Summary
This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a dedicated and expert team in a community-based pharmacy. It’s a great chance to start your career whilst being supported by a great team.
Annual wage
£11,648 a year
Training course
Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm, shifts, may work evenings and weekends.
35 hours a week
Possible start date
Monday 3 February
Duration
1 year 3 months
Positions available
1
Work
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
* Handling customer queries with confidence
* Collection of prescription charges/checking patient exemption statements
* Operation of efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the dispensary with the objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage
* Ensuring that drugs are received and stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions
* Ensuring that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and maintaining the temperature control record/logbook
* Ensuring that all dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order
* Maintaining full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions
* Ordering and unpacking drugs and dressings
* Dispensing and checking repeat prescriptions and prescriptions from surgeries under the supervision of a dispenser
* Taking orders for repeats and dealing with queries from district nurses and support staff
* Using the computer to keep records up to date
* Dealing with queries from patients regarding their prescriptions
* Handling controlled drugs (and keeping a register)
* Handling prescription money and operating/balancing the till
* Assisting when required to meet targets in relation to dispensing doctors’ scheme
* Assisting in stock checks
* Attending Matthew Boulton College at least 1 day per week
Where you’ll work
Ombersley Street East
Droitwich
WR9 8RD
Training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
College or training organisation
BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE
Your training course
Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)
Equal to GCSE
Course contents
* receive and log prescriptions
* assemble prescribed items, undertake an in-process accuracy check and issue prescribed items
* work according to legislative requirements, and organisational policies
* order, receive, maintain and issue pharmaceutical stock
* provide appropriate advice when authorised on supplied medicines and products, their storage and disposal
* work within the parameters of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the pharmacy
* act in accordance with systems and organisational governance
* recognise and act within the pharmacy regulatory, legal and ethical standards
* support the team in the development of others
* maintain and further develop your own skills and knowledge through development activities; maintain evidence of your personal development and actively prepare for and participate in appraisal
* communicate effectively with the public, carers and other health and social care professionals using a range of techniques to determine their needs, and keep information confidential
* handle information (record, report and store information) related to individuals and/or patients in line with local and national policies
* use pharmacy IT systems and other IT resources according to legislative requirements and organisational policies
* demonstrate person centred care and support within a pharmacy setting
* make pharmacy patients and patient safety your first concern
* use judgement and refer service user as appropriate to another member of the team, GP, healthcare worker, manufacturer etc
* maintain the interests of patients and the health of the public
* promote and advocate equality, diversity and inclusion
* promote healthy lifestyles to customers
* work safely within the parameters of your role using Standard Operating Procedures
* apply policies which relate to health and safety at work
* act appropriately in situations to prevent harm to yourself and others
Your training plan
This is a Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant standard that includes the following:
* Upon successful completion, the apprentice will achieve a Pharmacy Services Assistant Level 2 qualification
* The 20% off the job training is delivered 1 day a week with the apprentice attending Matthew Boulton College in Birmingham
* In-house training provided by the employer
* On-programme learning that will meet all the Knowledge, Skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the standard and prepare apprentices for their End Point Assessment (EPA). Mock tests and practice runs will be arranged as the EPA approaches
* General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) approved Dispensing and Medicine Counter Assistant (MCA) qualification
Requirements
Essential qualifications
Other in:
* English (grade 4/C or above)
* Maths (grade 4/C or above)
Desirable qualifications
Other in:
* Science (grade 4/C or above)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Administrative skills
* Number skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
* Patience
Other requirements
As part of this apprenticeship, you will be required to travel to both the employer location and also attend college. Please ensure that you have researched your travel arrangements and are happy with the time it will take and distance required to travel, before you apply for this vacancy.