Apple Recruitment are recruiting for a Pharmacy Assistant – Band 2 on behalf of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Job Purpose:

Under the supervision of Senior Assistants, Technicians and Pharmacists, to ensure the provision of a quality supply of drugs, dressings, medical and surgical items which is effective, efficient and responsive to the needs of our customers.

The successful candidate(s) may be required to undertake the following Pharmacy Assistant training course: Pearson Level 2 Certificate in The Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff by attendance at South Eastern Regional College (Bangor/Lisburn Campus) on a day per month, over a period of 1 year. There will also be an aspect of learning in your own time.

Job Description:

• To receive, check and shelve all pharmacy items in accordance with departmental SOPs, liaising with senior pharmacy assistants, technicians, pharmacists and clerical staff as appropriate.
• To ensure that all delivery documentation is accurately receipted onto the JAC system and that documentation is endorsed and retained according to departmental SOPs.
• To participate in the provision of a Bulk Issue “top-up” service to wards and departments, including preparation of the regular orders, removal of overstock and appropriate stock rotation / expiry day management, highlighting queries / changes in usage trends to designated technicians / pharmacists as appropriate.
• To comply with relevant Infection Control guidelines in clinical areas with regard to personal protective equipment.
• To assemble and issue daily ward orders, requisitions and Bulk Issue lists received via the JAC pharmacy computer system for distribution to wards and other users, keeping appropriate records and communicating with nursing and clinical pharmacy staff as appropriate.
• To assemble and supply IV fluids and procedure pack orders, issuing stock to users via the computer system, keeping appropriate records as appropriate.
• To monitor and maintain pharmacy stock levels within designated areas by regular bin maintenance and assistance in physical stock checks, identifying stock discrepancies and supply shortages.
• To liaise with the appropriate senior Pharmacy Assistants and Technicians to ensure efficient resolution of any stock / supply issues.
• To cover the pharmacy reception and telephone to communicate with and respond to requests from service users, referring requests to senior Pharmacy Assistants / technicians / pharmacists as appropriate.
• To apply good standards of customer service at all times.
• To carry out broken pack dispensing or pre-packing of solid or liquid medicines, keeping appropriate records as required.
• To assist in the supply of drugs, dressings, medical and surgical items to community users and communicate information as appropriate.
• To assist in the dispensing and distribution of vaccines to community users
• To deliver pharmacy supplies, prescriptions and controlled drugs to wards / departments as required
• To assist in the processing of returns from users on a daily basis in accordance with departmental returns SOPs.
• Participate in the cleaning and preparation pf the aseptic unit and its equipment and supplies ready for aseptic preparation and dispensing
• To adhere to the requirements of the Medicines Act and Controls Assurance Standards for the safety and security of pharmaceuticals, including controlled drugs, by compliance with departmental SOPs.
• To share and demonstrate knowledge of working area with other staff as required during training of other pharmacy staff, e.g. student technicians / pharmacy assistants / pharmacy students as appropriate, and in designated core service areas.
• To assist in the development and introduction of new technologies and working practices to improve the efficiency and running of the department.
• To utilise the pharmacy Robots correctly to load and issue Robot stock items via JAC pharmacy system / ARiM and, following training respond to and resolve Red Screen Robot / Prolog Errors in line with SOPs.
• To assist with the development and review of SOPs relevant to service area as appropriate.
• To observe and participate in the delivery of safe systems of work, ensuring compliance with the Trust’s Health and Safety Policy, COSHH and Statutory Regulations.
• To maintain clean working surfaces and equipment at all times.
• To ensure safe systems of working and compliance with written procedures.
• To ensure the maintenance of appropriate documentation and records.
• To perform any other duties as assigned.

If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV in Microsoft word format to Daniel Finlay by clicking on the link below by 19th September 2024. You must also include a bullet pointed synopsis at the top of your CV demonstrating how exactly you meet the Essential Criteria below:

Essential Criteria:

1. a) 5 GCSEs (Grades A – G) or equivalent. To include English Language and      Mathematics Grade C or above

OR

b) NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or BTEC level 2 Certificate in Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff or equivalent qualification.

Candidates who do not have NVQ or BTEC level 2 certificate in Pharmacy will be expected to undertake same if successful.

2. Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post

3. Normal working hours, 37½ hours across a 7 day week, to include working shifts, evenings, weekends and public holidays as required, to meet the needs of the service.  This post will participate in regular weekend working as required to meet service need.

4. General good health for the demands of the post

5. Acceptable attendance record

Further Details:

· Hourly Rate: £11.45

· Duration: 6 Months

· Location: Antrim

If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV in Microsoft word format to Daniel Finlay by clicking on the link below by 19th September 2024.

Applicants must ensure their CV is accurate and up to date. The CV should include your full employment history inclusive of dates, all academic achievements and full personal contact details.

Please note only applicants that match this criteria can be considered for the role.

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.