At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver safe, patient-centred pharmacy services in a secure environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on health needs of young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and 24/7 support through EAP.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable patients.
- Qualifications: Registered Pharmacy Technician with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31132 - 32602 £ per year.
To deliver a safe, effective, patient-centred pharmacy and medicines optimisation service, supporting the health needs of young people in a secure environment in line with Royal Pharmaceutical Society Professional Standards for Optimising Medicines in Secure Environments, NICE guidelines on medicines reconciliation and medicines safety, national standards, NHS England specifications for primary care in secure settings, and local policies.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
- Medicines Reconciliation & Admission Screening: Undertake comprehensive medicines reconciliation for new admissions and transfers, ensuring accurate and timely identification of current therapy and reducing medication errors and wastage. Identify and resolve discrepancies, liaising with prescribers, community pharmacies, and external healthcare providers as needed.
- Medicines Optimisation & Patient Support: Perform medication checks to optimise therapy, reduce polypharmacy, and support adherence. Support the pharmacist in delivering Medicines Use Reviews (MURs) and patient counselling to improve understanding and safe use of medication. Provide clear, individualised advice on in-possession medicines, side effects, and correct use.
- Substance Misuse & Withdrawal Management: Recognise and escalate signs of drug or alcohol withdrawal. Support patients with substance misuse concerns and those at risk of self‑harm or suicide, working closely with healthcare and operational staff.
- Audit, KPI Reporting & Formulary Oversight: Conduct regular audits on prescribing, reconciliation, administration, and formulary compliance. Monitor use of the allocated formulary, identifying opportunities for cost‑effective prescribing. Provide accurate data and insights for KPI and contract performance reports.
- Drug Safety & Controlled Drugs: Promote and monitor medicines safety, ensuring compliance with controlled drug legislation and secure custody protocols. Maintain meticulous, contemporaneous records of all pharmacy activities.
- Collaborative Working & Governance: Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, officers, and external agencies, both verbally and in writing. Participate in clinical meetings and governance activities to drive continuous improvement in pharmacy services. Take direction from the pharmacist and chief pharmacist to support service development.
- Professional Practice & Development: Function autonomously within your scope of competence while serving as a role model and resource to junior staff. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practice, guidelines, and professional standards. Engage in continuous professional development to meet GPhC requirements.
Criteria
- Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- Relevant NVQ Level 3 / BTEC in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent).
- Accreditation in medicines reconciliation or accuracy checking (desirable).
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills to manage workload in a challenging environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with patients who may be vulnerable or distressed.
- Commitment to medicines safety, audit processes, and high standards of record keeping.
Desirable
- Previous experience within a secure setting.
- Ability to participate in multidisciplinary teamwork.
- SystmOne experience.
Benefits
- Pension salary scheme available.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential 24/7 support.
- Access to perks at work.
Conditions & Clearance
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires the holder to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The holder must also successfully complete the Counter Terrorism Clearance (CTC) process. Applicants must have been living in the United Kingdom for the last five years with no more than a 28‑day break outside of the UK and no gaps in employment during this time.
Job Features
Full time, £31,132 – £32,602 salary.
Secure Pharmacy Tech: Medicines Reconciliation & Safety employer: DrPA Secure
As a Secure Pharmacy Technician, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional patient-centred care in a secure environment. Our organisation prioritises employee well-being with a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme and offers opportunities for professional development, ensuring you can grow your skills while making a meaningful impact on the health of young people. Join us in a collaborative work culture that values safety, continuous improvement, and the highest standards of pharmacy practice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Secure Pharmacy Tech: Medicines Reconciliation & Safety
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharmacy field, especially those who work in secure settings. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of medicines reconciliation and safety protocols. We want you to shine when discussing how you can contribute to patient-centred care in a secure environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of how you've optimised therapy or supported patients in previous roles. This will help us see how you can make a real impact in our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Secure Pharmacy Tech: Medicines Reconciliation & Safety
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of delivering safe and effective pharmacy services.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your previous roles, focus on experiences that relate directly to medicines reconciliation, patient support, and working in a multidisciplinary team. This will help us see your fit for the Secure Pharmacy Tech position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, as this makes it easier for us to understand your background and capabilities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at DrPA Secure
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Professional Standards and NICE guidelines. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you understand how they apply in a secure environment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
If you've worked in a secure setting before, be ready to share specific examples of your experiences. Talk about how you handled medicines reconciliation or supported patients with substance misuse concerns. Real-life stories can make a big impact!
✨Communication is Key
Since you'll be working with vulnerable patients and multidisciplinary teams, practice how you communicate complex information clearly and compassionately. Think about how you would explain medication side effects or adherence strategies to someone who might be distressed.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, like managing a patient showing signs of withdrawal. Prepare by thinking through your thought process and how you would collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety.
