Dispenser / Pharmacy Technician

Lambert Medical Centre; Thirsk; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare facility in Thirsk is seeking a Dispenser or Pharmacy Technician to join their patient-focused dispensary team. The role involves preparing and issuing prescriptions, managing stock levels, and providing advice to patients. Candidates must have NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or an equivalent qualification, and experience in a dispensary or pharmacy is preferred. This permanent position offers opportunities for professional development and flexible work hours.

Qualifications

• Qualified in NVQ Level 2 Dispensing or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience of working in a dispensary or pharmacy is required.
• Knowledge of NHS prescription systems and drug tariff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and issue prescriptions and manage stock levels.
• Provide advice to patients on prescription queries.
• Handle controlled drugs and ensure safe disposal of pharmaceutical waste.

Skills

Accurate dispensing skills

Strong communication skills

Stock Management experience

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent)

GCSE Maths and English (Grade C or above)

Tools

SystmOne

Job description

We are looking to recruit a Dispenser or Pharmacy Technician.

This permanent post is for 35 hrs per week (shifts covering dispensary opening times which are 8am-5.30pm Monday to Friday). Part time applicants will be considered. Ideally you will be flexible and able to provide cover for both holiday and sick leave.

Main duties of the job

As a Dispenser at Lambert Medical Centre, you will be part of a busy, patient-focused dispensary team. Your day will involve preparing and issuing prescriptions, managing stock levels, and ensuring medicines are dispensed safely and efficiently. You will interact regularly with patients, offering friendly advice and support, and work closely with the Dispensary Manager, other dispensary colleagues and the wider practice team to maintain a high-quality service.

In addition to core dispensing duties, as a registered Pharmacy Technician, you would have the opportunity to develop your primary care knowledge and skills and work with our well-established Pharmacy team, supporting medication review, chronic disease management and medicines optimisation and quality improvement initiatives.

You will have qualified in NVQ Level 2 Dispensing (or above) or an equivalent dispensing qualification.

You may be a registered Pharmacy Technician looking to expand their role into primary care.

About us

Lambert Medical Centre is a well-established practice offering patient services from its partnership owned premises in Thirsk town centre, a semi-rural market town. We offer services to those living in Thirsk and the surrounding villages. We have a stable patient list size of 8,500 and we dispense medication to approximately 40% of our list. There is an excellent range of housing and schools nearby with many local activities and the Yorkshire Moors and Dales on our doorstep.

We have a strong patient focus, with our ethos and values being rooted in delivering care for our community that we and our families would be happy to receive. We consider ourselves a forward-thinking practice and enjoy good links with other organisations. We are a training practice, and we also have good links with Hull York Medical School who we partner with to deliver medical student teaching.

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

To provide an accurate, timely, and qualitative dispensing service to the registered patients at Lambert Medical Centre.

We would encourage applications from those looking to develop their role and therefore candidates require excellent attention to detail, organisational ability, strong communication skills, and a willingness to embrace opportunities.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Main Duties

Dispensing and Patient Services

• Accurately dispense acute and repeat prescriptions in line with practice protocols and legal requirements.
• Handout prescriptions and collect patient charges or verify exemptions.
• Provide advice and support to patients on prescription queries, referring to the wider clinical team as required.
• Handle controlled drugs in line with legislation and practice policy.
• Ensure safe disposal of pharmaceutical waste.
• Maintain accurate records of dispensing transactions.

Maintain dispensary equipment, ensuring it is clean, accurate and in a good state of repair.

Dispensing of patient dosette boxes and associated administration.

Work flexibly within the team, providing cover for colleagues when necessary

• Communicate effectively with colleagues, patients and the wider MDT including Community Pharmacy teams.

Stock Management

• Manage stock levels, including ordering, rotation, checking deliveries, and removing expired items.
• Ensure drugs are received, stored, and refrigerated correctly with accurate temperature monitoring.
• Liaise with suppliers and support invoice reconciliation.

Role Development (for a Pharmacy Technician)

• Support repeat prescription management and medication review processes
• Support medicines optimisation and cost-effective prescribing
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives

Professional Development

• Undertake mandatory training and CPD.
• Participate in annual appraisal and performance reviews.

Other Responsibilities

• Uphold patient confidentiality at all times.
• Promote self-care, health & safety, infection control, equality and diversity in line with practice policies.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Reliable, professional and adaptable
• Commitment to professional development
• Team player with ability to work independently
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Forward thinking, innovative
• Motivated to develop

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent) or above for Dispensers
• In addition to GCSE Maths and English (Grade C or 4 or above)

Knowledge and Skills

• Accurate dispensing and record-keeping skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection
• Knowledge of SystmOne
• Understanding of NHS prescription systems and drug tariff
• Stock Management and Ordering experience

Experience

• Experience of working in a dispensary or pharmacy
• Experience of dealing with the public in a healthcare setting
• Experience of GP Practice dispensary

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.