Job requirements
Requirements from the employer’s person specification. These describe the role, not your personal match.
Essential
13 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Experience
Previous experience of working in a hospital or community pharmacy Previous experience of stock control work
- Experience
Previous experience in a customer or patient care setting
- Experience
Working effectively as part of a team or alone under supervision.
- Experience
Working effectively under pressure. Applying theory to practice.
- Qualifications
At least 2 GCSEs (or equivalent) Grade C or above including maths and English (Grade 9 – 4) (If qualifications gained outside the UK evidence of equivalent standards must be demonstrated at interview)
- Qualifications
Commitment to complete NVQ 2 in Pharmacy or other Level 2 approved GPhC qualification for pharmacy support, within 18 months of working
- Qualifications
Numerate and literate demonstrating ability to pass test at interview
- Knowledge and Skills
Customer service skills in the workplace or voluntary sector
- Knowledge and Skills
Basic knowledge of stock control/rotation.
- Knowledge and Skills
Good level of computer literacy, word processing skills, spread sheets and databases
- Knowledge and Skills
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English in both verbal and written formats
- Knowledge and Skills
Ability to manage and prioritise own workload to meet service requirements
- Knowledge and Skills
Ability to manage challenging behaviour from patients if exposed to occasional verbal aggression.
Desirable
9 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Experience
Experience of putting the patient at the heart of your work.
- Experience
Previous experience in a health or social care setting
- Experience
Experience in stock control i.e., receiving, maintaining and / or issuing stock
- Qualifications
Science GCSE (or equivalent qualification)
- Qualifications
NVQ L2 Certificate in Pharmacy service skills or unit accreditation (or GPHC equivalent qualification)
- Qualifications
Other healthcare qualifications
- Knowledge and Skills
Comprehensive knowledge and experience of all aspects of prescribing and pharmaceutical issues
- Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of pharmacy procedures
- Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of MS Office, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel
Job overview
Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) Band 2
£25,272 per annum (pro-rata), part time, 32.5 hours per week.
*Please note - due to current Immigration rules and regulations, this post is not eligible for sponsorship*
Job summary North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, Pharmacy department is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to become part of our team. We provide medication to support the treatment for a variety of mental health issues to patients across North Staffordshire.
You must be able to work as a team member and on an individual basis and although Pharmacy experience is not essential for this post, you must be willing to work towards an NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy services. Hours of work are Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00, primarily based at Harplands Hospital site.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the job The main duties of the role involve working in a busy Pharmacy department ensuring a safe and effective service is provided. Main duties include:
- Effective stock management of all pharmaceuticals.
- Safe and efficient supply and return of medication / pharmacy orders to the wards/departments.
- Dispensing medications for inpatients and outpatients.
- Carrying out ATO duties including reception duties, communicating with wards and departments regarding medication supplies, replenishing emergency stocks, expiry date checking, stock taking and ward stock top-up duties
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- To adhere to legislation, national and local standards and procedures in all tasks performed.
- To participate in the introduction and use of new technology and techniques in accordance with the needs of the service.
- To acquire, with training, a working knowledge of the pharmacy computer system in order to use as required following departmental policies and procedures.
- To maintain stock and consumable levels in pharmacy and at ward level, ensuring stock rotation within designated areas in accordance with procedures.
- To perform general tidying and non-domestic cleaning duties in the department as needed, ensuring the safe disposal of waste
- Awareness of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations for the storage, handling and disposal of pharmaceutical products.
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Assistant Technical Officer with North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust in Stoke-on-Trent, England. It is listed as a Band 2 Officer (discipline unspecified) role. The advertised salary is £25,272 per annum (pro-rata). The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 17 Sep 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (03 Sep 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHSjob search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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