Trainee Dispensary Assistant/Receptionist

NHS; Much Wenlock; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local healthcare provider in Much Wenlock is seeking a motivated Trainee Dispensary Assistant/Receptionist. You will assist with prescription dispensing and deliver excellent customer service within a training environment. This role is designed for individuals looking to start a career in primary care and provides full training towards a recognized qualification. This position is part-time, requiring 5 hours per week, and offers a supportive team atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Practical experience of working with others.
• Experience of using own initiative and multi-tasking.
• Experience of excellent customer service.
• Experience of working within a General Practice reception environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and dispensing of prescriptions.
• Provide a high standard of customer service to patients.
• Book, amend, and cancel patient appointments.

Skills

Good communication skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Customer service skills

Education

No specific qualifications required

Tools

Computerised recording systems

Job description

Trainee Dispensary Assistant/Receptionist

Location: Much Wenlock and Cressage Medical Practice

Closing date is 30 December 2025

Job Vacancy: Trainee Dispensary Assistant/Receptionist

Hours: 5 hours per week (Mon‑Fri)

Salary: Band 2 Agenda for Change – £12.51 per hour

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our friendly Practice team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is keen to develop a career in primary care, working and training within both our dispensary and reception teams.

In return, we are committed to supporting you in your professional development in a supportive and caring working environment. The successful candidate will receive full training and will work towards a recognised dispensing qualification funded by the Practice.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for someone with good communication and organisational skills, the ability to work confidentially and accurately with attention to detail, a positive, caring and professional attitude, and the willingness to learn and develop new skills.

The dual role will include:

• Assisting with the preparation and dispensing of prescriptions
• Providing a high standard of customer service to our patients
• Carrying out a range of administrative duties including appointment booking, handling queries and maintaining accurate records

Please see the Job Description for further details.

About us

Much Wenlock and Cressage Medical Practice is a rural practice only 15–20 minutes away from Shrewsbury and Telford with a population of over 8,200 patients.

Our Practice team is committed to providing high quality, patient‑centred care in a compassionate, friendly and safe environment. We aim to meet the needs of every patient by embracing innovation and new ways of working in the context of a changing health service. We attract and retain staff through formal appraisals promoting opportunities for professional development.

Job responsibilities

Responsible to: Dispensary Lead & Practice Manager, Assistant Practice Manager

Job purpose: Under supervision, you will provide timely, efficient and accurate dispensing of medication to patients working to the SOPs at all times. To provide excellent, confidential and professional service to patients and clinical staff, and to ensure the smooth running of reception.

Main duties and responsibilities (dispensary)

• Complete dispensary qualification within the timescale specified, engaging with supervisors, trainers and Practice and completing modules on time and to a high standard.
• Accurately dispense and check medicines for our patient population.
• Collect prescription charges in line with protocol.
• Maintain stock levels and support reordering processes.
• Receive and store supplies, ensuring correct handling and cold‑chain compliance.
• Dispense controlled drugs in accordance with practice policy.
• Safe disposal of returned and out‑of‑date medication.
• Process repeat prescriptions within timeframe target.
• Provide clear, helpful advice to patients about their prescriptions.
• Manage prescription requests via online systems and face‑to‑face.
• Support monthly dispensary returns.
• Maintain accurate records and follow all SOPs.
• Help maintain a clean, safe and organised dispensary environment.
• Provide cover for colleagues' annual or sick leave.
• Assist with stock checks and dispensary audits.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be adjusted periodically after review and consultation. You will also be expected to carry out any reasonable duties which may be requested and deemed suitable by the Management/Partners.

Main duties (reception)

• Greet patients and visitors/health professionals in a courteous and professional manner.
• Deal with patient and health professional enquiries by phone, electronic communication (text/email) or in person including booking home visits and advising test results within Practice Policy.
• Book, amend and cancel patient appointments, ensuring the computerised appointment system is up to date.
• Register new patients ensuring relevant checks are made; register patients for patient online services.
• Process repeat prescription requests in a timely manner, including medicines management administration.
• Check in and enter information of drug deliveries on EMIS Web.
• Access out of hours reports and save to patient records.
• Upload documents received via electronic download via Docman.
• Deal with and respond to incoming Practice emails/electronic consultations within the relevant time scale.
• Distribute post.
• Respond to staff, management, nurse, GP requests/tasks during surgery in a timely manner.
• Maintain up‑to‑date computerised and manual filing systems.
• Ensure consultation rooms are prepared for each day and checked at the end of the day.
• General housekeeping to meet Health and Safety standards, including providing drinks and emptying the dishwasher.
• Open and lock up surgery using Practice opening/closing protocol between 0800 and 1830.
• Work safely at all times in accordance with legislative requirements and Practice policy and procedures.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be adjusted periodically after review and consultation. You will also be expected to carry out any reasonable duties which may be requested and deemed suitable by the Management/Partners.

Person Specification

Experience

• Practical experience of working with others
• Experience of using own initiative/multi‑tasking
• Experience of excellent customer service
• Practical experience of computerised recording systems
• Experience of working within a General Practice reception environment.

Qualifications