Dispensing Assistant (unqualified) - Full NVQ Training Given in Lydney

We are looking for a friendly, competent individual to complement our existing team. We seek someone who is flexible, adaptable and can work effectively following NHS Dispensary guidelines. This post will suit someone who enjoys working with the public and is committed to providing an excellent, person‑centred service. The well‑being of our team is of utmost importance to us; this post will be attractive to an individual who enjoys the benefits of team working. Our aim is to work together to achieve the common goal of excellent patient care. In turn, we are friendly, welcoming and support each other, and we are looking for a like‑minded candidate.

Main duties of the job

• The main duties include all aspects of dispensing medicines, such as dosette preparation, preparation of prescription medication, answering the telephone and face‑to‑face patient contact.
• Processing repeat medication and assisting the multi‑disciplinary team to provide excellent patient care.

About us

• Employee Assistance Programme (free access to support and counselling)
• Friendly and welcoming team

This role reports directly to the Dispensary Manager and will work alongside 4 other team members. We have a strong work ethic and continually strive to maintain our excellent local reputation. We continue to score high with patient satisfaction surveys and our Friends and Family Test feedback remains excellent.

Job responsibilities

• The Dispensing Assistant is an integral part of the general practice team, working within their professional boundaries.
• This role will work under the supervision of the Dispensary Manager to ensure the safe, accurate and timely supply of prescribed medication to patients, and to provide administrative support to the clinicians.
• The Dispensing Assistant will support the practice clinical teams with queries regarding medication from patients.
• The Dispensing Assistant will support the Dispensary Manager in ensuring a high level of service is delivered at all times while supporting the multi‑disciplinary team in line with the strategic objectives of the organisation.
• The Dispensing Assistant will complete audits regarding patient safety in the prescribing of medication and present the information for sharing with the clinical team.

Core responsibilities

• Be responsible for checking all medicines dispensed to promote safe dispensing processes.
• Support with national prescribing policies and guidance within GP practices and care homes.
• Collect prescription charges in accordance with dispensary protocol.
• Ensure controlled drugs are maintained in accordance with practice policy.
• Ensure the safe disposal of returned and/or out‑of‑date medicine and work with the multi‑disciplinary team to ensure efficient medicines optimisation.
• Receive and store supplies in accordance with current policy, ensuring the cold chain is maintained.
• Ensure all repeat prescriptions are processed within the allotted timeframe.
• Provide support on the legal, safe and secure handling of medicines, including the implementation of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS).
• Process prescription requests via all means of communication.
• Provide patients with advice regarding all prescription matters.
• Process multi‑compartment compliance aids (Dosette box).
• Assist the Dispensary Manager in the preparation of monthly returns.
• Always maintain accurate records, including appropriate coding entries.
• Support initiatives for antimicrobial stewardship to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.
• Assist in the delivery of medicines optimisation and management incentive schemes and patient safety audits.
• Process general prescription requests.
• Be aware of duties and responsibilities regarding current legislation and adhere to practice policies and procedures on Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children.
• Demonstrate initiative and be creative in finding solutions to problems.
• Support in the management of patient complaints when requested to do so.
• Be aware of guidance to ensure that the dispensary conforms to regulatory guidance.
• Undertake stock‑takes in accordance with guidance.
• Undertake all mandatory training and induction programmes.
• Contribute to and embrace the spectrum of clinical governance.
• Attend a formal appraisal with line manager at least every 12 months.
• Contribute to public health campaigns (e.g., flu clinics).
• Maintain a clean, tidy, effective working area at all times.
• Support any new joining and trainee dispensing staff.
• Participate in formal training events promoting best practice in area of expertise.
• Contribute to the delivery of local policy, procedures and protocols for the organisation to improve identification, assessment, ongoing support for patients and their family carers.

Person Specification

Experience

• Working in a team environment.
• Experience of working with the general public and patients.
• Experience of working in a primary care setting.

Personal Qualities

• Effective time management (planning and organising).
• Ability to follow legal, ethical and professional policies/procedures and codes of conduct.
• Ability to use own initiative, discretion, and sensitivity.
• Able to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities, respecting lifestyles and diversity.
• Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk when working with individuals.
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Knowledge of and ability to work to key policies and procedures.
• Clear, polite telephone manner.
• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required.
• Knowledge of IT systems including the ability to use word processing skills, emails and the internet to create simple plans and reports.
• Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and work well under pressure.

Qualifications

• Essential GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths at Grade C (4) or above.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to communicate information effectively with people at all levels by telephone, email and face to face.
• Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and work well under pressure.
• Ability to record accurate clinical notes.
• Understanding of safeguarding adults and children.
• Ability and willingness to learn and study for NVQ qualification.
• Good clinical system IT knowledge.
• Problem solving and analytical skills.

Other requirements/wider responsibilities

• Able to cover absent colleagues when required, flexible and willing to support the team.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.