At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to repack medicines and support emergency services in a vital role.
- Company: Be part of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, making a difference every day.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 27 days holiday, career progression, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient care while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No prior pharmacy experience needed; just a willingness to learn and follow guidelines.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday, with opportunities for growth within a dynamic healthcare setting.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are looking for one Pharmacy Assistant to join our expanding team at Skypark in Exeter. There has never been a better time to join the Trust's Pharmacy Team within the Supply and Delivery Service as a Pharmacy Assistant. We are currently looking to transform our ways of working by introducing a Medicines Repacking Service across the Trust.
The Pharmacy team offering Medicine bag / pouch repacking will play a vital role in ensuring our front line crews are ready and able to respond to emergency situations by preparing our equipment to high standards. Moving short dated stocks to larger sites to give greater opportunities for them to be used so to reduce wastage.
The role of the Pharmacy Assistant is also a gateway to the organisation with opportunities to develop your career with us either within the Pharmacy Team, Supply and Delivery team or the wider Trust in both patient-facing and a variety of support roles.
Main duties of the job:- Pharmacy Assistants are responsible for repacking Medicine bags / pouches in a prescribed and controlled way ready for checking and finally use by our clinicians to treat patients.
- The role is a key operational support function which ensures patient safety whilst supporting Operations in meeting its targets.
- Receiving and storing medicines and pharmacy stock in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
- Effective stock rotation within the Stores area.
- Picking & packing Medicines into bags / pouches.
- Carrying out checking and other quality control processes.
- Supporting the returns and disposal processes.
- Liaising with relevant Pharmacy staff regarding issue resolution.
This is the start of a new initiative where we are seeking to develop our service and are looking for three committed people to work at Skypark, in Exeter. Working hours are Monday to Friday 08:30 - 16:30.
Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England of 10,000 square miles and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.
We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.
At the heart of our beautiful and diverse region we employ over 6000 people and are supported by over 575 volunteers. If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples' lives, then we would love to hear from you.
In return we will equip you with the skills, resources and development you need to thrive in your role. You will have opportunities to progress to roles at a higher pay grade and enjoy continuous professional development.
A standard working week of 37.5 hours. Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years. Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working. Career and salary progression. Car leasing scheme. Free parking across Trust sites. Cycle-to-work and other salary sacrifice schemes. Staff networks. Access to a wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK.
Job responsibilities:For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.
Right to work / Certificate of sponsorship:This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current Home Office regulations. You must have the existing right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.
Specification:Education and qualifications:
- Full Driving Licence with a maximum of 3 points, driving experience.
- Pharmacy Qualification or the ability to attain after a period of training.
- Previous experience (Paid/ Unpaid relevant to job).
- Experience in a role that required following strict guidelines and procedures.
- Previous experience of team working.
- Working in a trustworthy position.
- Previous experience in a pharmacy-related role.
- Experience of medicines management in a primary or secondary care setting.
Skills, Knowledge and Ability:
- Good computer literacy to operate an electronic inventory management system, use email, Excel and Word effectively and participate in video conference calls.
- Must be able to perform simple arithmetical tasks and work methodically.
- Experience of a digital inventory management system.
- Knowledge of processes involved in stock control and managing a store.
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.
Pharmacy Assistant in Exeter employer: SWAST
Contact Detail:
SWAST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pharmacy Assistant in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current Pharmacy Assistants or staff at South Western Ambulance Service on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the job. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of pharmacy practices and the specific role. Think about how your skills align with their needs, especially around stock management and quality control. Show them you’re ready to jump in and make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your passion for patient care during the interview. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to team success or improved processes in previous roles. They want to see that you embody their values of compassion and teamwork!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the Trust, making it easier to tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Pharmacy Assistant in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Pharmacy Assistant role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team at Skypark!
Showcase Relevant Experience: If you've got any previous experience in pharmacy or roles that required following strict guidelines, make it shine! We love seeing how your background can help us improve patient care.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our Pharmacy Team.
How to prepare for a job interview at SWAST
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Pharmacy Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like repacking medicine bags and stock management. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with others, be prepared to discuss your experience in team settings. Share examples of how you've collaborated effectively in the past, especially in high-pressure environments, as this aligns with the Trust's values.
✨Brush Up on Procedures
Review standard operating procedures related to pharmacy work. Being able to talk about quality control processes and stock rotation will demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to patient safety, which are crucial for this position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Medicines Repacking Service and the future direction of the Trust. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.