Job Description
Purpose:
- To work alongside pharmacy technicians and under the supervision of the responsible pharmacist to ensure the safe, accurate and timely supply of prescribed medication to patients.
- To provide medicines-related and healthy lifestyle advice to patients as well as assisting in the smooth operation of the pharmacy.
Reports to: Pharmacy Manager
Key responsibilities:
- To have completed an accredited NVQ level 2 (or equivalent) Dispensing Assistant training course under the guidance of the pharmacist.
- To select, label and dispense pharmaceutical products in accordance with a prescription by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complying with all legal requirements.
- To ensure the safe and correct transfer of dispensed items to patients.
- To accurately maintain Patient Medication Records (PMR) to ensure patient safety and in accordance with data protection requirements.
- To identify medicine related problems or queries and bring these to the attention of the pharmacist.
- To answer queries on the supply and availability of medicines, where it is within your competence.
- To receive stock in accordance with SOPs.
- To ensure the safe and appropriate storage of medicines.
- To assist with stock control and the maintenance of reasonable stock levels within the pharmacy environment.
- To liaise with other healthcare professionals to assist in the continuity of patient care across primary and secondary care
- To assist with service provision to care homes including the preparation of Monitored Dosage Systems.
- To respond to symptoms described by customers by following agreed protocols and using own knowledge and judgement.
- To select and recommend suitable products and provide advice on their correct use.
- To provide advice on leading a healthy lifestyle.
- To refer to the pharmacist when appropriate.
- To assist with the engagement of patients onto advanced services such as MURs, NMS, Minor Ailments service.
- To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of medicines and minor ailments by reading journals, product information and training resources.
- To assist in providing pharmaceutical care to patients by carrying out reasonable duties as determined by needs of the business.
Business performance:
- Promote and maintain good, long term customer relations.
- Develop and maintain relationships with all relevant Healthcare Professionals including GPs, practice and district nurses, care homes and action teams.
- Involved in taking helping KPI and budget performance.
- To actively provide locally commissioned services and to claim for this activity in the appropriate way.
- Ensure maximum reimbursement through accurate dispensing, purchasing and endorsing procedures, including any specific instruction from line manager.
- Secure existing business through the use of the Prescription Collection Service to a minimum level as agreed with line manager.
- Identify new opportunities to grow the business and seek line manager.
- Monitor and control operating expenses in order to maximize the profitability of the store.
- Ensure that the range and level of stock is maintained to a level that meets the needs of the business.
- Maintain high retail and dispensary housekeeping standards.
- Ensure high standards of security practice within the pharmacy premises.
- Attend meetings or training events called by the line manager/owner whether within or outside normal business hours.
- Monitor local competitor activity and respond accordingly, ensuring line manager is kept informed.
- Prepare and maintain a business plan for the store in collaboration with line manager.
- Structure and staff the store in accordance with the agreed personnel budget/staffing guidelines.
- Help manage staff, maintaining effective employee relations according to company policies and employment laws and ensure relevant HR procedures are followed.
- Facilitate the training & development of all staff, including implementing the appraisal process.
- Additional activities/responsibilities may be asked of your role i.e. offer a flu vaccination/anti-coagulant service etc.
- Undertake any additional duties associated with the conduct of the business when requested by the line manager.
Personal specification:
- To have completed an accredited NVQ level 2 (or equivalent) Dispensing Assistant training course under the guidance of the pharmacist.
- Good attention to detail and high levels of concentration.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Excellent team working skills.
- Good level of IT literacy and numeracy
- A warm and friendly but professional attitude towards customers.
- An ability to respond to medical queries in a sensitive and professional manner.
- Experience of working in a retail environment (desirable).
- Experience of handling money and maintaining finance records
Pay: £13.00-£13.80 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Store discount
Experience:
- Pharmacy Dispensing: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
