PCN Pharmacy Technician

NHS; Billingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Billingham is seeking a Primary Care Pharmacy Technician to support the optimisation of medicines across several GP practices. This role involves working with clinical staff in a patient-focused setting and requires registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council. The position offers a fixed term contract of 12 months and flexible working patterns.

Qualifications

• Good clinical knowledge and understanding of Primary Care structure and General Practice.
• Professional conduct at all times, with the ability to travel freely between sites.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and flexible working approach.

Responsibilities

• Support high-quality, evidence-based use of medicines.
• Conduct clinical reviews of medication under protocol direction.
• Provide medication-related support to GPs and other clinical staff.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Computer literacy

Organisational skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences / NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council

Evidence of continuing professional development

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary
Billingham and Norton PCN is seeking a Primary Care Pharmacy Technician to support medicines optimisation across seven GP practices. The role is a fixed 12‑month contract to cover maternity leave and will work closely with pharmacists, GPs, nurses and other clinical staff in a patient‑facing setting.

Key attributes include: registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council, primary care experience, strong communication skills, computer literacy and the ability to prioritise work within a multidisciplinary environment.

Key Duties

• Support, promote, and implement high‑quality, evidence‑based, cost‑effective, and safe use of medicines.
• Improve prescribing practices across the PCN.
• Undertake patient‑facing and support roles to ensure effective medicines use.
• Provide medication‑related support to GPs, clinical pharmacists, other staff and reception teams, including medication reviews.
• Continuously develop clinical knowledge and apply skills to work‑plan projects that improve patient care.
• Receive clinical supervision and mentorship from clinical pharmacists and the Senior Clinical Pharmacist.

Clinical Duties

• Perform technical medication reviews and assist pharmacists with clinical reviews where applicable.
• Conduct clinical reviews of medication in specific areas under protocol direction.
• Assist practices with primary and secondary care interface issues.
• Advise patients on medication compliance and counsel them on use.
• Support pharmacists with medicines reconciliation and update patient records.
• Provide specialist expertise on public health and social care needs, including lifestyle advice.
• Take a central role in shared‑care protocols and liaise with specialist pharmacists.
• Support monitoring and management of high‑risk medicines.
• Respond to medication‑related enquiries from GPs, staff and patients professionally.
• Undertake simple audits of prescribing, report results and implement changes with the practice team.
• Advise GPs and staff on safer prescribing options when necessary.

Technical and Administrative Duties

• Implement repeat prescribing policies to ensure safe processes and reduce wastage.
• Plan, develop and support new working processes to optimise prescribing quality.
• Support the PCN and practices in delivering QOF and locally commissioned services.
• Ensure compliance with CQC standards where medicines are involved.
• Carry out housekeeping, dose optimisation and medication alignment.
• Provide alternative medication options when stock is unavailable.
• Deliver information and training to practice staff.

Safeguarding

• All staff must ensure safeguarding of patients and maintain duties that support child welfare.

Confidentiality

• Respect patient confidentiality and handle all information in accordance with GDPR and organisational policies.

Health & Safety

• Adhere to infection control, health and safety procedures, conduct risk assessments and report hazards promptly.
• Maintain clean and safe work areas and undertake periodic infection control training.

Equality and Diversity

• Support and respect the rights, diversity and dignity of all patients, carers and colleagues.

Personal and Professional Development

• Participate in annual performance reviews and maintain a record of professional development.
• Engage in statutory, mandatory and role‑specific training.

Quality

• Identify and report quality and risk issues, assess own performance, and propose improvements for team effectiveness.
• Develop effective working relationships and manage time, workload and resources efficiently.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with team members, stakeholders, patients and carers, and adapt communication methods as needed.

Contribution to Service Implementation

• Apply PCN policies, standards and guidance, and participate in audit activities.

Contract Details

• Salary: £15.50 – £17.00 per hour
• Contract type: Fixed term (12 months)
• Working pattern: Full‑time, part‑time, flexible, compressed hours
• Location: Abbey Health Centre, Finchale Avenue, Billingham, County Durham, TS23 2DG

Qualifications

• BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences / NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable Qualifications

• Enrolled on or qualified from the Primary Care Pharmacy Educational Pathway (PCPEP)

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Good clinical knowledge and understanding of Primary Care structure and General Practice
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Organisational skills and ability to work independently and in a team
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and web‑based searches
• Professional conduct at all times, with the ability to travel freely between sites
• Enthusiastic, self‑motivated and flexible working approach
• Ability to work under pressure

Desirable Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of GP clinical computer systems
• Valid driving licence and access to a car

Essential Experience

• Experience of patient consultation
• Experience of working with GPs

Desirable Experience

• Post‑qualification experience in community pharmacy, secondary care or primary care

Additional Information

• Disclosure and Barring Service Check required (Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975)
• UK professional registration is mandatory
• Employer: Billingham and Norton Primary Care Network, Abbey Health Centre, Finchale Avenue, Billingham, County Durham, TS23 2DG
• Website: bnpcn.co.uk