Higher Level Pharmacy Technician - Dispensary / Wards

NHS; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Foundation Trust in Huddersfield is seeking a Higher Level Pharmacy Technician for their pharmacy department. This role involves providing patient counseling, managing prescriptions, mentoring staff, and supporting medicine optimisation efforts within a dynamic healthcare environment. Ideal for qualified technicians passionate about improving patient care, this position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to be part of a collaborative team dedicated to high-quality pharmaceutical services.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in patient-focused technical duties in a hospital or community setting.
• Knowledge of dispensing standards and hospital pharmacy legislation.
• Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD).

Responsibilities

• Provide skilled pharmaceutical counselling to patients to enhance medication compliance.
• Mentor staff and manage the dispensing of prescriptions in the Pharmacy.
• Participate in weekend and out-of-hours pharmacy services.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Good communication skills

Education

BTEC/NVQ level 3 in Pharmacy services

Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council

Job description

Go back Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Higher Level Pharmacy Technician - Dispensary / Wards

The closing date is 22 June 2025

The post holder undertakes high-level technical duties in the following areas of pharmaceutical care

Clinical Medicine Management Technician to highest level of the Medicine Management Competency Level Framework

The post holder will be an integral part of the Medicine Optimisation team working alongside the Pharmacists, and a range of health care professionals. They will work seamlessly between primary and secondary care and link with a range of healthcare professionals to optimise concordance and compliance with prescribed medication. To practice as a mentor in all areas of competence.

This post requires a Disclosing & Barring Services (DBS) check

Main duties of the job

To provide skilled pharmaceutical counselling to patients in order to improve concordance and compliance with medicines and to reduce risks from medication related events.

To check patient's own medicines on admission for suitability for use within the Trust .

To obtain accurate patient medication histories, using the appropriate sources, including external Healthcare Professionals, the patient and/or carers, facilitating medicines reconciliation.

To provide professional pharmaceutical advice to relevant health care professionals and patients regarding safe, appropriate and cost-effective use of medicines and medicinal products.

To reduce the risk of missed medications and critical medication incidents by identifying and actioning supply of ongoing prescriptions

To support Trust initiatives for the rapid and efficient discharge of patients through effective discharge planning, liaising with key staff, checking transcription and managing supply

Mentoring a range of staff in line with the Medicine Optimisation Framework

About us

We employ around 6,000 staff who deliver compassionate care from our two main hospitals, Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary as well as in community sites, health centres and in patients' homes.

We are continuing to modernise and invest in our health services to build on our strong reputation. Foundation trusts are public leaders in improving quality in health services. They are part of the NHS - yet decisions about what they do and how they do it are driven by independent boards. Boards listen to their Membership Council and respond to the needs of their members - patients, staff and the local community. Foundation trusts provide what the health service wants, yet are also free to invest quickly in the changes to the local community needs, in striving to be the best, and in putting their patients first

Job responsibilities

Dispensary Duties:

To carry out the dispensing and issue of prescriptions in the Pharmacy of the base hospital

To carry out the checking of prescriptions and related items, as per the departmental Accredited Checking Technician program and also undergo annual re-assessment of competency of this role in line with the regional framework

To query prescriptions with prescribers, within the capabilities of a Band 5 technician, or when delegated to do so by a pharmacist

To contribute to the efficient use of the drug budget through effective medicines management whilst dispensing and checking prescriptions

To be responsible for checking Electronic Medicines Management work list

To mentor staff through the Controlled Drug training package and rotation

To process controlled drug orders and prescriptions

To participate in the ordering, stock checks and stock control of medicines in each area of the pharmacy, ensuring efficient use of pharmaceuticals and resources

To follow guidance on rotas and prioritise own workload accordingly, in conjunction with the Senior Technician of the section

To accurately input data, patient and prescription details onto the computer system and assist with the maintenance of records relating to work and workload statistics

To competently assess situations, some of which may be of a complex nature and need analysis, and make judgements concerning availability of non-formulary medicines informing the relevant senior member of staff if necessary

May be required to undertake activities in relation to clinical trials in line with standing operating procedures

Participates in weekend, public holiday, out of hours and extended hours provision of pharmacy services

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING

• BTEC/NVQ level 3 in Pharmacy services, including underpinning knowledge, or other equivalent qualification recognized by the General Pharmaceutical Council Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

• Demonstrable experience of undertaking high level patient focused technical duties in a hospital or community setting.
• Good knowledge of dispensing standards and legislation relating to hospital pharmacy
• Able to pay meticulous attention to detail
• Able to prioritise workload
• Calm and professional manner under pressure
• Good problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated
• Demonstrable commitment to CPD
• Basic audit skills

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)

• Able to work on own or as part of a team
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good training and supervisory 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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

£31,049 to £37,796 a yearper annum, pro rata