Nhsct_Pharmacy Technician Band 4 in Antrim

Advertised role location: Antrim Hospital Site
Official document: NHSCT- Pharmacy Technician Band 4 AAH (docx)
Pharmacy Technician
Job Description

Pharmacy Technician
Job Description

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) is responsible for the delivery of safe and effective health and social care (HSC) services to the population of the Northern Trust area in Northern Ireland.
We provide compassionate care with our community in our community. In order to do this we require the commitment of a highly skilled and professional workforce that meets the need of the service.
The diagram below outlines our values and our objectives which support the delivery of compassionate care within our community.

The below diagram details the values and associated behaviours that we expect staff working within Health and Social Care (HSC) to display at all times;

HSC Value
What does this mean?
What does this look like in practice? - Behaviours

Working Together

We work together for the best outcome for people we care for and support. We work across Health and Social Care and with other external organisations and agencies, recognising that leadership is the responsibility of all.

I work with others and value everyone’s contribution
I treat people with respect and dignity
I work as part of a team looking for opportunities to support and help people in both my own and other teams
I actively engage people on issues that affect them
I look for feedback and examples of good practice, aiming to improve where possible

Compassion

We are sensitive, caring, respectful and understanding towards those we care for and support and our colleagues. We listen carefully to others to better understand and take action to help them and ourselves.

I am sensitive to the different needs and feelings of others and treat people with kindness
I learn from others by listening carefully to them
I look after my own health and well-being so that I can care for and support others

Excellence

We commit to being the best we can be in our work, aiming to improve and develop services to achieve positive changes. We deliver safe, high-quality, compassionate care and support.
I put the people I care for and support at the centre of all I do to make a difference
I take responsibility for my decisions and actions
I commit to best practice and sharing learning, while continually learning and developing
I try to improve by asking ‘could we do this better?’

Openness & Honesty

We are open and honest with each other and act with integrity and candour.

I am open and honest in order to develop trusting relationships
I ask someone for help when needed
I speak up if I have concerns
I challenge inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour and practice

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Pharmacy Technician
BAND: 4
DIRECTORATE/DIVISION: Medical, Pharmacy & Governance
INITIAL LOCATION: Antrim Hospital
REPORTS TO: Lead Technician / Senior Pharmacist within each service area
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Head of Pharmacy and Medicines Management

FLEXIBLE WORKING

PROVISIONS AVAILABLE: Full-time working, Part-time working,

JOB SUMMARY

To participate in all aspects of the various services provided by the Pharmacy Technical Staff in the department, under the supervision of Specialist/Lead Technicians and Pharmacists within each service area.

To further develop knowledge & skills in each service area and embark on appropriate training to obtain checking competencies & accreditation applicable to duties assigned.

KEY RESULT AREAS / MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• To issue, assemble and check (where appropriate) Pharmacy Ward Orders and Bulk Issue Picking Lists received via the Pharmacy Computer System or Pharmacy e‑mail account (Community Users), for distribution to wards and other users, keeping appropriate records as required. Communicate with Nursing and Clinical Pharmacy Staff as appropriate.
• To dispense discharge medication and outpatient prescription medication for Patients, utilising the pharmacy computer system to generate labels, produce compliance aids and issue stock, as required.
• To carry out broken pack dispensing or pre‑packing of solid or liquid medicines where appropriate, keeping appropriate records as required.
• To accurately prepare extemporaneous preparations utilising the appropriate equipment as specified in the formulation procedures, ensuring maintenance of accurate records and adherence to COSHH regulations.
• To participate in the provision of ‘Bulk Issues’ – ordering, reviewing and monitoring stock of drugs, dressings and medical and surgical consumables at ward /departmental level.
• To assist with periodic audit visits to applicable Community Facilities in order to ensure appropriate monitoring of stock and management of returns is achieved.
• To dispense Controlled Drugs, under the supervision of a Pharmacist, maintaining appropriate records and assisting in daily Controlled Drug stock checks as appropriate.
• To help monitor and maintain stock within the Main Pharmacy Department by assisting in physical stock checks.
• To assist in the processing & checking (where appropriate) of returns from users, according to the departmental returns procedure.
• To participate in the provision of the technical aspects of the Medicines Management Service by performing daily Kardex checks to facilitate stocking of Patients medicine drawers/ medicine trolleys (as appropriate), raising Pharmacy Ward Orders for non-stock items as required. This includes service provision within off‑site Community Settings such as Community Hospitals/Intermediate Care Facilities.
• To assess Patients Own Drugs on admission to hospital, in accordance with agreed hospital policy and standard operating procedures.
• To undertake modules of the Medicines Management Accredited Programme applicable to assigned duties, where appropriate.
• To assist in risk management by ensuring all errors and near misses are reported in accordance with Departmental and NHSCT procedures.
• To participate in the preparation and dispensing of aseptic products, according to the Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice, relevant pharmaceutical guidelines and local procedures, utilising the isolator.
• To participate in the preparation of cytotoxic drugs and the dispensing of associated items for the Chemotherapy Unit according to provisions in point above.
• To assist in ensuring that all necessary quality control tests are carried out according to Quality Control Pharmacist recommendations and that results are monitored, fed back to appropriate staff and relevant action taken, whilst working in specialist services.
• To participate in the provision of Vaccine Dispensing and Distribution Services across the Trust for the Childhood Immunisation, Occupational Health and School Immunisation Team Programmes.
• To participate in the various service area rotas in order to ensure the smooth running of the department.
• To assist with the maintenance of all documentation, manual and electronic, relevant to the service provided.
• To become competent in the operation of all Pharmacy computer & information systems used, including Encompass, EPIC, JAC Pharmacy System, Pharmacy Robot system, RISOH system, Prescription Tracker System, Patient Centre, NIECR, Microsoft Office Software, Trust email / intranet.
• To assist in the development and introduction of new technologies, working practices, products and Patient focused schemes designed to improve the efficiency of the service or improve Patient care.
• To assist in the induction, training, education and supervision of Student Pharmacy Technicians/Pharmacy Assistants/Pharmacy Support Workers/Pharmacy Students in liaison with Specialist/Lead Technicians and Pharmacists.
• To comply with all relevant registration and CPD requirements and continue to develop knowledge defined by the needs of the services.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Employees of the Trust will be required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and: At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner
• At all times demonstrate practice the HSC values of Working Together, Excellence, Openness & Honesty and Compassion
• Carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner which assures patient and client safety
• Comply with all instructions in regard to Infection Prevention and Control
• Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them
• Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy
• Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with health and safety policy and statutory regulations
• Adhere to equal opportunities policy throughout the course of their employment
• Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in service provision
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct for HSC Employees which aims to guide staff, managers and employers in the work that they do and the decisions and choices they have to make. Professional staff are expected to follow the code of conduct for their own professions as well as this code.
• The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with the NHSCT Raising Concerns Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT

