Pharmacy Support Worker - Pharmacy Services

NHS National Services Scotland; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS Pension Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Study bursaries and learning opportuni

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is seeking a Pharmacy Distribution Centre assistant to support the procurement, storage and distribution of medicines across NHSGGC and regional sites. You will work in a fast-paced, automated environment and help ensure GDP compliance.

Permanent 36 hours, Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00, with one day late start or early finish. You will gain experience handling medicines, stock control and collaborating with a dedicated team within the NHSGGC Pharmacy Distribution

Qualifications

• General level of education with a minimum of 3 Standard Grades (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
• Basic IT skills.
• Willingness to work towards SVQ qualifications.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development.
• Experience of training staff.
• Experience of supervising staff.
• Experience of working within a healthcare or similar environment.
• Experience of stock management processes.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety standards.
• Ability to work under supervision and follow established procedures.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a busy environment.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organise and prioritise daily tasks.
• Motivation to learn new skills through induction and training.

Responsibilities

• Supply medicines to wards, theatres, departments, community services, GP practices, prisons and other facilities, including via automated systems.
• Utilise computer systems and specialised equipment to support service delivery and respond to medicine requests.
• Receive and process stock and maintain accurate records.
• Contribute to stock control activities and ensure GDP, FMD and legislative compliance.
• Maintain the integrity, safety and quality of medicinal products throughout the supply chain.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Education

3 Standard Grades including English and Maths

Basic IT skills

Job description

The role:

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our friendly Warehouse Team at the NHSGGC Pharmacy Distribution Centre (PDC). Working within a fast-paced, dynamic and highly automated environment, you will play a key role in supporting the procurement, storage and distribution of medicines and vaccines across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, including services within Argyll & Bute and NHS Highland. As one of the largest automated hospital pharmacy projects in the UK, the PDC uses cutting-edge robotic technology to deliver safe, efficient and high-quality pharmacy services.

This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa or a Health and Care Worker visa. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is unable to provide candidates or employees with a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).

ONLY IN-PERSON INTERVIEWS WILL BE OFFERED DUE TO A BASIC NUMERACY AND ACCURACY TEST THAT WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT THE INTERVIEW

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

Permanent - 36 Hours

Pharmacy Distribution Centre

Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00, 1 day late start or early finish

Key responsibilities:

You will work collaboratively as part of a team under supervision, following departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and NHSGGC policies. The role involves supplying medicines to wards, theatres, departments, community services, GP practices, prisons, police custody suites, Highland and Island locations and patients' homes, including through the use of automated cabinet systems. You will utilise a range of computer systems and specialised equipment to support service delivery, respond promptly to medicine requests, receive and process stock, maintain accurate records and contribute to stock control activities. You will ensure compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP), the Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) and all relevant legislative requirements, while helping to maintain the integrity, safety and quality of medicinal products throughout the supply chain.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

• General level of education with a minimum of 3 Standard Grades (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
• Basic IT skills.
• Commitment to working towards relevant SVQ qualifications.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development.
• Experience of training staff.
• Experience of supervising staff.
• Experience of working within a healthcare or similar environment.
• Experience of stock management processes.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety standards.
• Ability to work effectively under supervision and follow established procedures.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a busy and demanding environment.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organise and prioritise daily tasks using your own initiative.
• Motivation to learn new skills through a comprehensive induction and training programme.

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact:
Michelle Stevenson, Chief Technician, 0141 347 8038, [e-mail]

Stephen Glackin, Pharmacy Technician Specialist, 0141 347 8998, [e-mail]

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates

This vacancy may close early due to a high volume of applications. We recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.

• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It's fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don't let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as "various", we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

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