Pharmacy Administration Officer

NHS National Services Scotland; Kirkwall; On-site; GBP 9,000 - 11,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Distant Islands Allowance

NHS Pension Scheme

Job summary

NHS Orkney is seeking a part-time administrative and secretarial assistant to support the Pharmacy and Medicines Team at The Balfour. You will handle enquiries, maintain systems, and contribute to smooth day-to-day operations.

Applicants should have SVQ Level 3 or equivalent, and be proficient in Microsoft 365 apps including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Strong communication and typing skills are essential.

Qualifications

• The candidate should have SVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience.
• Excellent communication, typing and keyboard skills are essential.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential, efficient admin and secretarial support to the Pharmacy and Medicines Team.
• Update and maintain pharmacy systems, databases and resources with accuracy.
• Support day-to-day operations and effective communication across the department.

Skills

Communication

Typing

Keyboarding

Education

SVQ Level 3

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

About the Organisation:

NHS Orkney is committed to delivering excellent care to our 22,000 residents. Whether you’re new to the NHS or bringing experience from elsewhere, your skills will make a real difference.

Our modern healthcare facility, The Balfour, brings together inpatient care, emergency services, outpatient clinics, diagnostics, GP practices and the Scottish Ambulance Service. We’re also investing in services across our outer isles, ensuring high‑quality care reaches every corner of Orkney.

We are guided by our core values that shape everything we do – Open and honest, Respect and Kindness – from how we care for our patients to how we support each other as colleagues.

About Orkney:

With over 70 islands – 20 of them inhabited – Orkney offers a unique blend of natural beauty, close‑knit community and an opportunity for adventure. From dramatic coastlines and rare wildlife to rich cultural traditions and active lifestyles, it’s a place where compassion thrives and every day brings something new. Regularly named one of the UK’s best places to live, Orkney offers a lifestyle that’s both fulfilling and inspiring.

The Position:

The post holder will provide a confidential, efficient and effective administrative and secretarial service to support the Pharmacy and Medicines Team. Acting as a key point of contact, they will respond to enquiries and provide basic information and guidance on a range of pharmacy systems, processes and procedures, ensuring a professional and responsive service is maintained at all times.

The role is responsible for updating and maintaining a variety of pharmacy and medicines management systems, databases and resources, ensuring information is accurate, up to date and readily accessible. Working closely with members of the Pharmacy and Medicines Team, the post holder will contribute to the smooth day‑to‑day operation of the service, supporting effective communication, organisation and administrative processes across the department.

The Candidate:

You will have knowledge of administrative and secretarial practices to SVQ Level 3 standard, or equivalent experience, with a good understanding of office procedures and systems. Experience in an administrative role is desirable, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, and confidence using a range of office equipment.

The successful candidate will possess excellent communication, typing and keyboard skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise workloads effectively while managing competing demands and meeting deadlines. You will have strong interpersonal skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to work accurately and efficiently as part of a team. A flexible and adaptable approach, together with sound problem‑solving skills, will enable you to provide high‑quality support within a busy and changing environment.

Location, Working Pattern and Contract Duration:

This post will be based at The Balfour

The successful candidate will work: Part Time 18 hours per week

This post is Permanent

It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with NHS Orkney.

Benefits and Salary:

Did you know NHS Scotland salaries are higher than those in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

The salary for this post is Band 3 and if residing on Orkney, you’ll also receive a Distant Islands Allowance of £1,719 pro rata per annum, adding extra value to your rewarding career with us.

NHS Orkney also offers an attractive pension scheme, wide range of work life balance policies, employee assistance programme and various discounts to both local and national retailers.

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during your application. If there are additional requirements you would like to request, please contact [e-mail]

This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland check.

NHS Orkney is an equal opportunities employer committed to advancing equality and particularly welcomes applications from groups of people currently underrepresented within the workforce. We are a committed participant in the Disability Confident Leader Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for our vacancies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated tools, or other third‑party assistance to generate, draft, or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies.

Failure to comply with this requirement may result in your application being withdrawn from the application process.

Please note this advert may close early if sufficient applications are received.