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- Tasks: Join our pharmacy team to assist in dispensing medications and providing patient care.
- Company: Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is dedicated to outstanding patient care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a supportive environment, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team making a real impact on patient health and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Must have NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services and experience in a pharmacy setting.
- Other info: Participate in weekend and evening rotas; applications from all backgrounds are encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 19900 - 20900 £ per year.
Overview
We want talented and enthusiastic people from all backgrounds to join Team MWL. With us you can learn, grow and develop yourself and your career, realising your true ambitions and aspirations. Whatever you’re looking for in your career, you’ll find it here at MWL.
Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant Technical Officer
NHS AfC: Band 3
Main area Pharmacy
Contract: Fixed term 24 months (Must participate in bank holiday, evening and weekend rotas)
Hours: Part time – 30 hours per week (Must participate in bank holiday, evening and weekend rotas)
Job ref: 409-7432997
Site: Whiston Hospital, Town Prescot
Salary: £24,937 – £26,598 per annum, pro rata
Closing date: 12/09/2025 23:59
After applying via NHS Jobs, your submitted application will be imported into our preferred recruitment system. You will be able to track progress through apps.trac.jobs. By applying, you agree to transferring information to the Trust’s applicant management system and to relevant NHS systems.
Job overview
We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic, proactive in their own role, can communicate well and work accurately and efficiently to a high standard. You will be based within the main dispensary at Whiston Hospital with rotation to the outpatient pharmacy department at St Helens Hospital, assisting in the provision of a safe and effective dispensing service.
Duties include routine labelling and dispensing of prescriptions for inpatients and outpatients and controlled drugs, preparation of extemporaneous medicines, and involvement in the management of returned medicines. You will also rotate to work with ward-based Pharmacy Technicians to provide a ward-based dispensing service.
You will need to take part in weekend and evening rotas to provide a 7-day-a-week service to the Trust.
Requirements: current experience of working within a pharmacy setting and completion of an NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services with a recognised dispensing qualification.
A good standard of education (to GCSE level) would be advantageous.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work with the pharmacy team to provide an efficient and comprehensive pharmaceutical service within the pharmacy departments of the Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, under the direction of the Chief Pharmacist. Duties include labelling, dispensing, stock rotation, storage, handling dispensary queries and patient counselling.
Working for our organisation
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 9,000 across 21 sites. We aim to provide Five Star Patient Care.
Our services include:
- Acute Care: Emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical/surgical specialties across all sites.
- Primary Care: Services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre, St Helens Hospital.
- Community Services: Adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire. Inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital for rehabilitation and an Urgent Treatment Centre in St Helens town centre.
- Specialist Regional Services: Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston and Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport for a large population region.
Achievements include: Outstanding by CQC (August 2018); Top 100 places to work in the NHS; National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023).
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For further information please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification. This post is subject to a standard DBS with barred list disclosures. Please note the vacancy may close early if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Person specification
Qualifications
- Has completed a recognised dispensing qualification
Experience
- Experience working in a Pharmacy environment with understanding of procedures gained through training up to NVQ level 3
- Experience using computer systems
- Experience in using CMM/EMIS Pharmacy Computer Systems
Skills
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to interact with patients, staff and other health professionals
- Accuracy and attention to detail; good administration and record-keeping
- Ability to concentrate under pressure and work as part of a team
- Reliable, well-organised with good time management
Other
- Ability to travel between hospital sites
- Present professional image
- Supportive of colleagues of all grades
- Ability to participate in late and weekend departmental rota
Thank you for considering an application to transfer to Team MWL. MWL is an NHS Trust with a commitment to diversity and excellence.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fair recruitment. We offer disability inclusive measures and a guaranteed interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria, and similar consideration for armed forces veterans where applicable.
The Trust operates anonymous shortlisting; equality monitoring information is used to review recruitment practices. Please review visa sponsorship information and DBS checks as part of the application process.
Flexible Working: We support flexible working; staff may request flexible working from day one of employment. We will consider requests at interview stage.
Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team MWL soon.
Name: Gill Eddleston, Chief Pharmacy Technician – Dispensary / Stores. Email: gillian.eddeston@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk
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Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant Technical Officer employer: Merseywestlancs
Contact Detail:
Merseywestlancs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant Technical Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific pharmacy computer systems mentioned in the job description, such as CMM and EMIS. Having hands-on experience or knowledge of these systems can set you apart during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively. Prepare examples from your previous experience where you successfully handled busy periods or tight deadlines, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for patient care and teamwork. Be ready to discuss how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment in past roles, as collaboration is key in a pharmacy setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and their commitment to diversity and excellence. Being knowledgeable about the organisation's values can help you align your answers with their mission during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant Technical Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant Technical Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience in a pharmacy setting, particularly your familiarity with dispensing procedures and computer systems like CMM/EMIS. Mention your NVQ Level 2 qualification and any other relevant training.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your communication skills and attention to detail in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully interacted with patients and colleagues, and how you manage tasks under pressure.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you apply through the NHS Jobs portal as specified. Double-check that all required documents are included and that your application is submitted before the closing date. Keep an eye on your application status via apps.trac.jobs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Merseywestlancs
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Team MWL values individuals who are proactive and passionate about their work, so share why you want to be a part of their team.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in a pharmacy setting. Highlight any relevant qualifications, such as your NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services, and provide examples of how you've successfully handled tasks similar to those listed in the job description.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing your experience and how it relates to the duties of a Pharmacy Dispensing Assistant Technical Officer.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle pressure and work as part of a team. Think of examples from your past experiences where you demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail, and effective teamwork, especially in high-pressure situations.