Senior Assistant Pharmacy Officer - Aseptics

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust; Halifax; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Job summary

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust in Halifax is seeking a Pharmacy Aseptic Technician (Band 3) for a permanent, full-time position. The role focuses on aseptic dispensing, GMP compliance, and maintaining stock and records in a hospital pharmacy.

The post requires NVQ2 in Pharmacy Service Skills and a BTEC Level 2 in Pharmaceutical Science. DBS check will be required, with flexible working arrangements discussed at interview.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills or equivalent.
• BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science (QCF) or equivalent Pharmacy Assistant course approved by the GPhC.

Responsibilities

• Aseptic dispensing and manipulation of sterile and non-sterile products.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice.
• Receive and process prescriptions and orders.
• Maintain quality assurance monitoring according to SOPs and complete paperwork.
• Assist with cleaning and maintenance of the unit using appropriate disinfectants.
• Participate in weekend and extended hours pharmacy service provision.
• Stock checks, expiry date monitoring, and stock control.

Skills

Aseptic dispensing

Good Manufacturing Practice

Stock control

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills

BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science (QCF)

Job description

NHS AfC: Band 3

Main area Pharmacy Aseptics Grade NHS AfC: Band 3 Contract Permanent: 37.5 hours Hours

• Full time
• Flexible working

37.5 hours per week (up to 35 hours per week) Job ref 372-FSS3145-A

Employer Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Calderdale Royal Hospital Town Halifax Salary £25,760 - £27,476 per annum, pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 08/10/2026 23:59 Interview date 11/11/2026

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT) are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics.

We are committed to recruiting to our values. Leading One Culture of Care underpins our values by creating an environment, tone and behaviours across all parts of the Trust that are fundamentally rooted in compassionate care.

We are open to considering a wide range of flexible working arrangements. There are opportunities to flex the days of the week, hours and times of work and place of work including: part-time, job-share, flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home when appropriate. Please talk to us during the interview process to discuss any flexibility that you may require.

We received our Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which is helping actively promote SaBRE - Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers. This means that we provided its statement of intent to support all Defence personnel and we welcome application to work for us.

Our Future Plans

The Department of Health and Social Care has awarded capital funding to invest in local health services at both Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. This is a significant investment and an opportunity to enhance services for our populations in Calderdale and Huddersfield and West Yorkshire for generations to come. To find out more, please visit https://future.cht.nhs.uk/

Job overview

The post holder undertakes assistant duties in the Aseptic Unit.

The post holder will have the NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills and BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science (QCF). This post will also provide experience for a person who already holds the minimum requirements, but has had limited, or no previous experience in a hospital pharmacy department

This post will require a Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS) check

Main duties of the job

• Aseptic dispensing and manipulation of sterile and non-sterile products
• To gain a knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice
• To receive and process prescriptions and order
• To carry out essential regular quality assurance monitoring according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and accurately complete any required paperwork. This includes physical environment and microbiological monitoring
• To assist with the specialised cleaning for the unit using specialised disinfectants
• To assist with the aseptic dispensing process according to SOP’s once a required level of competence and validation has been achieved
• Dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous waste appropriately according to SOP’s and Trust procedures
• Participates in weekend, public holiday, and extended hours provision of pharmacy services
• Complies with Trust policies relating to security and patient confidentiality and to ensure that procedures are undertaken within safe systems of work and legislation
• To carry out general duties, including preparation of bottles and packaging, cleaning equipment, receipt of orders, expiry date checking, stock checks and stock control of medicines
• To monitor and record fridge temperatures and similar tasks
• To assist with the maintenance of records, relating to work and workload stats
• To assist in Audits
• To clean where pharmaceuticals are stored, keeping them in a tidy and organised condition

Working for our organisation

We employ more than 6,500 staff who deliver compassionate care from our two main hospitals, Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary as well as in community sites, health centres and in patients’ homes. We also are incredibly proud to have almost 150 volunteers here at CHFT.

We provide a range of services including urgent and emergency care; medical; surgical; maternity; gynaecology; critical care; children’s and young people’s services; end of life care and outpatient and diagnostic imaging services.

We provide community health services, including sexual health services in Calderdale from Calderdale Royal and local health centres. These include Todmorden Health Centre and Broad Street Plaza.

We continue to modernise and invest in our health services to build on our strong reputation. Foundation trusts are public leaders in improving quality in health services. They are part of the NHS – yet decisions about what they do and how they do it are driven by independent boards. Boards listen to their Council of Governors and respond to the needs of their members – patients, staff and the local community.

