Dispensing Technicians and Assistants Careers

If you would like to apply to any of our positions that are available, please use our contact us page which can be found here

Pharmacy Technician

‘Pharmacy Technician’ is a protected title which means that a technician must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and have satisfied them that all the detailed requirements for registration have been met. Anyone who is not registered with the GPhC and practices as a technician is breaking the law and can be prosecuted, hence the protected status of the title.

  • Working under the direct supervision of the responsible pharmacist, to carry out activities connected with the preparation and supply of medicines to patients.
  • Provide medicines-related and healthy lifestyle advice to patients as well as assisting in the smooth operation of the pharmacy.

Key responsibilities

  • Select, label, compound and dispense pharmaceutical products in accordance with a prescription by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complying with all legal requirements. Ensure the safe and correct transfer of dispensed items to patients.
  • Identify medicine related problems or queries and bring these to the attention of the pharmacist and answer queries on the supply and availability of medicines, where it is within their competence.
  • Accurately maintain Patient Medication Records (PMR) to ensure patient safety and in accordance with data protection requirements.
  • Receive stock in accordance with SOPs and ensure the safe and appropriate storage of medicines, assisting with stock control and the maintenance of reasonable stock levels within the dispensary.
  • Liaise with other healthcare professionals to assist in the continuity of patient care across primary and secondary care.
  • Assist with service provision to care homes including the preparation of Monitored Dosage Systems and engagement of patients onto advanced services and assist with the provision of those services where appropriate.
  • Assist in providing pharmaceutical care to patients by carrying out reasonable duties as determined by the pharmacist.

Personal Specification 

  • Good attention to detail and high levels of concentration.
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills.
  • Excellent team working skills.
  • Good level of IT literacy and numeracy
  • A warm and friendly but professional attitude towards customers.
  • An ability to respond to medical queries in a sensitive and professional manner.
  • Experience of working in a retail environment (desirable).
  • Experience of handling money and maintaining finance records (desirable) 

Medicine Counter Assistant 

  • To be the first point of contact for all customers, serve customers appropriately and sensitively and provide the best possible advice with referral to the pharmacist if appropriate.

Key responsibilities

  • Ensure that the pharmacy environment is welcoming, clean and professional, greeting customers in a professional and friendly manner.
  • Accurately complete financial transactions with customers.
  • Respond to symptoms described by customers by following agreed protocols and using your own knowledge and judgement, with knowledge and understanding of the main features of stocked lines and the benefits to customers, select and recommend suitable products and provide advice on their correct use.
  • Provide advice on leading a healthy lifestyle and refer to the pharmacist when appropriate.
  • Receive prescriptions from customers and ensure they reach the dispensary in a timely manner, informing the customer of approximate waiting times and to manage their expectations.
  • Ensure the safe and correct transfer of dispensed items to patients according to the SOP.
  • Identify medicine related problems or queries and bring these to the attention of the pharmacist, answering queries on the supply and availability of medicines, where it is within your competence.
  • Assist with stock control and the maintenance of reasonable stock levels within the retail environment and receive stock in accordance with SOPs.
  • To assist with the engagement of patients onto advanced services such as MURs and NMS.
  • Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of over the counter remedies and minor ailments by reading journals, product information and training resources. Assist in providing pharmaceutical care to patients by carrying out reasonable duties as determined by needs of the business.

Personal Specification 

  • Good attention to detail and high levels of concentration.
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills.
  • Excellent team working skills.
  • Good level of IT literacy and numeracy
  • A warm and friendly but professional attitude towards customers.
  • An ability to respond to medical queries in a sensitive and professional manner.
  • Experience of working in a retail environment (desirable).
  • Experience of handling money and maintaining finance records (desirable)