Pharmacy Technician for ICT and Robotics Band 6

Job details

• Branch: Southern HSC Trust area (SHSCT)
• Location: Craigavon Area Hosp-Main Building
• Directorate: Adult Community and Acute Services
• Functional Area: Pharmacy Services
• Salary: Band 6 (£38,682 - £46,580)
• Contract Type: Temporary
• Opening Date: 15/07/26
• Closes: Wed, 29 July 2026 @ 4:00 PM
• Interview Dates: To be confirmed

Notes

If you are submitting a manual application, please post it to: Recruitment Shared Services, Rosewood Villa, Longstone Hospital Site, 73 Loughgall Road, Armagh, BT61 7PR. Applications received after the advertised closing date/time cannot be considered, so please allow enough time for postage. “A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026”. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.” Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE

Pharmacy Technician for ICT and Robotics

BAND

DIRECTORATE

INITIAL LOCATION

6

Medicine and Unscheduled Care

Craigavon Area Hospital

REPORTS TO

Encompass Lead Pharmacist

ACCOUNTABLE TO

FLEXIBLE WORKING PROVISIONS AVAILABLE

Chief Pharmacy technician

Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Job-share or Homeworking

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be responsible for the Management of the information technology and robotics systems within the pharmacy departments, with emphasis on encompass optimisation activities across all teams and settings. This will include the identification and support of the installation and operation of technology for the safe and timely supply of medicines and service adoption of encompass.

The post holder will collaborate with HSC and Epic colleagues to ensure digital transformation can support the delivery of best practice pharmaceutical care to ensure the needs of service users and the Trust are met and provide information relating to operational and financial performance of the pharmacy department.

The post holder will work collaboratively with the Chief/Lead Technicians to manage the pharmacy technical staff and participate in the day to day running of various sections of the Pharmacy department/work collaboratively with the encompass Lead Pharmacist providing all aspects of a modern hospital pharmacy service.

The Post holder will be required to work throughout the Area Service which includes Craigavon Area Hospital, Daisy Hill, South Tyrone and Lurgan Hospitals.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

IT systems

To be competent in the operation of all pharmacy Computer Systems, including but not limited to Encompass, ARX, Omnicell, NIECR, HRPTS, Microsoft Office software, Trust email/intranet and any other related systems for your area.

Responsible for development, delivery and assurance of the pharmacy information and technology systems.

Support colleagues locally and regionally in operating technology and encompass optimisation to improve the safe use of medicines, performance and provide value for money within pharmacy.

Ensure the current and future pharmacy IT systems e.g. EPIC, and robotics are appropriately supported by pharmacy, trust IT and providers.

Support all pharmacy users in

providing reports to inform services on the expenditure, risk and prescriber performance

identifying, escalating and solving problems, by working with pharmacy, IT and software suppliers

provide up to date service group and costing support on a monthly basis

acting as the pharmacy system manager as required

Support all pharmacy robot users in

Ensuring users and superusers are trained and competent

Ensuring planned preventative maintenance schedules are adhered to, reports received, and visits managed, problems are identified, escalated when required and fixed swiftly

Building constructive working relationships with providers to support the seamless installation of new/upgrades to robotics.

Support all other pharmacy technology by ensuring business continuity, appropriate superusers and users are adequately trained, and providing a resource to help resolve operating issues with the manufacturer.

Manage a pharmacy IT group, where appropriate, which engages with users, providers and IT colleagues, ensuring pharmacy IT delivers safer medicines use in line with the Trust objectives.

Oversee the identification, approval, development and implementation of IT within pharmacy.

To support the day to day general use and problem solving for IT systems including supplier liaison.

To represent the pharmacy at User Group/ System Manager meetings as required, including any relevant Encompass regional meetings/workgroups and advisory councils as required.

Manage upgrades of systems, in conjunction with the Lead ICT/Encompass Pharmacist, participating in change impact analysis to assess new workflows within pharmacy.

To oversee the production of appropriate reports in a timely manner. This includes production and interpretation of management and financial data and performance indicators as directed. This involves creating and validating information within spreadsheets and databases.

To organise and deliver specialist training in relation to IT systems, robotics and encompass to reduce the risk and increase knowledge and competency.

To actively manage systems to provide on-going development and improvement of services offered by the pharmacy department.

To ensure that contingency plans at each pharmacy location can be actioned in the event of system failure.

To ensure that relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) are written, maintained, updated and distributed as appropriate.

To be an expert user of Crystal reports software and Central Report Distributor.

To support the audit of pharmaceutical supply services provided to wards

To provide information, reports or technology to assist in the audit of practice and medicines use

To develop bespoke training for software or technology used in the medicines management process to meet the needs of pharmacy, and other staff across the trust.

To facilitate and, where applicable, deliver training to meet the needs of pharmacy and other staff

General Pharmacy Duties (Technician)

Label and dispense prescriptions, requisitions and other orders in pharmacy and at ward level including CD’s. Label and dispense compliance aids, TPN, clinical trials. Prepare, label and dispense extemporaneous products. Label and dispense specialist drugs including clozapine, biologics and red/amber medicines.

