Pharmacy Support Worker

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Southampton seeks a Pharmacy Support Worker to assist in their oncology pharmacy. Key responsibilities include manufacturing treatments using aseptic techniques and supporting healthcare professionals. Ideal candidates will have excellent communication skills and attention to detail, with training provided for development. This role offers opportunities for personal growth within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Health and physical abilities sufficient for the post with reasonable adjustments if necessary.
• Ability to lift and handle packages weighing up to 15kg and move pallets up to 600kg.
• Commit to completing 'in-house' training within 6 months of starting.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture treatments using aseptic technique following standard operating procedures.
• Cover reception duties including greeting healthcare professionals.
• Complete daily documentation as required for an aseptic unit.

Skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication skills

Team player

Education

GCSEs in English and Maths (A*-C or 4-9)

Job description

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

Join our team at the University Hospital Southampton as a Pharmacy Support Worker, where you'll play a vital role in assisting with the smooth operation of our oncology pharmacy. You will work as part of the oncology pharmacy team to assemble, manufacture and delivery oncology medication to our patients.

We're looking for individuals with a keen eye for detail, who can thrive in a busy environment and who has excellent communication skills.

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

What you’ll do

Duties

The post will involve working in our brand-new aseptic suite as part of a team of experienced technicians and support workers. Your main duties will include:

• Passing and continuing to maintain required spray/wipe and broth validations
• Accurately and safely manufacturing treatments using aseptic technique, (including novel and clinical trial medicines) following standard operating procedures
• Covering reception duties when required including greeting other healthcare professionals, taking phone calls, and receiving in and sending prescriptions whilst maintaining confidentiality
• Taking responsibility for the completion of daily documentation as required for an aseptic unit

What we’re looking for

We are looking for an individual with excellent communication skills who is a good team player. You will need to be accurate in your working with a strong attention to detail.

Previous aseptic experience would be an advantage, but an opportunity to develop will be provided to help your skills to evolve. We are keen to encourage you to develop as a person by offering you structured training and all the support and encouragement, you’d expect from a leading teaching Trust. You will also be offered the opportunity to complete a GPhC recognised qualification.

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• Health and physical abilities sufficient for the post (if necessary, with reasonable adjustments with respect to the Equality Act/Disability Discrimination Act)
• Required to lift and handle packages, weighing up to 15kg on a repetitive basis. (Reasonable adjustment may be made) Required to move pallets weighing between 500 and 600kg using an unpowered pallet truck daily (Receipts posts only)
• GCSE’s or equivalent grades A* - C or 4-9 in English and Maths (If qualifications gained outside the UK evidence of equivalent standards must be demonstrated at interview)
• Must be able to commit to completing ‘in-house’ training programme within 6 months of starting. Opportunities to progress are available but may require additional qualifications to meet eligibility criteria to undertake additional qualifications
• Must be able to work late evenings, bank holidays and weekend working according to rota requirements

Desirable criteria

• Other healthcare qualifications
• GCSEs in science-based or other role specific relevant subjects
• Previous pharmacy or laboratory experience (hospital, community or industry)
• Previous experience in health or social care (if not pharmacy)
• Experience in stock control i.e., receiving, maintaining and / or issuing stock