Senior Dispenser

Len Valley Practice; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A rural GP practice in England is seeking a motivated Senior Dispenser to ensure efficient and effective dispensary operations. The role involves overseeing dispensing practices, managing stock levels, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate should have leadership experience and relevant qualifications in dispensing. This role offers a supportive environment and the opportunity to work within a dedicated healthcare team. Join us to contribute to high-quality patient-centered care and improve our dispensary services.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths are required.
• NVQ Level Two in Dispensing is necessary.
• Experience in primary care is preferred.
• Proficient in using EMIS is a must.
• Strong leadership and communication skills are vital.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily dispensary operations with the Lead Dispenser.
• Dispense medicines safely and efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Manage stock levels and cost-effective supplies.
• Provide clear medication advice to patients.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Dispensing medications

Stock management

Education

GCSEs (AC) in English and Maths

NVQ Level Two in Dispensing

NVQ Level Three in Dispensing

Tools

EMIS

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated SeniorDispenser to join our friendly rural dispensing practice. You will beresponsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the dispensary, ensuring safe,efficient, and accurate dispensing of medication to our patients. Working withthe lead dispenser to ensure effective financial control of the dispensary ismaintained.

Main duties of the job

The Senior Dispenser plays a key role in ensuring the safe, efficient and effective running of the dispensary. Working with the Lead Dispenser, they support day to day operations, oversee staffing levels and rota planning, and encourage the professional development of the dispensary team. The role involves dispensing medicines accurately in line with SOPs, including controlled drugs and NOMAD prescriptions, processing claims to the Prescription Pricing Authority, and providing clear advice to patients on their medication.

They are responsible for stock management and financial control, liaising with suppliers to maintain cost effective drug supplies, monitoring stock levels and cold chain compliance, minimising waste and overseeing safe disposal of medicines. The post holder ensures compliance with all legal, clinical and regulatory requirements, keeps SOPs up to date, and assists with audits to maintain quality and safety standards.

Collaboration is key, with regular liaison with GPs, nurses, hospitals and the wider practice team, including the branch surgery. The Senior Dispenser also supports the Lead Dispenser in delivering service improvements and implementing change.

About us

We are a welcoming and expanding GP practice with alist size of 10,200 patients, of which around 60% are dispensing patients. Ourteam includes five GP Partners, a mix of clinical and non-clinical staff, and 5part-time dispensers and 3 prescription clerks who work under the supervisionof our Lead Dispenser. We are a training practice, hosting medical students andregistrars, and we are proud to have a CQC rating of Good. We are passionateabout delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in a supportive workingenvironment.

Job responsibilities

Job Description Senior Dispenser

Reports to: Lead Dispenser

Hours: 30hrs (with over time as required)

Salary: Dependant on experience

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Dispenser to join our friendly rural dispensing practice. You will be responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the dispensary, ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate dispensing of medication to our patients. Working with the lead dispenser to ensure effective financial control of the dispensary is maintained.

About Us

We are a welcoming and expanding GP practice with a list size of 10,200 patients, of which around 60% are dispensing patients. Our team includes five GP Partners, a mix of clinical and non-clinical staff, and 5 part-time dispensers and 3 prescription clerks who work under the supervision of our Lead Dispenser. We are a training practice, hosting medical students and registrars, and we are proud to have a CQC rating of Good. We are passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in a supportive working environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Work with the Lead Dispenser to oversee daily operations in the dispensary.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels and rota planning to meet patient medication needs.
• Support and encourage the professional development of dispensary staff.
• Communicate clearly with the team to ensure duties are understood and delivered effectively.

Dispensing & Operational Duties

• Dispense medicines to patients safely, accurately, and efficiently in line with SOPs, including NOMAD prescriptions.
• Process prescriptions, endorsements, and monthly submissions to the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA).
• Manage the dispensing of controlled drugs in accordance with practice policy.
• Provide patients with clear advice on prescriptions and address any queries or issues.
• Liaise with suppliers to maintain cost-effective drug supplies.
• Monitor and maintain stock levels, ensuring cold chain compliance where required.
• Minimise wastage and maintain maximum profit margins.
• Oversee safe disposal of returned or out-of-date medicines.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure all activities meet legal, clinical, and regulatory requirements, including NICE and CQC standards.
• Maintain up-to-date SOPs and policies, ensuring they are followed by all staff.
• Assist in conducting audits as required to ensure quality and compliance.
• Liaise with GPs, practice nurses, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
• Maintain strong communication with the branch surgery and wider practice team.
• Support the Lead Dispenser in implementing changes and service improvements.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• GCSEs (AC) in English and Maths.
• NVQ Level Two in Dispensing.
• Experience in primary care.
• Proficient in using EMIS.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• NVQ Level Three in Dispensing.

Experience

• Experience working in a GP practice.
• Previous senior dispenser or team leader experience in a dispensary.
• Experience in primary care.
• Proficient in using EMIS.

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.