Job summary
To be 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 lead dispenser/Practice 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:
1. To be responsible for checking all medicines dispensed, ensuring there are no discrepancies
2. Dispensing medicines to the entitled population safely and accurately
3. Collecting prescription charges in accordance with dispensary protocol
4. Maintaining stock levels within the dispensary, liaising with the dispensary manager to facilitate reordering
5. Receiving and storing supplies in accordance with current policy, ensuring the cold chain is maintained where applicable
6. Ensuring controlled drugs are dispensed in accordance with practice policy
7. Safe disposal of returned and/or out of date medicines
8. Ensuring all repeat prescriptions are processed within a 48-hour timeframe
9. Providing patients with advice regarding all prescription matters
10. Process prescription requests via email, phone, fax, face-to-face and online
11. Processing Dossett boxes
12. Assisting the dispensary manager in the preparation of monthly returns
13. Maintaining a clean and safe working environment at all times
14. Maintain accurate records at all times, read coding entries appropriately
Secondary responsibilities
In addition to the primary responsibilities, the dispenser may be requested to:
15. Partake in audit as directed by the audit lead
16. Provide guidance for trainee dispensary staff and students as necessary
17. Remain current with the latest guidance ensuring the dispensary conforms to NICE, CQC etc guidance
18. Carry out reception/admin duties
Person specification Dispenser
Qualifications
Qualified Dispenser (NVQ Level 2)
GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths at Grade C (4) or above
Experience
Essential
Experience of working in a dispensary
Experience working with the general public/patients
Desirable
Experience of working in primary care
Broad knowledge of general practice
Skills
Essential
Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
Strong IT skills
Clear, polite telephone manner
Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
Ability to promote best practice regarding all pharmaceutical matters
Effective time management (planning and organising)
Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
Good interpersonal skills
Problem solving and analytical skills
Ability to follow policy and procedure
Desirable
EMIS/SystmOne/Vision user skills
Capable of managing payments (invoices, cash etc)
Ability to effectively manage stock including ordering, rotation, disposal etc.
Personal qualities
Essential
Polite and confident
Flexible and cooperative
Motivated
Forward thinker
High levels of integrity and loyalty
Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
Ability to work under pressure
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
19. Experience of working in a dispensary
20. Experience working with the general public/patients
Desirable
21. Experience of working in primary care
22. Broad knowledge of general practice
Qualifications
Essential
23. Qualified Dispenser (NVQ Level 2)
24. GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths at Grade C (4) or above
Skills
Essential
25. Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
26. Strong IT skills
27. Clear, polite telephone manner
28. Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
29. Ability to promote best practice regarding all pharmaceutical matters
30. Effective time management (planning and organising)
31. Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
32. Good interpersonal skills
33. Problem solving and analytical skills
34. Ability to follow policy and procedure
Desirable
35. EMIS/SystmOne/Vision user skills
36. Capable of managing payments (invoices, cash etc)
37. Ability to effectively manage stock including ordering, rotation, disposal etc.
Personal Qualities
Essential
38. Polite and confident
39. Flexible and cooperative
40. Motivated
41. Forward thinker
42. High levels of integrity and loyalty
43. Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
44. Ability to work under pressure