Senior Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officer

NHS; Carmarthen; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Carmarthen seeks a Senior Pharmacy Assistant to support medicines optimisation and dispensing duties. Candidates with NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Services are encouraged to apply. The position offers full-time hours and opportunities for career development within a supportive team. Salary ranges from £27,898 to £30,615 annually. Weekend and Bank Holiday work may be required.

Qualifications

• Must have NVQ level 2 or equivalent in Pharmacy Services.
• Knowledge of legal requirements for dispensing and supply of medicines.
• Significant experience with pharmacy procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Undertake general pharmaceutical duties under supervision.
• Dispense a variety of prescription types.
• Participate in medicines optimisation and discharge duties.

Skills

Experience in Pharmaceutical duties

Basic knowledge of NHS functions

Good communication skills

Education

NVQ level 2 or equivalent in Pharmacy Services

HEIW Medicines Management accreditation

Tools

Pharmacy robotic systems

Job description

Job summary

We are delighted to advertise for a brand new and innovative role supporting medicines optimisation, tailored for Senior Pharmacy Assistants.

You will be working at ward level, in close conjunction with the clinical pharmacy team, caring for your patients to manage medicines as per training provided.

You will also be an integral part of a multi-skilled Dispensary team, carrying out Final Accuracy Checking, again with appropriate training provided.

This is a new role for Senior Pharmacy Assistants in Glangwili Pharmacy, and if you are an ambitious, forward-thinking and proactive individual, who is committed to be part of a diverse Pharmacy team which supports each other, then you will fit in.

This post is permanent and full time 37.5 hours a week. Applicants are also expected to partake in a weekend working and Bank Holiday rota, and a stay late rota.

This is a Band 4/Annex 21 role. Please see below for further details and do get in touch if you would like to know more about this exciting role.

Main duties of the job

Undertake general pharmaceutical duties under the supervision of a line manager or deputy, assisting in the provision of a safe and effective Pharmacy service in line with current policies, procedures and legal requirements.

You will be an integral part of a multi-skilled Dispensary team, where duties include dispensing a variety of prescription types, and carrying out Final Accuracy Checking, following a clinical check by the Pharmacist. Appropriate training will be provided.

Work within patient services and at Ward Level undertaking medicines optimisation and discharge duties. This will include assessing patients' own medication, ensuring they are suitable for use in hospital, one-stop dispensing to wards in preparation for patients' discharge and maintaining and ordering non-stock medicines for patients. Again, appropriate training will be provided.

We are committed to developing the Senior Pharmacy Assistant role, where you will be encouraged and supported to develop yourself.

About us

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

Details Date posted

31 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,898 to £30,615 a year per annum (pro rata if part time) (Annex 21)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share

Reference number

100-ACS108-0725

Job locations

Glangwili General Hospital

Dolgwili Road

Carmarthen

SA31 2AF

Job description Job responsibilities

This post is advertised as a Band 4 and ideally candidates for this role must have achieved the HEIW Medicines Management for Pharmacy Support Staff Training Programme and Accuracy Checking for Pharmacy Assistants or equivalent qualifications. However applicants who do not currently hold the qualification for the Band 4 role, are encouraged to apply and, if successful, will need to attain the qualification within 2 years and will be appointed under Annex 21 rules.

This means they will be supported by a development plan. (During the first year payment will be 70% of the top rate of band 4 pay, and the second year 75%). Following successful passing of the HEIW Medicines Management for Pharmacy Support Staff Training Programme and Accuracy Checking for Pharmacy Assistants the post holder will then be paid at Band 4 (minimum point on the scale). Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant to the Band 4 role. Failure to achieve the qualification in the designated timeframe could result in redeployment.

As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on 03/09/2025.

Job description Job responsibilities

This post is advertised as a Band 4 and ideally candidates for this role must have achieved the HEIW Medicines Management for Pharmacy Support Staff Training Programme and Accuracy Checking for Pharmacy Assistants or equivalent qualifications. However applicants who do not currently hold the qualification for the Band 4 role, are encouraged to apply and, if successful, will need to attain the qualification within 2 years and will be appointed under Annex 21 rules.

This means they will be supported by a development plan. (During the first year payment will be 70% of the top rate of band 4 pay, and the second year 75%). Following successful passing of the HEIW Medicines Management for Pharmacy Support Staff Training Programme and Accuracy Checking for Pharmacy Assistants the post holder will then be paid at Band 4 (minimum point on the scale). Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant to the Band 4 role. Failure to achieve the qualification in the designated timeframe could result in redeployment.