All employees of the Northern Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e‑mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including (for example) the ICT Security Policy, Data Quality and Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

SALARY

BAND 4 £27,485 - £30,162 per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time).

RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK

Please note this role may not meet the requirements for a Skilled Worker visa (including a Health and Care Worker visa) and the Trust therefore would be unable to employ anyone that requires Sponsorship. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration).

HOURS

Normal full‑time hours of duty are 37½ hours per week, exclusive of meal times

MEDICAL

Appointment will be subject to a successful pre‑employment health assessment.

HOLIDAYS

27 days each year; 29 days after 5 years’ service; 33 days after 10 years’ service and 10 statutory and public holidays.

PENSION

The post‑holder can participate in the Health Social Care Pension Scheme.

NORTHERN TRUST BENEFITS

You can explore the benefits on offer to you in the Northern Trust by clicking here

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

You will serve a probationary period of normally six months.

WAITING LIST

A waiting list may be compiled for similar permanent/temporary, full/part time posts which may arise within the next 6 months.

PAY PROTECTION

Legacy Trust Staff who apply for a promotion after 1 April 2011 should be aware that they will lose their legacy protection arrangements and will be entitled to pay protection in accordance with circular HSS (JNF)(1) 2011. This circular will also apply to legacy staff who are currently in receipt of protection and who move post on promotion.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

Title of Post: Pharmacy Technician
Band of Post: 4
Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.
Volunteering experience may be considered appropriate in particular for roles within the context of direct patient/client care.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Experience
Qualifications/ Registration
If qualified after June 2009:
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians
or
BTEC and NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services, or equivalent knowledge and competency based qualifications in Pharmacy, plus minimum of 18 months relevant work based experience for a minimum of 14 hours per week
If qualified before June 2009:
BTEC level 3 National Certificate in Pharmacy Services or equivalent knowledge based qualification
OR
NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent competency based qualification in Pharmacy, plus minimum of 18 months relevant work based experience for a minimum of 14 hours per week
Trainee Pharmacy Technicians qualifying before September 2026 will be eligible to apply and appointed subject to completing & passing a Pharmacy Technician qualification currently recognised by GPhC. This includes the new Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians.
Equivalent knowledge based qualifications include -
City and Guilds Level 3 Cert in Pharmacy Services (100/5845/X)
SQA Level 3 Cert in Pharmacy Services (G753 04 or GA646)
NPA Level 3 Underpinning Knowledge Programme
Buttercups Level 3 Knowledge Based Programme
Equivalent NVQ3 qualifications include -
City and Guilds NVQ3 Pharmacy Services (100/2201/6 or 500/0576/6)
Edexcel NVQ3 Pharmacy Services (100/2615/0 or 500/9578/X)
SQA Level 3 Pharmacy Services (G759 23 or GA08 23)

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other
Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.
Normal working hours, 37.5 hours across a 7 day week, to include working shifts, evenings, weekends and public holidays as required, to meet the needs of the service.

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
Computer literacy
Organisational ability and time management skills
Demonstrate commitment to task
Ability to work on own initiative
Interview / Test
Knowledge
Knowledge of current trends in Health and Social Care (HSC) in NI
Knowledge of Pharmacy Services provided within a hospital
Knowledge of the job role
Knowledge of Pharmacy computer & information systems
Interview / Test
The following additional clarification is provided:

Value Based Recruitment

Value Based Recruitment is a process adopted by the Northern Trust to attract and select employees on the basis that their individual values and behaviours align with those of the Trust.
It focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ people do what they do.
Candidates who are short‑listed for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required knowledge, skills, competencies and values to be effective in this new role.
In answering the value based questions you have the opportunity to share examples of when you have demonstrated values relevant to the Northern Trust.

Criminal Offences, Investigations and Charges

Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with the Trust. This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences or other information contained on a disclosure certificate. Where it is necessary to obtain an Access NI disclosure the Trust operates in line with the Access NI Code of Practice (www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/accessni-code-practice). If you require further information or a copy of the policy on the recruitment of ex‑offenders or the policy on the Secure Handling, Use, Storage and Retention of Disclosure Information, please contact the Trust Human Resources Department.

THE NHSCT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Successful applicants:
may be required to attend for a Health Assessment
can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply.
have the right to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi‑time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term‑time working, Job‑share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.

September 2026

#J-18808-Ljbffr