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- Tasks: Join our Clinical Support Team to provide top-notch patient care and assist with medication dispensing.
- Company: Willows Veterinary Centre is a leading small animal referral centre known for excellence in pet healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks holiday, career progression, wellness programmes, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in clinical support with full training in a supportive, team-oriented environment.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; strong communication skills and a fast-paced work background are preferred.
- Other info: Monthly treat days and opportunities for professional development await you!
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 29000 £ per year.
Job Description
Salary: £24,364.08 (Tier 1 scale of the PCA banding)
Location: Willows Veterinary Centre
Job Type: Full Time Position
Hours: 38 hours averaged per week – 1:6 weekend shifts including bank holidays
Your role and responsibilities
The successful applicant will work as part of the Clinical Support Team to provide consistently high standards of patient care while ensuring practice standards are maintained to a high quality.
This position offers an opportunity to gain experience in a pharmaceutical-focused role, supporting inpatient and outpatient medication dispensing, inventory control, and clinical stockroom management. While prior experience in a veterinary setting, pharmacy, or a reception/dispensing role would be ideal, it is not essential. A background in a fast-paced work environment and strong communication skills are highly desirable, as the role requires close teamwork and occasional client interaction (approximately 40% of the role).
You will be supported through full training and induction. Animal-related qualifications or an SQP qualification are beneficial but not required.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to build a career in clinical support within a well-established hospital known for its excellence, sustainability, and strong team culture.
As part of the team, you will be working alongside:
- 4 Pharmacy Patient Care Assistants
- 1 Stock Controller
- 1 Lead RVN
- 1 Team Leader RVN
Additional team benefits include a treat day every month provided by the senior leadership team.
Key duties and responsibilities may include:
- Dispensing medications for consultations, inpatients, and discharges as per veterinary surgeon instructions, following RCVS guidelines
- Daily stock checks of medications and consumables, placing orders accordingly
- Accepting deliveries, checking orders, and organising storage in accordance with manufacturer requirements
- Liaising with veterinary surgeons to support medication and consumable queries
- Supporting stock takes throughout the year
- Preparing medications to be dispensed for patients
- Placing orders with suppliers for medications and consumables in accordance with legislation
- Implementing appropriate infection control measures throughout the hospital, including regular cleaning schedules
- Participating in cleaning and maintenance of patient and clinical areas
- This is a client-facing role to a degree, including telephone communications with clients
- Supporting reception where necessary
- Contributing to team discussions and initiatives
- Welcoming and supporting visiting professionals, students, and work placements
- Access to public transport is beneficial for applicants
This is a great opportunity for an individual wishing to start or further their career in clinical support. Many of our Patient Care Assistants have gone on to have successful careers in veterinary nursing. Full support and training will be provided.
Benefits
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
- External CPD funded
- Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD programme
- Career progression opportunities
- Staff discount schemes
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- E-car salary sacrifice scheme
- Employer contribution pension scheme
- Wellness programme including:
- Employee assistance programme
- Eyecare voucher scheme
- Free annual flu jab
- Cycle to work scheme
- Recruitment referral reward scheme
About us
Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service is one of the leading small animal referral centres in the world, delivering the highest possible standard of pet healthcare for over 30 years.
Our vision is to provide an unrivalled clinical, patient, client and team experience that is recognised for excellence across the world. Our values centre around the care of our patients, our clients, our referring vets, each other, and the environment – all working together to make a better world for pets.
Willows is widely known for the delivery of CPD, and we strongly encourage all our associates to continually develop their skills and knowledge. We employ over 250 Associates working as part of an outstanding multi-disciplinary team led by internationally-renowned Specialists. Our service teams include orthopaedics, neurology, ophthalmology, internal medicine, clinical nutrition, oncology, soft tissue surgery, cardiology, dermatology, emergency and critical care (ECC), anaesthesia and analgesia, diagnostic imaging and physiotherapy.
In-patient care is a priority and includes 24-hour veterinary and nursing cover, with support from a team of emergency vets and interns. Our hospital facilities are of the highest quality, including on-site Siemens 64-slice CT, Siemens 1.5T MRI, two in-theatre mobile image intensifiers, two digital radiography rooms, ultrasonography, electro diagnostics, video endoscopy and an extensive range of advanced surgical equipment. #J-18808-Ljbffr
PCA - Pharmacy Patient Care Assistant - Veterinary employer: Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service
Contact Detail:
Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PCA - Pharmacy Patient Care Assistant - Veterinary
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Pharmacy Patient Care Assistant. Understanding the role's responsibilities, such as medication dispensing and stock management, will help you demonstrate your knowledge during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in fast-paced environments, even if it's not directly related to veterinary care. This can show your ability to handle the demands of the role and work effectively within a team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your communication skills, especially in client-facing situations. Since this role involves interaction with clients, being able to articulate your approach to customer service can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Willows Veterinary Centre and its values. Being able to align your personal values with those of the organisation can demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the role, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace PCA - Pharmacy Patient Care Assistant - Veterinary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience, especially in pharmacy or veterinary settings. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment, as these are key for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal care and your eagerness to learn. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the PCA role and express your enthusiasm for joining the Willows Veterinary Centre team.
Highlight Teamwork Experience: Since the role involves close teamwork, include examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. This could be from previous jobs, volunteer work, or even group projects during your studies.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a clinical support role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Care
Make sure to express your genuine interest in animal welfare and veterinary care during the interview. Share any relevant experiences, even if they are not directly related to the role, to demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves client interaction, it's crucial to showcase your strong communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Veterinary Practices
Even if you don't have direct experience, do some research on common veterinary practices and terminology. This will show your initiative and help you feel more confident when discussing the role and responsibilities.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers about the team culture, training opportunities, and career progression. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.