Senior Pharmacy Assistant

We are looking for a bright, motivated individual to work within our pharmacy stores team as a Senior Pharmacy assistant.

The Pharmacy Stores and Distribution Department have two Band 3 assistants who work on a monthly rotational basis. One post has responsibility for the stores function and the other post has the responsibility for distribution of stock medicines to wards and expiry dates.

Excellent communication skills are a must in this busy department, whilst ensuring accuracy and attention to detail is maintained.

The Senior Pharmacy Assistant Distribution will;
1. Assist and deputise for the Senior Pharmacy Technician in the management of the Pharmacy Stores and Distribution Department.
2. Supervise and assist in the training of pharmacy assistants and other pharmacy trainees.
3. Ensure all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are adhered to by all stores staff.

Role A Stores
1. Be responsible for ensuring the store is functioning appropriately and all medicine deliveries are dealt with appropriately.
2. Manage the daily stock count system and ensure all counts and investigations are done on a daily basis.

Role B Distribution
1. Be responsible for ensuring the ward top up service is functioning on a daily basis and the associated expiry date checks are being undertaken in line with the agreed procedures.
2. Manage the ward medicines expiry check process and ensure that all appropriate records are maintained.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is now one of the largest in the country, with a workforce of approximately 15,000 who serve a population of 1.2 million people.

We work together, and in conjunction with MSE Health and Care Partnership, to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients in a compassionate way, and provide a respectful, but vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

From facilities through to consultant specialists we want to be the best, to achieve this we need to recruit not just those who are the finest in their field but also those who have the potential to be. Yes, experience is important but so is outlook - if you are dynamic, forward-thinking and enthusiastic we want you to join us.

We not only offer you a good working environment with flexible working opportunities, but also the opportunity to develop your career with access to appropriate training for your job and the support to succeed and progress

For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description, but some of the responsibilities include

Stores
1. Be responsible for and participate in the receipt of orders and storekeeping duties and inputting into the pharmacy system in a timely manner as per procedure.
2. Be responsible for ensuring that all price queries on wholesaler delivery notes are identified and referred to the pharmacy procurement team for resolution in line with the agreed procedure.
3. Be responsible for undertaking the daily stock count, authorising entries and informing the Pharmacy Distribution Manager of any stock issues of high costs.
4. To communicate effectively with all grades of staff, the Pharmacy Distribution Manager, Pharmacy Procurement and ward pharmacists with regard to stock issues.
5. Supervise the process of dealing with returns from wards and ensure they are dealt with appropriately

Distribution

1. Be responsible for allocating rostered staff for the ward topping up service and ensuring this is completed on a daily basis as per procedure.
2. Participate in the ward topping-up service to maintain appropriate stock levels and place orders for wards/departments as required.
3. Distribute pharmaceutical products to wards and departments
4. Supervise the system of ward expiry date checks and ensure all records are maintained.
5. Supervise and assist in the training of all pharmacy staff allocated to work within pharmacy distribution.

General
1. Answer telephone enquiries, resolve or refer as necessary.
2. Contribute to the production of SOPs for stores and distribution
3. Action MHRA drug recalls in a specified time frame.
4. Provide computer support to the Senior Technician Distribution and to ensure accurate input of data using the pharmacy computer system.
5. Deliver goods between hospitals and to patients at home if required using the pharmacy vehicle.
6. Participate in Saturday and Sunday and Bank holiday working rosters
7. Carry out such duties as may be required from time to time to ensure maintenance of a high quality service and which are considered to be relevant to this post.