Dispensing Assistant

NHS; Penrith; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading national healthcare provider in Penrith is looking for a detail-oriented Dispensing Assistant on a part-time basis. This permanent role involves processing prescriptions, managing stock levels, and ensuring a high-quality dispensing service for patients. A course for Dispensing Assistants is required, or you must commit to completing it within the first 18 months. Working days and hours will be flexible within Monday to Friday with a minimum of 25 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Experience working with the general public/patients.
• Competent in Office and Outlook software.
• Capable of managing stock and payments.

Responsibilities

• Process prescriptions and ensure compliance with guidelines.
• Collect prescription charges and manage money securely.
• Maintain stock levels and ensure proper storage of medications.

Skills

Excellent communication skills (written and oral)

Ability to manage payments (invoices, cash)

Time management

Problem solving and analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

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

Support Staff Course for Dispensing Assistants from Buttercups or equivalent qualification

Job description

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.

This is a permanent position for 25 - 37.5 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.

Please note well be reviewing applications as they come in and may appoint before the closing date, so we encourage early applications.

Main duties of the job

The Dispensing Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient dispensing of medications to patients. The core responsibilities of this role include:

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.

This role requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality patient care.

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.

Job responsibilities

The following are the core responsibilities of the Dispensing Assistant. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:

1. Prescription Processing:

• Process prescriptions as authorised by GPs and prescribing nurses, ensuring accuracy and compliance with good practice guidelines.
• Check all dispensed medicines against prescriptions, addressing any uncertainties with the authorising doctor.

2. Handling Prescription Charges and Documentation:

• Collect prescription charges and ensure the FP10 form is completed and signed by the patient.
• Securely manage any monies received on behalf of the practice.
• Ensure prescription forms are appropriately endorsed, collated, and forwarded to the NHS Prescription Services (PPA) along with necessary paperwork, such as FP34D forms and invoices.

3. Stock and Inventory Management:

• Maintain efficient stock control, ensuring consistent availability of medicines while minimising wastage from expired stock.
• Store medications properly, ensuring compliance with storage instructions, including maintaining the cold chain for refrigerated items.

4. Controlled Drugs and Dispensing Safety:

• Dispense controlled drugs in line with practice policies, ensuring legal compliance.
• Safely dispose of expired or returned medicines, following regulations.

5. Hygiene and Equipment Maintenance:

• Ensure all work surfaces, shelves, and dispensary equipment are regularly cleaned and kept in good working order.
• Act promptly on any drug alert bulletins received from regulatory bodies.

6. Patient Interaction and Communication:

• Ensure patients receive their prescribed medications accurately and in a timely manner.
• Process prescription requests received via email, face‑to‑face, and online platforms.
• Communicate effectively with other team members, patients, and carers, recognising the need for alternative communication methods when necessary

7. Administrative Support

Forward all invoices and relevant dispensary‑related correspondence to the Practice Manager in a timely manner.

• Assist the Dispensary Manager with monthly returns and other administrative tasks as needed.
• Maintain full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions, using computers where appropriate.

8. Compliance and Confidentiality:

• Uphold patient confidentiality at all times, ensuring sensitive information is only shared with authorised personnel, in line with practice policies and GDPR.
• Handle confidential information about patients, carers, and the practices business with the utmost discretion.

9. Health & Safety:

• Ensure a safe working environment by adhering to infection control procedures and reporting potential hazards.
• Use personal security systems in the workplace as per practice guidelines and contribute to maintaining the health and safety of yourself and colleagues.

10. Personal and Professional Development:

• Participate in any training provided by the practice and take responsibility for maintaining your own professional development.
• Engage in annual performance reviews and demonstrate skills and knowledge to colleagues where appropriate.

11. Time Management and Workload Efficiency:

• Manage time, workload, and resources effectively to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Collaborate with team members and external agencies to meet patient needs and maintain a high standard of care.

Person Specification

• 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 while working in the practice within the first 18 months of employment)
• 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 (planning and organising)
• 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, etc.

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.