Pharmacy Support Worker - Pharmacy Services

NHS Scotland; Greenock; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS Pension Scheme

Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme

Study bursaries

E-learning and courses

27 days annual leave

Job summary

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Pharmacy Services is seeking a Band 3 Pharmacy Support Worker to join the Inverclyde Royal Hospital Pharmacy Department. The role supports ward-based and dispensary services, ensuring safe medicines supply with full training provided.

Permanent, part-time 16.25 hours per week (08:30-13:30 on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays) with base location at Inverclyde Royal Hospital and progression via our competence programme.

Qualifications

• Essential: 3 Standard Grade qualifications including English and Maths.
• Effective written and spoken English; good numeracy and literacy.

Responsibilities

• Label and dispense medicines for inpatients and outpatients following pharmacist clinical screening.
• Label and dispense controlled drug prescriptions and maintain accurate medicine balances.
• Process ward requisitions using the pharmacy stock control system.
• Carry out stock checks, stock rotation, and expiry date monitoring.
• Coordinate ward stock medicine top-up services.
• Support nursing staff with the safe storage and housekeeping of medicines.
• Monitor medicine stock levels and recommend adjustments based on usage.
• Participate in ward controlled drug audit processes.
• Identify slow-moving or excess stock and minimise medicines waste.
• Work effectively in a patient-facing, ward-based environment.

Skills

Communication

Numeracy

Literacy

Organisational skills

Training staff

Stock management

Healthcare teamwork

Policy knowledge

Education

3 Standard Grade qualifications (EN & MATHS)

Tools

Stock management systems

Job description

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.

The Role

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Pharmacy Services is recruiting a Band 3 Pharmacy Support Worker based within the Inverclyde Royal Hospital (IRH) Pharmacy Department. The post holder will play a key role in ensuring the safe and effective supply of medicines to patients, supporting both ward-based and dispensary pharmacy services. Full training will be provided, including completion of a recognised pharmacy qualification and competency programme.

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

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern

• Permanent, Part-time 16.25 hours per week
• Shift pattern - 08:30 - 13:30/0 Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays
• Base location - Inverclyde Royal Hospital

Key Responsibilities

• Label and dispense medicines for inpatients and outpatients following pharmacist clinical screening.
• Label and dispense controlled drug prescriptions and maintain accurate medicine balances.
• Process ward requisitions using the pharmacy stock control system.
• Carry out stock checks, stock rotation, and expiry date monitoring.
• Coordinate ward stock medicine top-up services.
• Support nursing staff with the safe storage and housekeeping of medicines.
• Monitor medicine stock levels and recommend adjustments based on usage.
• Participate in ward controlled drug audit processes.
• Identify slow-moving or excess stock and take action to minimise medicines waste.
• Work effectively in a patient-facing, ward-based environment.

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

Essential

• General education with 3 Standard Grade qualifications (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
• Good numeracy and literacy skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively through clear written and spoken English.
• Ability to follow procedures, learn new skills, and undertake training.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise, and use initiative.

Desirable

• Experience training and supervising staff.
• Experience using stock management systems.
• Experience working within healthcare or a similar team-based environment.
• Knowledge of policies, standard operating procedures, and legislation relating to the dispensing and supply of medicines.

Training Provided

• SVQ in Pharmacy Services Group Award (SCQF Level 6).
• Comprehensive workplace training programme lasting approximately 18 months.
• Ongoing support to develop knowledge of pharmacy procedures, legislation, and medicines management.

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

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.

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.