Job overview
As a Lead Pharmacy Assistant you will be responsible for supervising in the pharmacy dispensary and the supervision of the pharmacy decentralised service and support with line management of pharmacy assistants. You are expected to have completed or be working towards an accuracy checking qualification to allow you to accurately final check medications. You will also provide Medicine Management services to inpatients at Dorset County Hospital ensuring patients own medications are checked and able to be used and ensure supplies for the inpatients are managed and prepared for discharge.
You will need to possess excellent communication skills, be self-motivated and have a flexible approach to work and be open to changing practices. Attention to detail is important and you must be able to work as part of a team but also able to demonstrate initiative and work in a professional and timely manner.
You will need to be able to work well under pressure and have a flexible approach. Computer literacy is required although appropriate training on pharmacy systems will be provided.
37.5 hrs per week. Staff will be expected to work weekends, Bank Holidays & late duties on a rotational basis. Staff are expected to work flexibly to meet the needs of the business and services provided as required.
Main duties of the job
You will assist the Pharmacy Department to ensure the smooth discharge of patients, lead the dispensary team and participate in the Accuracy checking program (ACP).
Under the supervision of a Pharmacist or Senior Technician you will be involved in a broad range of activities in the Pharmacy department and at ward level. You will visit a variety of wards to provide medicines provision for patients. You will work as part of a team providing a quality dispensing service.
Working for our organisation
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.
Right to Work in the UK: This role is not available for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to support visa applications for this post in line with UKVI regulations.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Person specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience of working in a busy pharmacy department
* Experience of working in a hospital pharmacy department
Desirable criteria
* Experience of Accuracy Checking
* Experience of using JAC or equivalent pharmacy computer system
* Significant experience of ward based working
* Knowledge of medicines optimisation
* Experience of training staff within pharmacy setting
* Experience of leadership within team
* Knowledge of line management and support
* Knowledge of Standard operating Procedure reviews
Education, Qualifications & Training
Desirable criteria
* Level 3 qualification in pharmaceutical services or equivalent level 2 with minimum of 2 years pharmacy experience qualified as a Assistant
* Medicines Optimisation for Pharmacy Support Staff – Unit 1 – or working towards
* Accuracy Checking qualification or working towards
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
* Knowledge of the legal aspects of accuracy checking and the law relating to prescriptions
* Good and broad understanding of pharmacy practice in order to support and advise other staff
* Demonstrated ability to work methodically and accurately
* Able to analyse and interpret prescriptions, identify problems and decide upon an appropriate course of action
* Ability to work with minimum supervision
* Demonstrated ability to work on own initiative, able to plan and organise straightforward activities, adjusting plans and priorities as necessary depending upon circumstances
* Good communication skills both oral & written
* Good knowledge of the legal requirements (Law and Ethics) for dispensing and supplying medicines, including controlled drugs
* Able to work flexibly within a team whilst having the ability to supervise, motivate and direct a team
* Able to work flexibly and participate in weekend working, Bank Holiday rotas and other rotas as operational duties require
* Committed to professional development
Desirable criteria
* Ability to work as part of a team
* Computer literacy & keyboard skills
Our Mission
Outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them.
Our Vision
Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
Our Values
Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Please read the job description and person specification carefully to ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required.
The closing date/interview date is subject to amendment; this vacancy may therefore expire at short notice, so we recommend that you submit an application at your earliest convenience. We reserve the right to close any vacancies without notice.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email; therefore it is important that you check your personal email account regularly.
Unfortunately we are unable to respond to every application; if we do not contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date, please be advised that you not have been shortlisted on this occasion.
You can contact us on 01305 254655 to find out whether you have been shortlisted or if you would like feedback.