At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Pharmacy Technician, managing medication and supporting healthcare in a prison environment.
- Company: HMP Chelmsford, committed to transforming health and care with high standards.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, access to wages as you earn, discounts, and mental wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while gaining valuable experience in a unique setting.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, registered Pharmacy Technician with GPhC membership.
The predicted salary is between 32648 - 39177 € per year.
Weekly contracted hours: 40
Location: Chelmsford
Closing Date: 24/05/2026
Job Category: HCRG - Allied Health Professionals
Service type: HCRG - Custodial Services
Package Description
- Salary of £32,648.00 - £39,177.60 depending on experience, and Group Pension.
- Receive a competitive salary enhancement for working pattern will vary each week and will include weekend coverage.
- Membership of My Reward Hub, giving you access to discounts on everyday purchases like grocery shopping as well as cashback and voucher offers for treats for you and those special to you.
- Access to your wages as you earn them to help cover life's emergencies and avoid overdraft fees or high interest rates.
- Online and face to face help with your mental and physical wellbeing – from healthy recipes and activity challenges through to post trauma support, legal, debt and life management help, as well as career coaching and counselling.
- Access to eLearning, bespoke career pathways and opportunities for continuing professional development through our ‘Outstanding’ learning and development team, The Learning Enterprise.
- An open, just culture where you’re encouraged to have and implement ideas which can help us deliver our purpose: changing lives through transforming health and care – backed up by at least £100,000 of ringfenced innovation funding each year.
- The pride of working for an organisation committed to the highest clinical and quality standards: with the majority of our rated services holding “good” or “outstanding” ratings from the Care Quality Commission.
Job Introduction
We are seeking a dedicated and reliable Pharmacy Technician to join our healthcare team within the HMP Chelmsford prison. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the delivery of pharmaceutical services in a secure and structured environment. You will play a key role in supporting the prison healthcare team, managing medication administration, and ensuring the effective delivery of pharmaceutical services.
Working pattern: 40 hours per week, spread over four days (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM), following a rolling schedule over an eight-week period. The working pattern will vary each week and will include weekend coverage. Part time option may also be considered.
Key Responsibilities
- The post holder will work as an effective member of the Pharmacy team in providing healthcare services, including medication administration to the patients.
- They will assist in the delivery of a high quality pharmacy service, providing medicines management services to assist in tackling identified inequalities within the prison.
- The post holder will also provide pharmacy related information to patients, prison officers and other healthcare professionals, ensuring that the level of advice given is appropriate to need.
- The role requires autonomous function and within the scope of competency, whilst being a support and resource to less experienced members of staff.
- Assist with the implementation and development of pharmacy support to all the residential wings in the prison which includes, where appropriate, advising patients on the correct use of medication.
- Maintain clear and comprehensive, signed and contemporaneous records both written and electronic.
- Recognise signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal and support patients with substance misuse problems, support patients who are distressed and could be at risk of harming themselves or others or could be at risk of suicide.
- Communicate effectively with other team members, prison staff and external agencies both verbally and written.
- Undertake all mandatory and additional training as identified.
- Use and encourage others to be familiar with the security systems within the prison.
- Undertake all duties as required of a Pharmaceutical Professional in HMP Chelmsford and to comply with the competencies, knowledge and skills framework of the Department of Health.
The Ideal Candidate Person Specification
- Excellent communication and inter-personal skills
- Ability to build and develop relationships
- Must be confident and capable of autonomous practice and able to work independently
Essential Experience / Qualifications
- Qualified with an NVQ Level 3, BTEC or equivalent
- Registered Pharmacy Technician with current General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) membership
- All candidates are subject to prison vetting checks
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multi professional team within a fast-paced environment
- Experience in a Prison environment
- Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
We're committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from a broad, diverse range of people who want to join our team. We’re a Disability Confident Committed company, so we work to provide facilities, work environment adjustments and technical solutions to be as inclusive of everyone.
Pharmacy Technician - HMP Chelmsford employer: Operose Health
At HMP Chelmsford, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With competitive salaries, access to innovative training opportunities, and a commitment to maintaining the highest clinical standards, our Pharmacy Technicians play a vital role in transforming healthcare within the prison system. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a range of benefits designed to enhance your work-life balance and career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pharmacy Technician - HMP Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at HMP Chelmsford on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to pharmacy and prison healthcare. We can even do mock interviews together to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for the role! During the interview, share why you want to work in a prison environment and how you can contribute to the healthcare team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and helps us keep track of all candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Pharmacy Technician - HMP Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Pharmacy Technician role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualifications and your current GPhC membership. These are essential for us, so make them stand out in your application!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Operose Health
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician in a prison environment. Familiarise yourself with medication administration protocols and the unique challenges faced in custodial healthcare. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when interacting with patients and prison staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information in the past. Think about times when you’ve had to build relationships or resolve conflicts, as these experiences will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle real-life situations in a prison setting. Practice responses to questions like how you would manage a patient showing signs of withdrawal or how you would communicate sensitive information. This will show that you can think on your feet and apply your knowledge practically.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Continuous Learning
The role offers opportunities for professional development, so be ready to discuss your commitment to ongoing education. Mention any relevant training or courses you’ve completed, and express your enthusiasm for further learning opportunities within the organisation. This shows that you’re proactive and dedicated to improving your skills.
