Dispenser

**THIRSK DOCTORS SURGERY**

JOB DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATION

**Job title**

Dispenser

**Line manager**

Dispensary Manager

**Accountable to**

Practice Manager & GP Partners

**Hours per week**

25hpw, permanent contract with a 6 month probationary period

**Hourly Rate**

£10.98 per hour

**Job summary**

To be part of a friendly and efficient dispensary team responsible for the processing of prescriptions in accordance with practice policy and extant legislation. In addition, the post holder will be required to support the dispensary manager in ensuring a high-level of service is delivered at all times whilst supporting the multi-disciplinary team in line with the strategic objectives of the practice.

**Primary responsibilities**

The following are the core responsibilities of the Dispenser. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:

- To be responsible for checking all medicines dispensed, ensuring there are no discrepancies
- Dispensing medicines to the entitled population safely and accurately
- Collecting prescription charges in accordance with dispensary protocol
- Maintaining stock levels within the dispensary, liaising with the dispensary manager to facilitate reordering
- Receiving and storing supplies in accordance with current policy, ensuring the cold chain is maintained where applicable
- Ensuring controlled drugs are dispensed in accordance with practice policy
- Safe disposal of returned and/or out of date medicines
- Ensuring all repeat prescriptions are processed within a 72-hour timeframe
- Providing patients with advice regarding all prescription matters
- Process prescription requests via phone, face-to-face and online
- Processing Dossett boxes
- Assisting the dispensary manager in the preparation of monthly returns
- Maintaining a clean and safe working environment at all times
- Maintain accurate records at all times, read coding entries appropriately

**Secondary responsibilities**

In addition to the primary responsibilities, the dispenser may be requested to:

- Partake in audit as directed by the audit lead
- Provide guidance for trainee dispensary staff and students as necessary
- Remain current with the latest guidance ensuring the dispensary conforms to NICE, CQC etc guidance

**Person specification - Dispenser**

**Qualifications**

**Essential**

**Desirable**

Qualified Dispenser (minimum NVQ Level 2)GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths at Grade C (4) or above**Experience**

**Essential**

**Desirable**

Experience of working in a dispensaryExperience of working in primary careBroad knowledge of general practiceExperience working with the general public/patients**Skills**

**Essential**

**Desirable**

Excellent communication skills (written and oral)Strong IT skillsClear, polite telephone mannerCompetent in the use of Office and OutlookEMIS/SystmOne/Vision user skillsAbility to promote best practice regarding all pharmaceutical mattersEffective time management (planning and organising)Capable of managing payments (invoices, cash etc)Ability to work as a team member and autonomouslyGood interpersonal skillsProblem solving and analytical skillsAbility to follow policy and procedureAbility to effectively manage stock including ordering, rotation, disposal etc.**Personal qualities**

**Essential**

**Desirable**

Polite and confidentFlexible and cooperativeMotivatedForward thinkerHigh levels of integrity and loyaltySensitive and empathetic in distressing situationsAbility to work under pressure**Other requirements**

**Essential**

**Desirable**

Flexibility to work outside of core office hoursDisclosure Barring Service (DBS) checkEvidence of continuing professional developmentNotes:
This job description and person specification may be amended following consultation with the post holder to facilitate the development of the role, the organisation and the individual.

All personnel should be prepared to accept additional, or surrender existing duties, to enable the efficient running of the organisation.

**Generic responsibilities**

All staff at Thirsk Doctors Surgery have a duty to conform to the following:
**Equality, Diversity & Inclusion**

A good attitude and positive action towards ED&I creates an environment where all individuals are able to achieve their full potential. Creating such an environment is important for three reasons: it improves operational effectiveness, it is morally the right thing to do, and it is required by law.

**Safety, Health, Environment and Fire (SHEF)**

This organisation is committed to supporting and promoting opportunities for staff to maintain their health, wellbeing, and safety.

The post holder is to manage and assess risk within the areas of responsibility, ensuring adequate measures are in place to protect staff and patients and monitor work areas and practices to ensure they are safe and free from hazards and conform to health, sa