Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (Band 3)

Job overview

Are you interested in a career as a Pharmacy Technician?

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a highly enthusiastic individual to join our fantastic pharmacy team and train as a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician.  Pharmacy Technicians are invaluable in the healthcare industry and as such are highly sought after.

As a Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician, you will spend 2 years working towards achieving the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians. This is a course recognised by the GPhC and once awarded, you will be able to register as a Pharmacy Technician. The course consists of a mixture of college based assignments and completing a portfolio of evidence based competencies.

Applicants are encouraged to come for a visit to explore the role and department prior to interview.

Main duties of the job

Key responsibilities of this exciting post include but are not limited to:

• To attend college one day per week to obtain the knowledge required to complete your BTEC qualification
• To work closely with your assessor / Senior Pharmacy Technician for Education and Training to complete an online ‘e-portfolio’ of work that documents the skills you use at work and the tasks you perform
• To actively seek out new learning opportunities to expand your knowledge
• To be prepared to complete work in your own time at home
• To contribute actively and constructively towards a working environment that encourages team work, mutual support and excellence in service delivery
• Under the supervision of a Pharmacist, the dispensing of various types of medication such as clinical trials, controlled drugs, inpatient medication requests and outpatient prescriptions
• To perform medicines reconciliation on the wards
• Be responsible for the ordering, receipt and housekeeping of pharmaceutical stock
• Accurately check dispensed medications
• Undertake any training required as discussed in your annual personal development review

A considerable amount of study will be required in your own time. Good time management skills both in work and out of work are essential to ensure you meet strict deadlines throughout the 2 year course. We are looking for an individual who is extremely hardworking, motivated, flexible, outgoing and passionate about patient care.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

General

• At all times, follow documented standard operating procedures (SOPs). Be responsible for keeping up to date with changes to standard operating procedures
• Attend any relevant study programmes agreed at annual Personal Development Review. Keep updated records of Continuing Professional Development. Undertake all Trust required Mandatory Training following a regular schedule.

• Maintain a safe system of work at all times, including the knowledge of and abiding by the fire precautions, departmental and trust safety policies and procedure manuals following any standard operating procedures in place.
• To promote the professional image of pharmacy within the trust by ensuring that the standard of dress and behaviour reflects the professional service offered by the pharmacy department.
• As part of the pharmacy team ensure that all Trust and National targets are continually achieved. Ensure that the department continues to maintain their KPI target. Ensuring that all prescription tracking is carried out at all times.
• Supervise and assist with the training of other Senior ATOs and ATOs.
• Participate in the Trust appraisal scheme.
• Ensure attendance at Trust mandatory training sessions.
• The post holder is required to work extended hours weekends and Bank Holidays as part of the Pharmacy rota.

Dispensary

• Under the supervision of a pharmacist, the dispensing of in-patient supplies which includes ward stock, take home drugs and providing drug supplies requested by the technicians providing the "one stop" service. Dispense and record supplies of any clinical trials, unlicensed medicines.
• Under the supervision of a pharmacist, the dispensing of out patient and discharge prescriptions, including Oncology, Haematology and Clinical trials. To include patient counselling on the storage, correct dosage/use, side effects and other relevant information about the drugs supplied.  Accurately handle payments of prescription charges.
• Support the service to the outside hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. Provide drugs and medications requested by the agreed time to the correct location.  Supply the service to patients taking Clozaril.
• Under the supervision of a pharmacist, the dispensing of Controlled drugs
• Assist with the Extemporaneous Preparation of Medicines and over labelling/pre-packing procedures.
• To carry out reception duties including the answering of telephones and their appropriate transfer to other staff.
• To provide administrative support to the anticoagulant service, ensuring that any calls on the answer machine are dealt with in a timely manner and all patient appointments are actioned efficiently.

Aseptic

• Provide support in the Aseptic unit dispensing of a wide range of products.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of "Good Manufacturing Practice" and Quality Assurance. Adhere to any relevant Health and safety policies to protect the product and the operator.
• Follow strict guidance for aseptic gowning, personal protective equipment and personal hygiene.
• Routinely clean and sanitise specialist equipment, including some domestic cleaning of rooms and floors.
• Routinely support the technical staff in setting up aseptic items and the material transfer into the clean rooms (use of spray disinfectants).
• Top up and manage the stock of consumables and drugs within the aseptic department.
• Assist with the microbiological monitoring programme.

Pharmacy procurement

• To carry out stock control and the checking of stock through-out the department
• To provide ongoing support to the receipt and distribution of pharmacy stock, advising the senior technician of any discrepancies or issues
• To file prescriptions, pharmacy orders and other documentation as required
• To check pharmacy stocks for expiry dates and ensure efficient stock rotation
• To use appropriate IT technology in the operation of these functions
• Under the supervision of the lead technician be responsible for checking availability and placing orders with local wholesalers.

This position is not currently eligible for a certificate of sponsorship in line with Home Office guidance as it does not appear on the skilled worker visa occupation list.

If you currently hold a different type of visa allowing you to work in the UK we would welcome an application from you. If your visa expires or there is a change in status during your employment, the Trust will be required to review your employment which may result in the termination of your employment to comply with the relevant immigration legislation

This job description is neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and in consultation with the post holder.