Pharmacy Technician

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Practice Development and Clinical Governance

Participate in staff and primary healthcare team meetings.

Provide information for significant event analysis meeting where appropriate.

Investigate and report prescribing related incidents on SIRMS

Audit and ensure safety within the team. Identify and mitigate potential risks to ensure patient safety.

Be aware of practice polices on confidentiality, risk management and Health & Safety.

Be aware of issues and terminology related to clinical effectiveness.

Be committed to professional development, education and training.

Provide training and guidance to new and existing staff.

Conduct performance evaluations and offer constructive feedback to team members.

Handle scheduling, ensuring adequate staffing levels during busy times.

Promote a positive team culture, fostering collaboration and professionalism.

2. Partnership Issues

Work flexibly regarding sickness and holiday absence cover.

Keep abreast of medicines management issues and work with the lead GP for prescribing in developing and maintaining practice policies.

Work with and train staff dealing with repeat prescribing.

Work with key members of staff as required in managing changes to medication, as requested by clinical staff and secondary care.

Actively recruit patients for online access to order medication.

Support the equality, diversity and rights of patients carers and colleagues

Interact with patients to resolve any questions or concerns regarding medications.

Ensure confidentiality and privacy when handling patient prescriptions and records.

Address complaints and escalations, aiming for customer satisfaction.

3. Patient & Community Services

Support patient education by developing and improving patient information.

Manage repeat medication ordering process.

Maintain and manage prescription policies.

Provide a first point of contact for patients with prescribing related queries.

Develop excellent working relationships between the Practice and their local community Pharmacies and care/nursing homes.

Collaborate with pharmacists, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to ensure proper medication therapy. Bringing medication inline.

Communicate effectively with healthcare providers to clarify prescriptions or adjust medications based on patient needs.

Having regular contact with care homes aligned to the surgery, dealing with queries that arise.

Managing out of stock medication alternatives

4. Finance

Reduce waste by reducing the inappropriate issue of prescriptions.

Promote cost effective prescribing.

5. Human Resources

Manage Prescription Team members holidays, sickness, maternity, and any necessary cover.

Communicate effectively with other team members.

Work alongside Team Leads from other departments to provide the best service for patients.

Attend, participate in, and contribute to staff meetings.

Maintain appropriate records.

Support the appraisal process including the identification of own training needs.

Support induction of newly appointed medical receptionists.

Take responsibility for own time keeping, sickness and other absences in accordance with Practice policies.

6. Premises and Equipment

Monitor equipment and report operating problems.

Ensure use of Practice equipment is in accordance with the user manual and in line with its designated purpose.

Monitor premises and report any problems.

Contribute to ensuring premises security.

Contribute as requested to the operational elements of equipment and premises upgrades or moves.

7. Information Governance and IT Management

Comply with all Information Governance policies.

Comply with all IT usage policies.

Comply with standardised data entry protocols.

Comply with all systems for data security and protection.

Report problems with the servicing and maintenance of hardware.

Update Information Governance skills annually by following IG training plan.

Person Specification

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Essential:
• Excellent leadership and supervisory skills, including the ability to motivate and guide a team.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in prescription preparation and dispensing.
• In-depth knowledge of pharmacy practices, medication safety, and legal requirements.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues with prescription processing systems or medication management.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interactions with patients, staff, and healthcare professionals.
• Ability to handle challenging situations and resolve conflicts, with a focus on customer service.

Desirable

• Desirable:
• Ability to manage change and adapt to new systems or regulatory requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Proficiency in using advanced pharmacy management software and other relevant systems.
• Ability to implement and monitor quality control and safety measures.

Qualifications

Essential

• Pharmacy Technician Certification
• Relevant pharmacy technician qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3, BTEC, or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of medication and safety processes and clinical standards

Desirable

• Leadership or management qualifications (e.g., ILM, supervisory or management courses).

Experience

Essential

• Proven experience as a Pharmacy Technician, including several years working in various pharmacy settings (e.g., retail, hospital, or clinical).
• Demonstrated experience in supervising or leading a team of pharmacy technicians or support staff.
• Strong understanding of prescription processing, medication dispensing, and medication management.

Desirable

• Experience working in a leadership role within a prescription team or pharmacy management.
• Experience in working with pharmacy management software or other technology used in a pharmacy setting.(SystmOne)
• Previous involvement in training or developing staff.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Norton Medical Centre

Address

Norton Medical Centre

Billingham Road

Stockton-on-tees

Cleveland

TS20 2UZ

Employer's website

http://nortonmedicalcentre.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)