Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Foundation Pharmacy Technician Community Services and Mental Health

The closing date is 22 April 2026

Job summary

Are you a newly qualified Pharmacy Technician or an existing Pharmacy Technician looking for a new challenge? We are looking for a Foundation Pharmacy Technician to join the team at Dorset Healthcare.

As part of this role you will work in both Physical and Mental Health settings as well as supporting our community teams such as Hospital at Home. You will be fully supported in developing your skills and knowledge inline with our in-house Foundation Pharmacy Technician Training Programme.

You will have the opportunity to work in our inpatient hospital settings (Physical and Mental health) as well as working in our in-house dispensary at St Ann's. You will undertake Medicines Management visits to our inpatient wards and with training also undertake domiciliary home visits .

This role will be primarily based in the Poole ,Bournemouth and Sandbanks Areas - although you may on occasions be required to travel across Dorset.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Employment in this post requires a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

Main duties of the job

  • Work with the Senior Localities Pharmacy Technician and the Dispensary Manager St Ann's in order to participate in the provision of an efficient and comprehensive pharmaceutical service to all wards, units, clinics and departments to which the Trust provides a service.
  • To provide a quality and consistent service contributing to the safe and secure handling of medicines within the Trust
  • To participate in the provision of medicines management/ optimisation services at ward level according to protocol and procedures, contributing to effective patient care, enabling home visit trained Medicines Management Technicians to support the Virtual Ward service.
  • To provide advice to healthcare professionals with regard to prescribing and stock supplies, within the guidance of standard operating procedures and operating within own limits.
  • To assist the nurse in charge at Clozapine clinics which operate Point of Care Blood Analysis and to provide assurance to the Chief Pharmacist that procedures are being correctly adhered to in the clinic.
  • Foundation Pharmacy Technicians are expected to work with full training and support to achieve foundation pharmacy technician competencies in dispensary and medicines optimisation services as defined by relevant frameworks
  • Take part in own continuing professional development in order to consistently meet the requirements of the role

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Details

Date posted

08 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,392 to £31,157 a year p.a

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

152-S222.25

Job locations

Sentinel House

Nuffield Industrial Estate

Poole

BH17 0RB


Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Person Specification

Knowledge, skills and training

Essential

  • Registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the GPhC
  • Holds additional Pharmacy Technician qualifications nationally recognised
  • Demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional development.

Desirable

  • Accredited Final Accuracy Checking
  • Medicines Optimisation / Management Accreditation

Job specific experience

Essential

  • Experience of working as pharmacy technician within a pharmacy dispensary.
  • Demonstrated understanding of medicines management practices
  • Knowledge of efficient stock control

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working towards and meeting deadlines
  • Evidence of Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Personal Qualities / Aptitudes

Essential

  • Evidence of demonstrating the Trust's values and behaviours.
  • Team player.
  • Ability to organise and manage own time
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Adaptable, receptive to change, receptive to feedback and willing to learn
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm and initiative

Desirable

  • Interest in mental health and community services

Information Technology/ Resources

Essential

  • Basic I.T. skills

Desirable

  • Understanding the fundamental functions of a pharmacy computer system
  • Previous experience using SystmOne

Business Travel

Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business
Person Specification

Knowledge, skills and training

Essential

  • Registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the GPhC
  • Holds additional Pharmacy Technician qualifications nationally recognised
  • Demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional development.

Desirable

  • Accredited Final Accuracy Checking
  • Medicines Optimisation / Management Accreditation

Job specific experience

Essential

  • Experience of working as pharmacy technician within a pharmacy dispensary.
  • Demonstrated understanding of medicines management practices
  • Knowledge of efficient stock control

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working towards and meeting deadlines
  • Evidence of Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Personal Qualities / Aptitudes

Essential

  • Evidence of demonstrating the Trust's values and behaviours.
  • Team player.
  • Ability to organise and manage own time
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Adaptable, receptive to change, receptive to feedback and willing to learn
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm and initiative

Desirable

  • Interest in mental health and community services

Information Technology/ Resources

Essential

  • Basic I.T. skills

Desirable

  • Understanding the fundamental functions of a pharmacy computer system
  • Previous experience using SystmOne

Business Travel

Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Sentinel House

Nuffield Industrial Estate

Poole

BH17 0RB


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Sentinel House

Nuffield Industrial Estate

Poole

BH17 0RB


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Senior Localities Pharmacy Technician

Heather Pickford

heather.pickford@nhs.net

07775587357

Details

Date posted

08 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,392 to £31,157 a year p.a

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

152-S222.25

Job locations

Sentinel House

Nuffield Industrial Estate

Poole

BH17 0RB


Supporting documents

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