Dispensing Assistant

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

Job summary

A local medical practice near Penrith is seeking a dedicated Dispensing Assistant to join their team on a part-time basis. Duties include processing prescriptions accurately, managing stock levels, and adhering to safety standards. The role requires a Support Staff Course for Dispensing Assistants or a commitment to complete this within 18 months, along with excellent communication skills. This permanent role offers a salary of £12.57 per hour, with a working pattern between 25 and 37.5 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Qualification in dispensing assistance or commitment to gain within first 18 months.
• Experience working with the general public.
• Strong IT skills desirable.

Responsibilities

• Process prescriptions ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain stock control and manage inventory effectively.
• Ensure patient confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Effective time management

Ability to work autonomously

Problem-solving and analytical skills

Good interpersonal skills

Education

Support Staff Course for Dispensing Assistants

GCSE English and Maths at grade C 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.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 and address any uncertainties with the authorising doctor.
• Handling Prescription Charges & 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 NHS Prescription Services (PPA) along with necessary paperwork such as FP34D forms and invoices.
• 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.
  • Safely dispose of expired or returned medicines, following regulations.
• Controlled Drugs and Dispensing Safety
  • Dispense controlled drugs in line with practice policies, ensuring legal compliance.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 practice’s business with the utmost discretion.
• 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.
• 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.
  • 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.

Qualifications & Experience

• Support Staff Course for Dispensing Assistants from Buttercups or an equivalent qualification (or commitment to gaining this qualification within the first 18 months of employment).
• GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths at grade C (4) or above.
• Experience working with the general public/patients.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and a 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 and problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to follow policy and procedure and manage stock, including ordering, rotation, disposal, etc.
• Strong IT skills (desirable).
• Clinical system user skills (desirable).

Personal Qualities

• 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.

Employment Details

Salary: £12.57 per hour. Permanent contract. Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Contact Information

Shap Medical Practice
PEGGY NUT CROFT
Shap, Penrith, Cumbria
CA10 3LW
Website: https://www.shapmedicalpractice.co.uk/