Senior Dispensing Assistant

Job overview

The SWLStG pharmacy team have an excellent opportunity for a Senior Pharmacy Assistant to join our friendly pharmacy team within this Mental Health Trust, based at Springfield Hospital in Tooting.  Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm – Currently no weekends/Bank holidays/late duties.

We are looking for a conscientious and adaptable individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. To be eligible you must be enthusiastic, self-motivated, hardworking and have a good standard of general education. Computer literacy, accuracy and attention to detail are essential.

The pharmacy provides a high-quality medicines service supplying medication to a variety of patients, wards and departments. The role will involve dispensing and distribution of pharmaceuticals and supporting the wider pharmacy team in providing a medicines management service.

Main duties of the job

Day to day working in the dispensary and at ward level following appropriate training. To provide a safe and effective dispensing service in areas worked.  To participate in and provide accuracy checks to assembled ward stock orders and ensuring sound stock control is carried out in areas covered.

The ideal candidate will hold NVQ level 2 (or equivalent) in Pharmacy Services Skills and have recent experience of working as a dispenser.  Those who do not meet the essential criteria will be considered for a band 2 to 3 progression, with a tailored development programme which may suit a school leaver.

We are committed to get the very best out of our staff and support staff in their career aspirations. We have career pathways available, where you will be able to develop your skills and build on your experience to progress into other roles across different specialties. For this role, we offer career pathways to become an apprentice trainee pharmacy technician.  We offer ongoing training and development in pharmacy practice delivered through monthly Continued Education sessions and Medicine Optimisation meetings.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To dispense & self-check medication for patients, ready to receive a final accuracy check.

To participate in the medication supply and topping-up service at ward/team base level, when required, to ensure adequate stocks are maintained for patient care.

To participate within the pharmacy, when necessary, with the receipt, processing, storage and stock control of medicines and other supplies and invoicing support for the Pharmacy Team Secretary.

To participate in the supply of clozapine to patients under the guidance of the Senior Pharmacy Technician (Patient Services) according to SOPs.

To issue dispensed medication to patients, carers or staff.

To respond to enquiries and requests from staff, patients and carers, in accordance with individual competence and departmental policy.

To top-up, assemble and replace expired pharmaceuticals in the emergency equipment pouches for ILS bags according to SOP.

To train dispensary staff on rotation and locums or other agency staff in the routine duties of the dispensary.

To use pharmacy and other computer systems in the course of performing these duties.

To cover for the Pharmacy Assistant in their absence.

To ensure patient & carer information is readily available.

To be responsible for efficient and safe organisation and workflow in the dispensary.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications

If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.

Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.

Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.

Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.