Band 5 Pharmacy Technician

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 5 Pharmacy Technician to deliver high-quality services in a prison healthcare setting. The role involves dispensing, medicines management, and training staff to ensure safe and effective medication use.

The post holder will support medicines reconciliation, risk assessments, and the development of pharmacy policies while maintaining accuracy in a secure environment.

Qualifications

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills with patients and staff.
• Ability to supervise and train junior staff within a secure environment.

Responsibilities

• Dispense medications accurately, including complex regimens and compliance aids.
• Administer medications at designated points and perform medicines reconciliation and In Possession Risk Assessments.
• Act as lead technician in designated areas, monitor stock and manage controlled drugs.
• Coordinate with prescribers, nursing staff and external services for safe medication use.

Skills

Accuracy

Communication skills

Team supervision

Clinical advice

Job description

The Band 5 Pharmacy Technician is responsible for delivering high-quality, effective pharmacy services within a prison healthcare setting. This includes both technical and clinical services aimed at improving patient care. The role involves pharmacy-based duties in addition to safe and timely medication administration, supporting medicines management, and contributing to the education and training of pharmacy and nursing staff. The postholder will play a key role in medicines reconciliation, In Possession Risk Assessments, and the management of specialist medications and controlled drugs. They will liaise with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care, support compliance and adherence strategies, and contribute to the development and implementation of pharmacy policies and procedures. Working within their professional scope, the technician will also supervise and train junior staff, support service development initiatives, and ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and Trust standards. The role requires a high level of accuracy, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a secure and often challenging environment.

1. Dispensing and Supply

• Accurately dispense medications, including complex dose regimens and compliance aids.
• Participate in labelling, dispensing, and accuracy checking.
• Manage Controlled Drugs in line with legal and Trust policies.
• Maintain stock levels and ensure timely procurement of medications.

2. Medicines Administration and Patient Care

• Administer medications on allocated Medication Administration Points.
• Conduct medicines reconciliation, compliance checks, and In Possession Risk Assessments.
• Provide advice to patients and staff on medication use.

3. Technical and Clinical Support

• Act as lead technician in designated areas, ensuring continuous supply and service quality.
• Handle supply issues, liaise with manufacturers, and resolve routine clinical queries.
• Monitor cold-chain and storage compliance.

4. Communication and Collaboration

• Liaise with prescribers, nursing staff, and external services to ensure safe and effective medication use.
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals for specialist medication supply.

5. Training and Supervision

• Supervise and train pharmacy staff, students, and nursing staff.
• Act as Technician in Charge in the absence of the Team Lead.
• Participate in postgraduate training delivery and staff development.

6. Governance and Development

• Contribute to policy development and implementation.
• Undertake audits and support service improvement initiatives.
• Maintain CPD and adhere to GPhC standards.

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations. We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond. Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options. Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity. Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.