Foundation trusts provide what the health service wants, yet are also free to invest quickly in the changes to the local community needs, in striving to be the best, and in putting their patients first.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Aseptic dispensing and manipulation of sterile and non-sterile products
• To gain a knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice
• To receive and process prescriptions and orders
• To be responsible for the receipt, checking and storage of pharmaceutical and relatedeliveries placing all stock away in appropriate locations taking account of expiry dates and the need for stock rotation. This involves some lifting
• To maintain stock and equipment to the standard required in the unit. This includes pharmaceuticals, a variety of consumable items and laundry
• To carry out essential regular quality assurance monitoring according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and accurately complete any required paperwork. This includes physical environment and microbiological monitoring
• To assist with the specialised cleaning for the unit using specialised disinfectants
• To assist with the aseptic dispensing process according to SOP’s once a required level of competence and validation has been achieved
• Dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous waste appropriately according to SOP’s and Trust procedures
• Participates in weekend, public holiday, and extended hours provision of pharmacy services
• Complies with Trust policies relating to security and patient confidentiality and to ensure that procedures are undertaken within safe systems of work and legislation
• To carry out general duties, including preparation of bottles and packaging, cleaning equipment, receipt of orders, expiry date checking, stock checks and stock control of medicines
• To monitor and record fridge temperatures and similar tasks
• To assist with the maintenance of records, relating to work and workload stats
• To assist in Audits
• To clean shelving where pharmaceuticals are stored, keeping them in a tidy and organised conditio

Managing Self

• Participate in regular supervision
• Attend all mandatory training
• Participate annually identifying, developing and agreeing your own development plan with your Line Manager using the Trust Appraisal
• Comply with all Trust policies, procedures and protocols
• Carry out duties with due regard to the Trust’s Equal Opportunity Policy
• Seek advice and support from Line Manager whenever necessary
• Maintain Trust conduct including appearance at all times

Person specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Prior work experience in a hospital or retail pharmacy environment
• Calm and professional manner under pressure
• To have the desire to work in a service that contributes to patient care
• Oral and written communication skills
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Organised, tidy and methodical
• Able to pay meticulous attention to detail
• Able to understand and follow written procedures
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Have an awareness of all Trust policies and procedures

Qualifications and Training

• NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills and BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science (QCF) or equivalent Pharmacy Assistant course approved by the GPhC
• GCSE English, Mathematics and Science Grade C or above (or equivalent)

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)

• Must be eligible to work in the UK.
• Able to fulfill the health requirements of the post as identified in the Job Description, taking into account any reasonable adjustments recommended by Occupational Health
• Ability to work in various locations throughout the network of services provided by Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust

Our vision is to provide One Culture of Care for one another in order that we can provide compassionate care for the people who use our services. We are passionate about creating a workplace where we work together to get results, encouraging colleagues to have their say, in order to co create the change we want to see. We take pride in the diversity of our workforce that’s why we encourage applications from all. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants.

We understand that more applicants are using AI technology to help with their applications. While these tools can be useful, they cannot fully capture your skills, knowledge, and experience. It’s important that you personalise your application. Relying solely on AI is not recommended, as it may reduce your chances of success. Our screening process is thorough, so if you have used AI, please make sure to disclose this on your application form.

Please ensure your application is submitted with referees who can verify your employment/education history over the last three years and include valid email addresses for them. We will request electronic Factual Employment References from your previous employers. These references will be requested before you are issued with an unconditional offer of employment letter.

Candidates who require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the United Kingdom can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for this position by assessing their circumstances against the criteria specified on the Check if you need a UK visa - GOV.UK website. We encourage all applicants to review these criteria carefully to understand their eligibility for sponsorship.

If you are appointed to a post, information will also be transferred into the NHS Electronic Staff Records system. The Inter-Authority Transfer (IAT) process is a critical and beneficial component of ESR and following interview your previous NHS employment data, if applicable will be transferred from your current /most recent employer.

You may be required to undertake a DBS. The Trust will administer the DBS check on your behalf and will recover the cost (Enhanced £54.40, Standard £26.40 or Basic £26.40) from your salary when you commence in post (including Internal staff). You will also be required to participate in the DBS Update Service and pay the £16 cost per year. This is a condition of your employment.

CHFT is part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), a collaborative of the NHS hospital trusts from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate working together to provide the best possible care for our patients.

If you have any questions please contact [e-mail] for assistance.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Name Katie Barritt Job title Pharmacy Aseptic Technician Team Manager Email address [e-mail] Telephone number 01422224147

At Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, we are excited to offer a range of volunteering roles, providing rewarding personal and professional opportunities for people from all backgrounds across a wide age range from our local communities, ensuring our volunteers are representative of our service users.