Take part in the pharmacy ward top‑up service: print stock lists, check stock, order items, process orders, pick & package for delivery.
o Unpack and put away ward orders where applicable.
o Process requisitions from other pharmacy areas.
o Monitor & maintain stock in the emergency drug cupboard.
o Perform daily top‑ups within the pharmacy department.
o Perform departmental stock checks and expiry checks.
o Perform daily stock maintenance of the pharmacy automated dispensing robot.
o Perform pharmacy storage audits on wards/departments.
o Assist with recording & storage of archive material.
o Supply orders of pharmaceuticals to community clinics, GP surgeries and other external organisations; answer telephone enquiries.
o Take orders for liquid nitrogen; fill canisters ready for dispatch.
o Assemble emergency resus drug packs; monitor expiry dates.
o Assess suitability of pharmaceuticals for return to stock; return or dispose.
o Assist with management & disposal of special pharmaceutical waste.
* Stores:
o Maintain supplies of non‑drug items and stock checking.
o Receive deliveries, check, book in orders.
o Resolve order discrepancies, identify late/outstanding orders, return stock to suppliers.
o Process computer receipts of orders.
o Put goods away and maintain efficient stock rotation.
o Unload and put away bulk deliveries using pallet trucks.
o Deliver pharmaceuticals to wards and departments.
o Maintain clean and tidy workplace.
o Assist with ordering and invoicing of pharmaceuticals and sundry items.
o Assist with medical gas supply and invoicing.
o Liaise with other pharmacy staff to ensure correct stock control procedures.
* Administrative duties:
o Sort and distribute incoming departmental post.
o Collate audit results.
o Detail items sold to non‑contract parties and pass to senior distribution technician.
o File hard‑copy orders and related documents.
o Maintain archive records.
o File pharmacy literature and documents as required.
o Produce drug usage reports for the clinical pharmacy team when required.
o Assist with couriering medications if required.
* Other duties: follow SOPs, undertake reasonable duties from senior technicians.
* Communication: verbal, telephone and written via NHS.net.
* Analytical & planning: manage own workload, independent working; participate in pharmacy rota.
* Policy & Service Development: assist with monitoring pharmacy performance with audits and reporting.
* Financial & Physical Resources: participate in stock control, expiry checking to minimise wastage.
* Staff management: assist with training new staff and visiting students.
* Information resources: use document control and prescription tracking systems appropriately.
Person Specification
Essential
* Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council under NVQ level 2 for Pharmacy Assistants, or willingness to attain after training.
* A good standard of basic education including Maths and English.
Desirable
* Experience in a role that required following strict guidelines and procedures.
* Previous experience of team working.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Please see NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
MSE Southend, Southend, SS0 0RY
Website: https://www.mse.nhs.uk
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