Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) - Pharmacy

NHS; Ilford; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in healthcare, NELFT North East London Foundation Trust, is seeking an Assistant Technical Officer for their pharmacy team in Ilford. This full-time role requires effective communication and teamwork within a supportive training environment, perfect for individuals eager to advance their pharmacy skills and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Education qualifications in English, Mathematics, and Science (GCSE A to C or 4-9).
• Willing to undergo NVQ Level 2 pharmacy training.
• Work experience in a pharmaceutical environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Stock and distribution management including re-stocking Omnicell cabinets.
• Assisting the pharmacy team and working closely with ward staff.
• Carrying out assessments of patients' own medicines.

Skills

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Computer literacy

Education

GCSE in Mathematics

GCSE in English

GCSE in Science

NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services

Job description

Go back NELFT North East London Foundation Trust

Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) - Pharmacy

The closing date is 10 July 2025

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated, ambitious, conscientious and reliable individual with a positive "can-do attitude" to join our forward-thinking pharmacy team at NELFT.

The post holder must be keen to learn :

• Stock and Distribution management - which will include the re -stocking of Omnicell cabinets
• Medicines Management - Supporting the Pharmacy Team and working closely with ward staff

Applicants must be able to complete tasks by assigned deadlines and willing to complete the NVQ2 level pharmacy training for support staff.

They should also have a good standard of general education and have attained a GCSE grade of (A to C or 4-9 ) in English language, Mathematics and Double Science (or equivalent). Computer literacy is required although appropriate training will be given.

We are keen to develop the knowledge and skills of the successful candidate

Once the initial NELFT probation period has been successfully completed, training will begin, on gaining the apprentice BTEC/NVQ Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support staff.

Once all relevant criteria are met for the Level 2 qualification the applicant will progress to band 3.

Main duties of the job

There are also a number of opportunities and progression pathways to work towards becoming a Pre-Reg Trainee Pharmacy Technician.

The post holder will be based at Goodmayes Hospital, Ilford and rotate across Waltham Forest and Brentwood Community Hospital in Essex. They will also work in our busy dispensary, providing a range of dispensing duties for our inpatient and community teams

The post holder will undertake stock medication ordering duties, in support of the ward-based clinical pharmacy service, to all inpatient units, home treatment teams, and off-site community teams across NELFT.

This includes replenishing stock in Omnicell cabinets, supporting security and safe storage, and cold chain maintenance of vaccines and refrigerated medicines.

Supporting the Medicines Management Pharmacy Technicians and Senior Pharmacy Assistant in minimising pharmaceutical waste by providing a service to all designated wards and community teams.

Carrying out Patient's Own Medicines assessments and obtaining the patient's consent to use or destroy medicines

Applicants should have received a good standard of general education and have attained GCSE grades A to C or 4-9 in Mathematics and English (or equivalent). Computer literacy is required although appropriate training will be given.

We are keen to develop the knowledge and skills of the successful candidate.

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About us

Starting with NELFT

NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop in sessions focussing in engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).

High Cost Area Supplement

This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £4,551 to a maximum of £5,735).

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer closely to this when completing your application.

We welcome your application even if you do not meet all the criteria listed in the person specification. Any development needs to help you succeed in the role, can be discussed at the interview stage.

References

Please ensure that the references are from your most recent employer and one of these must be your direct Line Manager or Supervisor. You must provide professional email addresses for all referees as we will contact them as soon as an offer has been made. Please note we do not request references prior to interviews. Additionally, ensure that any gaps in your employment history are clearly indicated. All applications made through NHS Jobs account will be processed by TRAC System. Please note that some emails may go to your spam/junk mailbox so make sure you check this regularly.

Use of AI

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used, then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

Certificates of Sponsorship

Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points based system.

If you like the sound of working with NELFT, dont waste a moment and apply now!

Person Specification

Skills

• Good communication skills and able to communicate with other staff
• The ability to work in a team
• Familiarity with computer systems
• Able to travel efficiently/drive

Experience

• work experience, preferably in a pharmaceutical environment

Qualifications

• Education qualifications. GCSE (A to C or 4-9) in Mathematics, English Science
• Willing to undertake the NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services for support staff
• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services plus accredited underpinning knowledge or equivalent

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.

Employer name

NELFT North East London Foundation Trust

Address

Goodmayes Hospital, (All NELFT Pharmacy Services)

£24,169 a yearper annum pro rata plus HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

395-CC208-25-A

Job locations

Goodmayes Hospital, (All NELFT Pharmacy Services)