249006 - Pharmacy Technician

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found in the further information for this vacancy.

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Pharmacy Technician Higher Level

NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service

East Lothian Community Hospital

Band 5 | 0.8wte WTE | 28.8 Hours

£34,544 - £43,039

(with public holiday commitment)

Are you an experienced pharmacy technician ready to take the next step in your career by joining a dynamic and pharmacy team?

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, highly motivated pharmacy technician to join the pharmacy team, based within East Lothian Community Hospital. The post holder will work closely with pharmacy and wider multidisciplinary teams in patient‑facing roles, supporting the safe, timely and effective use of medicines for patients with mental health illness.

About the Role

Your responsibilities will include:

• Taking comprehensive medication histories upon patient admission
• Supporting medicines management
• Providing specialist counselling to patients to promote understanding and adherence to their medication regimens
• Working independently at times and liaising with wider pharmacy team to ensure patient care
• Participating in the Dispensary Rota

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting time to join our Pharmacy team, where we are committed to service modernisation and value our staff experience. As part of our workforce plan, we are now recruiting talented and enthusiastic pharmacy technicians to join our diverse staff group. We are a growing service offering a variety of patient-centred roles across many specialist areas.

Here’s why this role could be perfect for you:

• Career progression: Gain advanced skills through structured training and expand your scope of practice.
• Supportive environment: Work with a friendly, professional team that is committed to helping you succeed.
• Impactful work: Contribute to the efficient supply of medicines, directly supporting high-quality patient care

About you

To excel in this role, you will need:

Essential Qualifications and Competencies

• Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council
• National Certificate in Pharmacy Services or equivalent
• Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Pharmacy Services
• HN Unit: Procedures for Pharmacy Dispensary Checking Technicians or Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician Award (provided by Buttercups or NPA, 2019 or before)
• Candidates should normally hold a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Pharmacy Services Development and Management. However, applicants who do not possess this qualification but can demonstrate equivalent professional experience may also be considered. In such cases, a completed Mapping Assessment Form and a supporting Portfolio of Evidence must be submitted as part of the application process (copies are included with the Job Description and Person Specification with this advert). Applicants who are shortlisted will receive detailed guidance, including instructions and timelines, for completing and submitting this documentation.'
• A commitment to improving patient care through pro-active, evidence-based pharmaceutical services.

About NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian is the second-largest health system in Scotland, covering Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and West Lothian. Our Pharmacy & Medicines Service is driven by a commitment to clinically led, person-centred care, ensuring every patient benefits from safe, effective, and efficient pharmaceutical services.

We foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional development, making NHS Lothian an exciting place to work and grow your career. Flexible working requests will be considered.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience we’re looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification linked below. However, we understand that there's only so much a job pack can convey. That’s why we encourage you to reach out for an informal conversation to learn more about this exciting opportunity. Contact:

James Marshall – Dispensary and Stores Operational Lead Email: james.marshall4@nhs.scot

Tel: 01620 642855

This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme membership/record. If the post holder is not a current PVG member for the required regulatory group (i.e. child and/or adult) then an application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before they can begin in post.

Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: Disclosure Scotland Changes.

Please note: As this post is part-time, the salary will be pro-rata.

Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.