We are seeking a friendly, reliable and detail-oriented Pharmacy Counter Assistant to join our community pharmacy team. Working under the supervision of the Responsible Pharmacist, you will be the first point of contact for our customers — dispensing over-the-counter medicines, handling prescriptions at the counter, and providing a professional, confidential and caring service. This is a rewarding role for someone who enjoys working with the public and takes pride in helping people look after their health.
Key responsibilities
· Serve customers at the medicines counter, providing courteous and confidential advice on the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) and Pharmacy (P) medicines within your scope of training and referring to the pharmacist where required.
· Receive prescriptions from patients, check patient details, process exemption declarations and hand out completed prescriptions accurately.
· Operate the till, process cash and card payments, and reconcile takings at the end of each shift.
· Assist the dispensary team with basic pre-dispensing tasks such as labelling, assembling and bagging prescriptions under the direction of the pharmacist.
· Order, receive, date-check and rotate stock; keep shelves tidy, well-presented and fully priced.
· Signpost customers to other NHS services and healthcare professionals when their needs fall outside the pharmacy's remit.
· Support the delivery of pharmacy services such as flu vaccinations, NHS Pharmacy First, blood pressure checks and the Discharge Medicines Service by booking appointments and preparing paperwork.
· Maintain patient confidentiality at all times and comply with GDPR and information governance requirements.
· Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), health and safety guidance and GPhC standards for pharmacy support staff.
· Keep the shop floor, counter and consultation room clean, tidy and welcoming.
Essential skills and experience
· Excellent communication and customer service skills, with a calm and empathetic manner.
· Ability to handle sensitive conversations discreetly and maintain strict confidentiality.
· Good numeracy and accuracy — essential for handling medicines and cash.
· Reliable, punctual and able to work as part of a small team.
· Willingness to complete the GPhC-accredited Medicines Counter Assistant course within three months of starting (if not already held).
Desirable (but not necessary)
· Previous experience in a community pharmacy, retail or customer-facing healthcare role.
· Completed Medicines Counter Assistant training (e.g. Buttercups, NPA or CPPE).
· Familiarity with a pharmacy PMR system (e.g. Titan).
· Basic understanding of NHS prescription charges and exemption categories.
Work Location: In person