Undertake the Accredited Checking Technician (ACPT) training or maintain ACPT to accuracy check dispensed prescriptions, ward drug requests and other orders in pharmacy ensuring the correct procedures are followed.

Responsible for the induction, training, education and management of all assigned staff.

Participate in life-long learning, maintain awareness of current practice and comply with all relevant registration and CPD requirements.

Take responsibility for their own performance.

Maintain relationships, morale and motivation amongst staff by acting as a role model and demonstrating commitment to the service.

Maintain high standards of professional and technical practice by adopting and enforcing good practice and by implementing and monitoring safe systems of work.

Ensure the maintenance of appropriate documentation and records including policies and procedures.

Ensure that the output and quality of the service is maintained in relation to short and longer term objectives recognising and utilising innovative practice to contribute to service improvement.

Deputise for Chief/ Lead Pharmacy technicians when required

Undertake any other duties as assigned.

Participate in weekend, bank holiday and extended hours working in accordance with the relevant rotas.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Organisation supports and promotes a culture of collective leadership where those who have responsibility for managing other staff:

Establish and promote a supportive, fair and open culture that encourages and enables all parts of the team to have clearly aligned goals and objectives, to meet the required performance standards and to achieve continuous improvement in the services they deliver.

Ensure access to skills and personal development through appropriate training and support.

Promote a culture of openness and honesty to enable shared learning.

Encourage and empower others in their team to achieve their goals and reach their full potential through regular supportive conversation and shared decision making.

Adhere to and promote Organisational policy and procedure in all staffing matters, participating as appropriate in a way which underpins The Organisation’s values.

RAISING CONCERNS - RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency.

The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The post holder will be required to

Assist the organisation in fulfilling its statutory duties under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to promote equality of opportunity and good relations and under the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. Staff are also required to support the organisation in complying with its obligations under Human Rights Legislation.

Ensure the Organisation’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.

Co-operate fully with the implementation of The Organisation's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.

Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example

Smoke Free policy

IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct

standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour

Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.

Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.

Take responsibility to minimise the Trust’s environmental impact wherever possible. This will include recycling, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use. Helping to reduce paper waste by minimising printing/copying and reducing water usage, reporting faults and heating/cooling concerns promptly and minimising travel.

All employees of the Organisation are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the [org name] including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the [org name] policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.

Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.

Represent The Organisation’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.

This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within The Organisation's area, as needs of the service demand.

June 2026

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE AND BAND

Pharmacy Technician for ICT and Robotics (Temporary for 2 years initially) Band 6

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE

Pharmacy

Medicine & Unscheduled Care

SALARY

Band 6

HOURS

30-37.5hr (0.8-1 WTE)

Temporary for 2 years

Shifts to include weekends and bank holidays

Notes to applicants

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note The Organisation reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA (Technician)

SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Essential Criteria

Number

Criteria

Ideally no more than 6-8 criteria in this section

Please insert additional rows / Delete as required

Method of Assessment

Qualifications/ Registration

E1

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians.

OR

If qualified after June 2009

BTEC and NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent knowledge and competency based qualifications in Pharmacy.

OR

If qualified before June 2009

BTEC level 3 National Certificate in Pharmacy Services or equivalent knowledge based qualification

OR

An equivalent qualification approved for registration with GPhC as per the link below.

Approved courses and qualifications for pharmacy technicians | General Pharmaceutical Council (pharmacyregulation.org)

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/ Registration

E2

Hold an ACPT qualification or complete at the earliest opportunity within the remit of the NICPLD programme.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Experience

E3

Considerable experience in working with commonly used general (windows packages etc.) and pharmacy specific (JAC, ARX, EPIC) software and technologies

Shortlisting by Application Form

Experience

E4

Must have worked as a qualified pharmacy technician at band 5 for a minimum of 3 years, including 2 in a supervisory/managerial capacity with experience of Leading and Directing Staff

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

E5

Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by The Organisation which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities

E7

Good interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively and confidentially

Interview

Skills / Abilities

E8

Good organisational and time management skills including the ability to forward plan.

Interview

Skills / Abilities

E9

Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Interview

Skills / Abilities

E10

Demonstrate initiative and Problem Solving Skills

interview

Skills / Abilities

E11

Ability to Train and Mentor Staff.

interview

Knowledge

E12

Knowledge of the job including the use of pharmacy ICT and robotics

Interview

Knowledge

E13

Computer literate with knowledge of pharmacy computer systems.

Interview

Knowledge

E14

Have knowledge of general legal requirements regarding the sale or supply of medicinal products and poisons.

Interview

Knowledge

E15

Knowledge of current trends in the HPSS

Interview

Ref No: <to be inserted by HR> June 2026

If this post is being sought on secondment then the individual MUST have the permission of their line manager IN ADVANCE of making application.

As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for The Organisation to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.

THE ORGANISATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Successful applicants

may be required to attend for a Health Assessment

can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply.

are able to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times