As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on 03/09/2025.

Person Specification Qualifications and Knowledge Essential

• NVQ level 2 or equivalent in Pharmacy Services
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical technical procedures to NVQ Level 3 equivalent. i.e: - Buttercups Level 2 or Equivalent Course for Pharmacy in relevant area of practice AND Pre and Inprocess Checking Competency (Dependant on area of work) OR - Buttercups Level 4 Accredited Checking Dispensing Assistant qualification or equivalent. (Dependant on area of work) OR - CIPS Level 2 qualification AND extensive experience and knowledge of procurement and invoicing procedures and processes (Dependant on area of work)
• HEIW Medicines Management for Pharmacy Support Staff accreditation
• Knowledge of regulations covering aseptic preparation and current issues. (depending on area of work)
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing, dispensing and distribution practices.

Desirable

• GCSE at grade C or above in English and maths or equivalent qualifications
• Aseptic Dispensing and Preparation of Medicines, Leeds Relevant NVQ 3 units
• HNC in Applied Science, Food science & technology
• Knowledge of the services provided by the medicines management team

Experience Essential

• Significant experience of aseptic dispensing and preparation in hospital Pharmacy.
• Significant experience of dispensing and distribution of medicines in a community or hospital Pharmacy.
• Basic knowledge of the functions of the NHS
• Good knowledge of legal requirements for dispensing and supply of medicines, including controlled drugs
• Aware of Health, Safety & Wellbeing and their implications for staff
• Good understanding of stock control and stock management
• Significant experience of Pharmacy procurement process and financial understanding of drug budgets
• Significant experience with relevant IT systems and pharmacy robotic systems
• Experience of working on a ward
• Use of stock control systems.
• Experience of in-process checks during aseptic preparation
• Experience of working effectively both within a team and independently
• Experience in preparation of aseptically prepared products
• Health and Safety in the Workplace

Desirable

• Involvement in procedure writing
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work to targets
• Experience of leading a team

Language Skills Desirable

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

Person Specification Qualifications and Knowledge Essential

• NVQ level 2 or equivalent in Pharmacy Services
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical technical procedures to NVQ Level 3 equivalent. i.e: - Buttercups Level 2 or Equivalent Course for Pharmacy in relevant area of practice AND Pre and Inprocess Checking Competency (Dependant on area of work) OR - Buttercups Level 4 Accredited Checking Dispensing Assistant qualification or equivalent. (Dependant on area of work) OR - CIPS Level 2 qualification AND extensive experience and knowledge of procurement and invoicing procedures and processes (Dependant on area of work)
• HEIW Medicines Management for Pharmacy Support Staff accreditation
• Knowledge of regulations covering aseptic preparation and current issues. (depending on area of work)
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing, dispensing and distribution practices.

Desirable

• GCSE at grade C or above in English and maths or equivalent qualifications
• Aseptic Dispensing and Preparation of Medicines, Leeds Relevant NVQ 3 units
• HNC in Applied Science, Food science & technology
• Knowledge of the services provided by the medicines management team

Experience Essential

• Significant experience of aseptic dispensing and preparation in hospital Pharmacy.
• Significant experience of dispensing and distribution of medicines in a community or hospital Pharmacy.
• Basic knowledge of the functions of the NHS
• Good knowledge of legal requirements for dispensing and supply of medicines, including controlled drugs
• Aware of Health, Safety & Wellbeing and their implications for staff
• Good understanding of stock control and stock management
• Significant experience of Pharmacy procurement process and financial understanding of drug budgets
• Significant experience with relevant IT systems and pharmacy robotic systems
• Experience of working on a ward
• Use of stock control systems.
• Experience of in-process checks during aseptic preparation
• Experience of working effectively both within a team and independently
• Experience in preparation of aseptically prepared products
• Health and Safety in the Workplace

Desirable

• Involvement in procedure writing
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work to targets
• Experience of leading a team

Language Skills Desirable

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details Employer name

Hywel Dda University Health Board

Address

Glangwili General Hospital

Dolgwili Road

Carmarthen

SA31 2AF

Employer's website

https://hduhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Hywel Dda University Health Board

Address

Glangwili General Hospital

Dolgwili Road

Carmarthen

SA31 2AF

Employer's website

https://hduhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)