Job overview
At present, University Hospitals of North Midlands is unable to offer visa sponsorship for Band 2 to Band 4 roles, as these positions do not meet the minimum salary and skill thresholds required under UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Pharmacy Department at County Stafford, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust as a Dispensary Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officer (ATO).
This is an ideal opportunity for an enthusiastic, organised and motivated individual who enjoys working as part of a team and takes pride in delivering excellent customer service. You will play an important role in supporting the safe and efficient supply of medicines to patients across the Trust.
Working within our busy dispensary team, you will assist in the delivery of pharmacy services for inpatients and patients being discharged from hospital. The role offers a varied workload, opportunities to learn new skills and the chance to work alongside Pharmacy Assistants, Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists within a supportive environment. Development opportunities are available, including completion of the Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff, where this qualification is not already held.
Main duties of the job
As a Dispensary Pharmacy ATO, you will support the day-to-day running of pharmacy dispensary services and contribute to the safe supply of medicines to patients.
The role is varied and will include:
- Dispensing medicines within the pharmacy dispensary
- Dispensing controlled drug medicines for individual patients and ward stock supplies
- Handing medicines to patients and healthcare staff
- Undertaking reception duties, including the use of the pharmacy prescription tracking system
- Undertaking the sale of over the counter medicine to patients
- Answering telephone calls and directing enquires to the appropriate member of staff
- Maintaining stocks of dispensary consumables such as medicine bottles, bags, spoons, measures and syringes
- Ensuring dispensary equipment is clean, maintained and ready for use
- Carrying out stock rotation and expiry date checks to minimise waste and maintain medicines safety
The post holder will work closely with Assistant Technical Officers, Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists to ensure a high quality service is provided to patients and clinical areas across the Trust.
We are looking for someone who is reliable, flexible and keen to learn. You will have good communication and organisational skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to work effectively as part of a team in a busy environment. Previous pharmacy experience is welcomed but is not essential, as full training will be provided.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Where not already held, the successful candidate will be required to undertake and successfully complete the Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff as part of their development within the role.
For further information about this role, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
For an informal discussion or further details about the position, please contact the hiring manager.
Person specification
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Participate in extended hours, weekend and bank holiday working
- Honest and trustworthy and able to maintain strict confidentiality at all times
- Flexible approach to work including changing in work schedules and job rotation
Education and qualifications
Essential
- 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English minimum grade 4 or above
Desirable
- Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff or equivalent
- Level 2 NVQ in Customer Service
Knowledge, Skills, Training and Experience
Essential
- Ability to work as a team member and have the ability to work on own initiative, completing allocated work and ensuring rotas are complied with
- Computer literate with good general keyboard skills, for using the pharmacy computer systems, including ordering, receiving and stock and rectifying stock discrepancies
- Ability to deal confidently and directly with all members of healthcare teams and members of the public
Desirable
- Previous experience of working within a pharmacy setting
- Previous experience of dealing with customers and difficult queries
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officer with University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust in Stoke On Trent, Midlands, England. It is listed as a Band 2 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £25,272 per annum, pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 06 Aug 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 (23 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job 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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