Rotational Assistant Technical Officer - Pharmacy

NHS; Harlow; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health trust is seeking a Rotational Assistant Technical Officer in Pharmacy to support Pharmacy Technicians across various units. The role involves managing pharmaceutical supplies, assisting with medication issues, and undergoing training to achieve NVQ Level 2. Ideal candidates will have a good standard of education with 3 GCSEs including Maths and English. This position emphasizes the importance of detail and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Benefits

Development opportunities

Flexible working

Focus on wellbeing

Qualifications

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Meticulous attention to detail in all tasks.
• Good reasoning skills essential for pharmacy duties.

Responsibilities

• Support Pharmacy Technicians in pharmacy dispensary and office.
• Participate in ward-based pharmacy services.
• Undertake drug checks and maintain stock controls.

Skills

Attention to detail

Good communication skills

Team player

Computer literacy

Education

3 GCSEs or equivalent including Maths and English

Ability to complete NVQ Level 2 in pharmacy services

Job description

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Rotational Assistant Technical Officer - Pharmacy

The closing date is 30 January 2026

To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians to provide an effective pharmacy service in the Pharmacy Dispensary, Pharmacy Store, Pharmacy Aseptic Unit, Pharmacy Office and at Ward level.

Main duties of the job

This role supports and is part of the Pharmacy Team serving The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust including St. Margarets Hospital in Epping, Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishops Stortford, Saffron Walden Hospital and associated clinics. The post holder will be required to rotate through the Dispensary, Pharmacy Stores, Aseptic Unit, at ward level and Pharmacy Office as required.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities

To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians in the Pharmacy Dispensary to:

• Identify, select and issue drugs.
• Identify and receive drugs against an official order, using the Pharmacy Computer system to update stock levels.
• Carry out reception duties, involving dealing with patients, relatives and all grades of healthcare workers.
• Deal with telephone enquiries and handle prescription charges.
• Undertake drug checks and orders at ward level
• Operate the automated pharmacy storage and dispensing system

To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians in the Pharmacy Store to:

• Identify, select and issue drugs.
• Identify and receive drugs against an official order, using the Pharmacy Computer System to update stock levels.
• Deal with telephone enquiries, ward/department and community issues.
• Load and operate the automated pharmacy storage and dispensing system.
• Participate in ward top-up system.
• Appropriately dispose of pharmaceutical items.
• Ensure appropriate storage of pharmaceutical items.

To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians in the Pharmacy Technical Services to:

• Undergo regular validation tests.
• Participate in compounding of aseptic preparations, using appropriate equipment.
• Identify, select and issue drugs (may include clinical trial material)
• Liaise with other healthcare workers.
• Identify drugs to be booked out using Pharmacy Computer System, to maintain stock control.

To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians in the Pharmacy Office to:

• Place orders for pharmaceutical products (may include clinical trial material) using the Pharmacy Computer System and electronic data interchange (EDI).
• Match and release invoices following the procedures accurately.
• Maintain records including computer and manual records, orders, invoices and delivery notes.
• Deal with telephone enquiries and provide clerical support, including photocopying, faxing, typing etc. using appropriate systems.
• Liaising with pharmaceutical companies to rectify any discrepancies/breakages in drugs supplied against orders, and chasing late deliveries.

To work with and support Pharmacy Technicians at ward level to:

• Participate in ward-based pharmacy, involving dealing with patients, relatives and all grades of healthcare workers.
• Maintain daily log using appropriate computer data base.
• Review patient’s lockers for ‘top-up’ supplies.
• Act as a runner to the different pharmacy departments

To work in all areas of Pharmacy and the wider hospital to:

• Support the movement of work around the organisation including medicines and pharmacy orders
• Assist with waste management

To carry out the following in all areas of Pharmacy:

• Maintain stock control and stock rotation.
• Follow all standard operating procedures (SOP’s) accurately.
• Maintain a clean and tidy working environment.
• Maintain accurate manual and computer records.

To follow all Health and Safety standards in compliance with Trust policies and procedures. This includes:

• Report all accidents, incidents and near misses
• Dealing with hazardous chemicals (including cytotoxic drugs) used in the department
• Attendance of all mandatory training

To undergo training to achieve competency to work throughout Pharmacy at NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Services to start within 3 months

The post holder will participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and training relevant to the post.

All of the above are carried out on a rotational basis.

This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.

For further details / informal visits contact:Hannah LeMar

Additional contact information: Available for informal calls or visits Monday-Wednesday 09.00-13.00

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Good Standard of Basic Education
• 3 GCSEs or equivalent including Maths and English
• The ability to successfully complete an NVQ Level 2 in pharmacy services

Experience

• Meticulous to DetailE
• Good Thinking & Reasoning Skills
• Good Communication Skills, both written and oral.
• Good team player, with ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Computer Literate

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust