Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO)

NHS; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The NHS is seeking a motivated individual for the vital role of Senior Assistant Technical Officer at Royal Lancaster Infirmary, focusing on patient care through the preparation and dispensing of medications. This part-time position involves key responsibilities in supporting the pharmacy team and offering career progression in a rewarding healthcare environment.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Generous Annual Leave

Pension Scheme

Learning and Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Willingness to work towards NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services if not already obtained.
• Experience in a pharmacy or healthcare setting is desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and dispensing of medications for patients.
• Support compliance with legal and professional standards.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff and trainees.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services

Btec Level 2 in Pharmacy Services

English and Maths GCSE grade C or above

Job description

Job summary

We are excited to announce an opportunity for a dedicated and motivated individual to join our Pharmacy team at Royal Lancaster Infirmary as a Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO). This is a key role within our pharmacy department, providing essential support in the preparation and dispensing of medicines, ensuring a high level of patient care and safety. You will work closely with our pharmacy team, helping to deliver high-quality services to patients and supporting the operational needs of the department.

Working Pattern will be part time - Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:30 with weekend and Bank Holiday work as part of a rotation.

Training Role Considered

Training role including completion of NVQ2 Pharmacy Services will be considered for applicants without this essential qualification. Training role is paid at 70% of a Band 3 in Year 1 and 75% in year 2 (uplifted to minimum living wage), then moving to a Band 3 upon completion of NVQ2 Pharmacy Services. Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and dispensing of medications for patients.
• Support the technical aspects of the pharmacy service, ensuring compliance with legal and professional standards.
• Provide assistance with stock control, including ordering and stock management.
• Offer advice to other healthcare professionals and patients regarding medications.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff and trainees.
• Assist in the provision of medicines to wards and departments across the hospital.

Personal Specifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent qualification (or be willing to work towards it).
• Previous experience in a pharmacy or healthcare setting is desirable.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high standards of patient care.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and independently.
• A positive, can-do attitude and willingness to take on new challenges.

Full training will be given to the successful applicants.

If you are passionate about delivering excellent patient care and want to make a difference within a supportive and rewarding environment, we would love to hear from you.

About us

We operate from three main hospitals - Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal, as well as a number of community health care premises including Millom Hospital and GP Practice, Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, and Ulverston Community Health Centre.

FGH and the RLI have a range of General Hospital services, with full Emergency Departments, Critical/Coronary Care units and various Consultant-led services.

WGH provides a range of General Hospital services, together with an Urgent Treatment Centre, that can help with a range of non-life threatening conditions such as broken bones and minor illnesses.

All three main hospitals provide a range of planned care including outpatients, diagnostics, therapies, day case and inpatient surgery. In addition, a range of local outreach services and diagnostics are provided from community facilities across Morecambe Bay.

Working for the NHS offers numerous benefits, including:

• Competitive Salary: NHS pay and benefits in line with the Agenda for Change Band 3 salary scale.
• Generous Annual Leave: 27 days of annual leave plus 8 public holidays, with the opportunity to increase this with length of service.
• Pension Scheme: A competitive NHS pension scheme for your financial security.
• Learning and Development: Excellent opportunities for training, career progression, and further education. We support and encourage continuous professional development.

Details Date posted

01 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,625 to £25,674 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

331-L17950625

Job locations

Royal Lancaster Infirmary

Ashton Road

Lancaster

LA1 4RP

Job description Job responsibilities

To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay visiting our website https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk/

Job description Job responsibilities

To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay visiting our website https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk/

Person Specification Education and qualifications Essential

• English and Maths GCSE grade C or above
• NVQ and Btec level 2 in Pharmacy Services

Desirable

• Completion of a recognised OTC sales course

Experience Essential

• Experience in hospital pharmacy or other Pharmacy Setting
• Experience in dispensing medications, drugs receipt, record keeping and cold chain maintenance

Desirable

• JAC trained
• Experience with clinical trials
• Experience with Aseptic preparation

Person Specification Education and qualifications Essential

• English and Maths GCSE grade C or above
• NVQ and Btec level 2 in Pharmacy Services

Desirable

• Completion of a recognised OTC sales course

Experience Essential

• Experience in hospital pharmacy or other Pharmacy Setting
• Experience in dispensing medications, drugs receipt, record keeping and cold chain maintenance

Desirable

• JAC trained
• Experience with clinical trials
• Experience with Aseptic preparation

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 details Employer name

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust

Address

Royal Lancaster Infirmary

Ashton Road

Lancaster

LA1 4RP

Employer's website

https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust

Address

Royal Lancaster Infirmary

Ashton Road

Lancaster

LA1 4RP

Employer's website

https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)