Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant Technical Officer

NHS; Knowsley; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking individuals for a part-time pharmacy position at Whiston Hospital. The role involves dispensing medication and participating in a 7-day service. Applicants must have a recognized dispensing qualification and NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential. This is a fixed-term role for 24 months with a salary of £24,937 to £26,598 annually (pro-rata).

Qualifications

• Completed a recognised dispensing qualification.
• Minimum NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services.
• Experience working in a pharmacy environment.

Responsibilities

• Participate in providing efficient pharmaceutical service.
• Label and dispense prescriptions for inpatients and outpatients.
• Provide a 7-day a week service.

Skills

Good verbal and written communication skills

Ability to engage patients

Accuracy and attention to detail

Good administration and record-keeping skills

Team player

Education

Recognised dispensing qualification

NVQ Level 2 Pharmacy Services qualification

Tools

CMM/EMIS Pharmacy Computer System(s)

Job description

Job summary

We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic, proactive, communicate well, and can work accurately to a high standard. You will be based in the main dispensary at Whiston Hospital with rotation to the outpatient‑centred pharmacy department at St Helens Hospital, assisting in the provision of a safe and effective dispensing service.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will participate with other pharmacy staff to provide an efficient and comprehensive pharmaceutical service under the direction of the Chief Pharmacist. Duties include labelling, dispensing, stock rotation, storage, dealing with dispensary queries and patient counselling.

Responsibilities

• Routine labelling and dispensing of prescriptions for both inpatients and outpatients, including controlled drugs.
• Preparation of extemporaneous medicines.
• Management of returned medicines within the Trust.
• Support ward‑based pharmacy technicians in a ward‑based dispensing service.
• Provide a 7‑day a‑week service, including weekend and evening rotas.

Qualifications

• Has completed a recognised dispensing qualification.
• NVQ Level 2 Pharmacy Services qualification.

Experience

• Experience working in a pharmacy environment with demonstrable understanding of procedures up to NVQ Level 3.
• Experience of working with computer systems.

Desirable

• Experience using CMM/EMIS Pharmacy Computer System(s).

Skills (Essential)

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to engage patients, staff and other senior health professionals.
• Accuracy, efficiency and strong attention to detail.
• Good administration and record‑keeping skills.
• Capacity to concentrate for long periods and work under pressure.
• Hardworking, determined and team‑player, able to motivate team performance.
• Reliable, well‑organised with strong time‑management skills.

Other (Essential)

• Ability to travel between hospital sites.
• Professional image/appearance.
• Supportive of colleagues of all grades.
• Availability for departmental rota, including late and weekend work.

About us

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 9000 staff across 21 sites, delivering Five Star Patient Care.

Our Services

Acute Care

Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites.

Primary Care

Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital.

Community Services

Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire. The inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital supports rehabilitation, freeing up space for more unwell patients. We also run an urgent care centre in St Helens town centre.

Specialist Regional Services

We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales.

Achievements

• Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018.
• Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal).
• National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme.

Job details

Date posted: 12 December 2025 | Pay scheme: Agenda for change | Band: 3 | Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year (pro‑rata) | Contract: Fixed term | Duration: 24 months | Working pattern: Part‑time | Reference number: 409‑7432997‑C

Job location

Whiston Hospital, Warrington Rd, Prescot, L35 5DR

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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

Employer details

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Whiston Hospital, Warrington Rd, Prescot, L35 5DR

Employer website

https://www.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/