Assistant Technical Officer, Dispensary Support

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust; Coventry; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust is seeking an Assistant Technical Officer to support the Dispensary team. You will help manage pharmacy technicians, support training, ensure stock accuracy and timely processing of inpatient orders across wards and theatres.

The role requires NHS experience at band 3 level or equivalent, good English literacy, numeracy and the ability to work under pressure in a busy hospital environment. Sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills or equivalent; literate with a good standard of written and spoken English; numerate.
• GCSEs Maths and English or equivalent; experience of using CMM Dispensing computer system.
• Significant hospital pharmacy experience with staff management and working in a busy environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify training gaps and work with Training/Education and Pharmacy Operations to ensure dispensary staff are trained.
• Support induction and updates for pharmacy dispensary staff.
• Assist in investigating stock discrepancies with Operations, Medicines Management and Procurement.
• Assist with product recalls and ensure stock is removed from wards and theatres as needed.
• Review errors to identify actions to reduce risk and promote learning.
• Support dispensary reception team and maintain good housekeeping.
• Maintain a safe working environment and file records of work.

Skills

Staff management

Stock control

Customer service

Communication skills

Pharmacy operations

Training

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills or equivalent

GCSE Maths and English

Tools

CMM Dispensing system

Job description

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Assistant Technical Officer, Dispensary Support

The closing date is 03 November 2026

To contribute to the delivery and development of a high quality, comprehensive Trustwide pharmacy distribution service that is reliable, efficient and effective in meeting the needs of all wards, theatres and departments.

Please be advised that sponsorship is not eligible for this post.

Main duties of the job

• To effectively monitor workload and manage pharmacy technicians and assistants to respond to demands as required.
• To contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of new and improved pharmacy dispensary services.
• To support the workflow within the Dispensary, ensuring work is processed to required deadlines and urgent requests are dealt with promptly. To make appropriate escalations to the Duty Technician if workload reaches designated escalation points.
• Monitor turnaround times and workload status using in-house tracking system.
• To assist the Duty Technician in the investigation of complaints in accordance with the Trust policies and participate in any corrective action required.

About us

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.

Job responsibilities

• To identify training gaps and work alongside the Training and Education and Pharmacy Operations team to ensure that all pharmacy staff within the dispensary are appropriately trained in all aspects of the service.
• To support the Education and Training team in ensuring that pharmacy dispensary staff receive a comprehensive local induction and updates in all areas of the service.
• To support the investigation of stock discrepancies liaising with the Operations Team, Medicines Management and Ward Stock Supply Co-ordinator and Procurement Team, assisting in any corrective action if necessary.
• To assist in all activities associated with product recalls ensuring stock is removed promptly from all wards, theatres and departments if necessary.
• Assist in regularly reviewing errors occurring within the department, with the aim of identifying actions to reduce risk and learning.
• Participate and encourage others to ensure good housekeeping is maintained, including supporting the dispensary reception team.
• Maintain a safe environment at all times.
• Ensure records of work (inpatient orders etc.) are maintained and accurately filed.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• oNVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills - or equivalent (or grand parented with the RPSGB) oLiterate with a good standard of written and spoken English oNumerate
• oGCSEs Maths and English or equivalent oExperience of using CMM Dispensing computer system

Experience

• oSignificant experience of working in hospital pharmacy, including experience at band 3 assistant level. Proven experience of managing staff. oExperience of working in a busy environment oStock control experience oExperience of liaising with members of pharmacy staff and other healthcare professionals to ensure that ward stock levels are maintained at a safe and appropriate level oExperience of working in a customer facing role oTo be able to handle safely and competently opharmaceutical equipment and medicines used in the dispensing process
• oExperience of dispensing in a pharmacy oExperience of staff training

Knowledge

• oHealth and safety at work and manual handling oAn understanding of the role of the pharmacy department in a hospital oAn understanding of confidentiality oA basic understanding of the dispensing process oTo have specialist knowledge of stores and distribution systems oTo have specialist knowledge of ward stock control oTo have specialist knowledge of optimal/productive wards

Skills

• oGood verbal and written, communication skills oAbility to work to set procedures oAble to work under pressure and maintain concentration for long periods oAble to plan and manage the work performance of technical and support staff working in stores and distribution areas according to departmental priorities. oAble to act independently, referring to line manager when needed. oAble to set priorities, meet deadlines and manage own time effectively. oBe able to give explanation and reassurance to other healthcare professionals in regard to distribution services oDay to day management of staff oCurrent IT skills

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

• oEvidence of demonstrating the Trust Values (Compassion, Openness, Pride, Partnership, Improve, Learn and Respect) and the associated Values in Action behaviours in the workplace. oFor posts with managerial responsibility only Evidence of promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and ensuring fair and equitable practices throughout your work experience. Evidence of promoting a culture which helps individuals live behaviours aligned to our Trust Values (Compassion, Openness, Pride, Partnership, Improve, Learn and Respect)

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

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Address

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire