Trainee Dispensary Assistant/Receptionist

NHS; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local healthcare practice in the United Kingdom is seeking a motivated Trainee Dispensary Assistant/Receptionist. You will join a friendly team, working 31.5 hours weekly, with responsibilities in both dispensary and reception. The role offers professional development, as you will receive full training towards a recognized dispensing qualification. Candidates should have strong communication skills and experience in customer service. The salary is £12.51 per hour, with a permanent part-time contract.

Qualifications

• Practical experience of working with others.
• Experience of using own initiative/multi-tasking.
• Experience of excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

• Accurately dispense and check medicines.
• Greet patients and handle enquiries courteously.
• Book, amend and cancel patient appointments.
• Maintain stock levels and support reordering processes.
• Assist with stock checks and audits.

Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

IT skills

Time management

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Good standard of general education

GCSE Mathematics

GCSE English

Tools

EMIS Web

Job description

Job Summary

Job Vacancy: Trainee Dispensary Assistant/Receptionist

Hours: 31.5 hours per week (Mon‑Fri)

Salary: Band 2 Agenda for Change – £12.51 p/h

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our friendly Practice team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone 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.

About Us

Much Wenlock and Cressage Medical Practice is a rural practice 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 Description

Dispensary Responsibilities (upon completion of training)

• Complete dispensary qualification within specified timescale.
• Accurately dispense and check medicines.
• 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 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 Standard Operating Procedures.
• Help maintain a clean, safe and organised dispensary environment.
• Provide cover for colleagues during annual or sick leave.
• Assist with stock checks and dispensary audits.
• Perform dosset preparation.

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

Receptionist Responsibilities (upon completion of training)

• Greet patients and visitors/health professionals courteously and professionally.
• Handle enquiries by phone, electronic communication or in person, including booking home visits and advising test results.
• Book, amend and cancel patient appointments, keeping the computerised system up to date.
• Register new patients, ensuring relevant checks are made and register them for 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.
• Respond to incoming practice emails and electronic consultations within the relevant timescale.
• Distribute post.
• Handle email correspondence while adhering to GDPR protocols.
• Scan patient information, workflow through Docman, and action subsequent tasks.
• Respond to staff/management/nurse/GP requests/tasks during surgery promptly.
• Maintain computerised and manual filing systems.
• Prepare consultation rooms in readiness each day and check at closing.
• General housekeeping to achieve Health and Safety standards, including making drinks and emptying dishwasher.
• Open and lock up surgery using the Practice opening/closing protocol between 08:00 and 18:30.
• Work safely at all times in accordance with legislative requirements and Practice policy and procedures.

As with the dispensary role, this description is not exhaustive and may be adjusted periodically after review and consultation.

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.

Desirable:

• Experience of working within a General Practice reception environment.

Qualifications

• Good standard of general education.
• GCSE Mathematics.
• GCSE English.

Desirable:

• Appropriate qualification in medical reception (e.g., AMSPAR or NVQ in Customer Service).

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• IT skills.
• Time management and ability to work to deadlines.
• Negotiation and conflict management.
• Problem‑solving skills.
• Interpersonal skills.

Behaviours

• Planning and organising.
• Performing under pressure/ability to remain calm, controlled and professional.
• Adaptability.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member within the team.
• Self‑motivated/resourceful.
• Flexibility/availability to work flexible hours demanded by the job.
• Confidentiality, integrity and honesty.

Knowledge

Desirable:

• Understanding of a General Practice Reception environment.
• Familiarity with EMIS Web (computerised medical records system) and Docman.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer Details

Employer name: Much Wenlock and Cressage Medical Practice

Address:
Much Wenlock Medical Practice
King Street
Much Wenlock
Shropshire
TF13 6BL

Website: https://www.muchwenlockandcressagemp.co.uk/

Application Details

Date posted: 25 November 2025

Contract: Permanent (Part‑time)

Reference number: A1236‑25‑0003