To deliver a safe, effective, and patient-centred pharmacy and medicines service that supports the health needs of young people in a secure environment, in line with national standards, NHS guidelines, and relevant professional and local policies.
Main duties of the job
The role covers the full range of pharmacy and medicines optimisation activities within a secure setting. Key responsibilities include undertaking medicines reconciliation for new admissions and transfers, resolving discrepancies, and supporting medicines reviews and patient counselling. The post-holder will support patients with substance misuse and withdrawal concerns, conduct audits and KPI reporting, monitor formulary compliance, and ensure safe handling and accurate recording of controlled drugs. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies, the post-holder will contribute to clinical governance and continuous service improvement. The role requires autonomous practice within scope of competence, a commitment to professional development, and compliance with GPhC requirements and national pharmacy standards.
About us
DrPA has been operating in secure environments since 2014 providing General Practitioner services and we are now growing to provide a complete healthcare service Oakhill STC commissioned by NHS England. This will be delivered directly or through a range of specialist partners who are experts in their field.
We deliver our services based on our ethos of CARE:
* Compassionate care that is trauma informed and supportive
* Assurance that care is evidence-based & demonstrates high quality outcomes for our patients
* Respectful of peoples cultural and religious beliefs
* Empowerment We centre each young person by co-creating holistic care plans that treat their needs and equip them to self-manage their wellbeing.
Job responsibilities
To deliver a safe, effective, patient-centred pharmacy and medicines optimisation service,supporting the health needs of young people in a secure environment in line with Royal Pharmaceutical Society Professional Standards for Optimising Medicines in Secure Environments, NICE guidelines on medicines reconciliation and medicines safety, national standards, NHS England specifications for primary care in secure settings, and local policies.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
* Undertake comprehensive medicines reconciliation for new receptions and transfers,ensuring accurate and timely identification of current therapy, reducing medication errors and wastage
* Identify and resolve discrepancies, liaising with prescribers, community pharmacies, and external healthcare providers as needed
* Perform medication checks to optimise therapy, reduce polypharmacy, and support adherence
* Support the pharmacist in delivering Medicines Use Reviews (MURs) and patient counselling to improve understanding and safe use of medication
* Provide clear, individualised advice on in-possession medicines, side effects, and correct use
Substance Misuse & Withdrawal Management
* Recognise and elevate signs of drug or alcohol withdrawal
* Support patients with substance misuse concerns and those at risk of self-harm or suicide, working closely with healthcare and operational staff Audit, KPI Reporting & Formulary Oversight
* Conduct regular audits on prescribing, reconciliation, administration, and formulary compliance
* Monitor use of the allocated formulary, identifying opportunities for cost-effective prescribing
* Provide accurate data and insights for KPI and contract performance reports
Drug Safety & Controlled Drugs
Promote and monitor medicines safety, ensuring compliance with controlled drug legislation and secure custody protocols.
Maintain meticulous, contemporaneous records of all pharmacy activities.
* Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, officers, and external agencies, both verbally and in writing.
* Participate in clinical meetings and governance activities to drive continuous improvement in pharmacy services
* Take direction from the pharmacist and chief pharmacist to support service development
Professional Practice & Development
* Function autonomously within your scope of competence while serving as a role model and resource to junior staff
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practice, guidelines, and professional standards.
* Engage in continuous professional development to meet GPhC requirements
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
* Relevant NVQ Level 3 / BTEC in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent)
* Accreditation in medicines reconciliation or accuracy checking (desirable)
* Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills to manage workload in a challenging environment
* Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with patients who may be vulnerable or distressed.
* Commitment to medicines safety, audit processes, and high standards of record keeping.
* Previous experience within a secure setting
* Ability to participate in multi professional teamwork.
Experience
* Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with patients who may be vulnerable or distressed.
* Commitment to medicines safety, audit processes, and high standards of record keeping.
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.
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