Dispensing Assistant

NHS; Penrith; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A local healthcare practice in Penrith is looking for a dedicated Dispensing Assistant to join their team part-time. You will manage prescription processing and ensure patients receive their medications safely and accurately while maintaining high operational standards. Ideal candidates should have relevant qualifications or commitment to complete them within the first 18 months of employment. Salary is £12.57 per hour.

Qualifications

• Experience working with the general public/patients.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage payments effectively.
• Capable of managing stock including ordering and disposal.

Responsibilities

• Accurately process prescriptions and ensure compliance.
• Maintain stock levels and manage inventory efficiently.
• Provide excellent customer service to patients.

Skills

Polite

Flexible

Motivated

Excellent communication

Time management

Education

Support Staff Course for Dispensing Assistants from Buttercups or equivalent qualification

GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths at Grade C (4) or above

Tools

Office

Outlook

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Dispensing Assistant to join our team on a part-time basis. In this role, you will be responsible for accurately and safely processing prescriptions as authorised by GPs and prescribing nurses, ensuring patients have continuous access to their medications. Your duties will include managing stock levels, adhering to regulatory and safety standards, and delivering an efficient, high-quality dispensing service. Maintaining cleanliness, safety, and accurate records within the dispensary is also a key part of the role.

Details

This is a permanent position for 20-25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with specific working days and hours to be discussed.

A Support Staff Course for Dispensing Assistants from Buttercups or an equivalent qualification is required, or you must be willing to complete this qualification while working in the practice within the first 18 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Prescription Processing: Accurately process prescriptions, ensuring compliance with good practice guidelines. Check all dispensed medicines and address any discrepancies.
• Handling Prescription Charges & Documentation: Collect prescription charges and manage monies securely. Prepare and submit necessary paperwork to NHS Prescription Services.
• Stock & Inventory Management: Maintain stock levels, minimise waste, and ensure correct storage of medications, including cold chain items.
• Controlled Drugs & Dispensing Safety: Dispense controlled drugs in compliance with legal and practice policies.
• Patient Interaction & Communication: Provide excellent customer service, ensuring patients receive their medications accurately and on time. Process prescription requests via multiple channels.
• Administrative Support: Assist with monthly returns, record-keeping, and invoice management. Maintain accurate records of all transactions.
• Compliance & Confidentiality: Adhere to GDPR and practice policies, ensuring patient information remains confidential and secure.

About Us

We are a well-established and friendly practice serving the local community, located in a bright and modern building in Shap, a charming village south of Penrith.

Details

• Date posted 02 September 2025
• Salary £12.57 an hour
• Contract Permanent
• Working pattern Part-time
• Job locations Peggy Nut Croft, Shap, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 3LW

Job Description

Job responsibilities. The core responsibilities are as described above. There may be other tasks depending on workload and staffing levels.

Person Specification

Essential

• Polite and confident
• Flexible and cooperative
• Motivated
• Forward thinker
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Ability to work under pressure

Qualifications

• Support Staff Course for Dispensing Assistants from Buttercups or equivalent qualification (or commitment to gaining this qualification within the first 18 months)
• GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths at Grade C (4) or above

Experience

• Experience working with the general public/patients
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
• Effective time management
• Capable of managing payments (invoices, cash, etc.)
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Good interpersonal skills
• Problem solving and analytical skills
• Ability to follow policy and procedure
• Ability to effectively manage stock including ordering, rotation, disposal

Desirable

• Strong IT skills
• Clinical system user skills

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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.