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- Tasks: Lead the dispensary team and ensure safe, accurate medication dispensing.
- Company: Join a friendly, expanding GP practice with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a positive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, NVQ Level Two in Dispensing, and relevant experience.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values quality care and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Dispenser to join our friendly rural dispensing practice. You will be responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the dispensary, ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate dispensing of medication to our patients. Working with the lead dispenser to ensure effective financial control of the dispensary is maintained.
The Senior Dispenser plays a key role in ensuring the safe, efficient and effective running of the dispensary. Working with the Lead Dispenser, they support day to day operations, oversee staffing levels and rota planning, and encourage the professional development of the dispensary team. The role involves:
- Dispensing medicines accurately in line with SOPs, including controlled drugs and NOMAD prescriptions.
- Processing claims to the Prescription Pricing Authority.
- Providing clear advice to patients on their medication.
- Stock management and financial control, liaising with suppliers to maintain cost effective drug supplies.
- Monitoring stock levels and cold chain compliance, minimising waste and overseeing safe disposal of medicines.
- Ensuring compliance with all legal, clinical and regulatory requirements.
- Keeping SOPs up to date and assisting with audits to maintain quality and safety standards.
Collaboration is key, with regular liaison with GPs, nurses, hospitals and the wider practice team, including the branch surgery. The Senior Dispenser also supports the Lead Dispenser in delivering service improvements and implementing change.
About us: We are a welcoming and expanding GP practice with a list size of 10,200 patients, of which around 60% are dispensing patients. Our team includes five GP Partners, a mix of clinical and non-clinical staff, and 5 part-time dispensers and 3 prescription clerks who work under the supervision of our Lead Dispenser. We are a training practice, hosting medical students and registrars, and we are proud to have a CQC rating of Good. We are passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in a supportive working environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Team Management: Work with the Lead Dispenser to oversee daily operations in the dispensary. Ensure adequate staffing levels and rota planning to meet patient medication needs. Support and encourage the professional development of dispensary staff. Communicate clearly with the team to ensure duties are understood and delivered effectively.
- Dispensing & Operational Duties: Dispense medicines to patients safely, accurately, and efficiently in line with SOPs, including NOMAD prescriptions. Process prescriptions, endorsements, and monthly submissions to the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA). Manage the dispensing of controlled drugs in accordance with practice policy. Provide patients with clear advice on prescriptions and address any queries or issues. Liaise with suppliers to maintain cost-effective drug supplies. Monitor and maintain stock levels, ensuring cold chain compliance where required. Minimise wastage and maintain maximum profit margins. Oversee safe disposal of returned or out-of-date medicines.
- Compliance & Quality: Ensure all activities meet legal, clinical, and regulatory requirements, including NICE and CQC standards. Maintain up-to-date SOPs and policies, ensuring they are followed by all staff. Assist in conducting audits as required to ensure quality and compliance. Liaise with GPs, practice nurses, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals where appropriate. Maintain strong communication with the branch surgery and wider practice team. Support the Lead Dispenser in implementing changes and service improvements.
Person Specification:
- GCSEs (AC) in English and Maths.
- NVQ Level Two in Dispensing.
- Experience in primary care.
- Proficient in using EMIS.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- NVQ Level Three in Dispensing.
Experience:
- Experience working in a GP practice.
- Previous senior dispenser or team leader experience in a dispensary.
- Experience in primary care.
- Proficient in using EMIS.
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.
Senior Dispenser in Maidstone employer: Len Valley Practice
Contact Detail:
Len Valley Practice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Dispenser in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare field, especially those who work in dispensaries. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of SOPs and compliance standards. We want you to show off your expertise in safe and efficient dispensing, so practice answering questions related to your experience and how you handle challenges in a dispensary.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! When chatting with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing teams and supporting professional development. They’ll love to hear how you can contribute to a positive working environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to join our team and help us deliver top-notch patient care.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Dispenser in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience as a Senior Dispenser. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; explain how your skills will benefit our team. Talk about your experience with stock management, compliance, and patient care to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free of jargon. This will help us see your potential quickly!
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 without any hiccups.
How to prepare for a job interview at Len Valley Practice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of dispensing practices, especially around SOPs and controlled drugs. Familiarise yourself with the specific medications commonly dispensed in a GP practice and be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy and safety in your work.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Dispenser, you'll be expected to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed staff or improved team performance in the past. Highlight your experience in rota planning and how you support professional development within your team.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since financial control is a key part of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with stock management and liaising with suppliers. Share any strategies you've used to minimise waste and maintain cost-effective drug supplies.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Collaboration is crucial in this role, so think about times you've worked effectively with GPs, nurses, or other healthcare professionals. Be prepared to talk about how you communicate clearly with your team and ensure everyone understands their duties.
