Job summary Expected Shortlisting Date 09/04/2025 Planned Interview Date 30/04/2025 Pharmacy Aseptics is a truly unique environment to work in, with career progression at its heart. We are a specialist branch of Pharmacy that works tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring life changing and lifesaving medications and treatments are prepared, this particular role is pivotal to achieving this. We are whole heartedly committed to continuing and nurturing the legacy of the NHS, by working together as a team to place patient care at the highest priority, essentially placing patient care above personal gain. This position is a great opportunity to either start a career in Aseptics or develop further within this specialised discipline. You will ideally be ambitious, self-motivated, committed, dynamic and have good practical skills, as this is a 'hands on' role. If these are qualities you possess, then we would love to hear from you. As the successful candidate you must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to work on your own initiative as well as working within a team. In return for your effort and commitment we will give you the opportunity to further develop your skills in a friendly and progressive department. The Pharmacy department is committed to on-going development ensuring you can reach your full potential. Main duties of the job You will be working across site, at each of our Aseptic Units (LGI and SJUH). You will be working with a number of different professions, performing a variety of different tasks, whilst working to strict deadlines. Overview of role: Worksheet writing, labelling and costing of medicines. Stock control (duties given to you by the Inventory Controllers). Cleaning of the Aseptic suite. Preparing CIVAs, Chemotherapy and Parenteral Nutrition using aseptic technique inside an isolator, whilst working in a clean room environment. This involves gowning up in sterile clean room clothing. Preparation of the clean room environment, including the assembly of raw materials. There will also be a requirement to help induct and train new members of staff once fully competent in the role. About us The Leeds Teaching Hospitals is one of the biggest NHS Trusts in the country, offering a range of both general and specialist hospital services with excellent clinical outcomes for patients. We have an international reputation for excellence in specialist care, research and academic training. Our vision as a Trust is to be the best for specialist and integrated care. This is underpinned by our values, The Leeds Way. The Leeds Way defines who we are, what we believe and how we will work together to deliver the best outcomes for our patients. MMPS is nationally recognised as an exemplar service. The CSU responsibilities span the provision and use of medicines across all patient pathways. We offer a range of diverse opportunities to all our staff https://youtu.be/yxygQFQZcr0. Our vision is Making it easy for people to get the most from their medicines and we are continually innovating to improve our services for patients and staff. Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions. Date posted 27 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £24,071 to £25,674 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number C9298-MMP-367 Job locations St. James's University Hospital Beckett Street Leeds LS9 7TF Job description Job responsibilities JOB DIMENSIONS The post holder will not have any line management responsibilities. They will provide induction and training for Pharmacy Services Assistants and Pharmacy Porters and other staff as required. The post holder will be required to work evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays on a rostered basis. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Level 2 Apprenticeship /Pharmacy Services Assistant or NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Services or Pharmacy Manufacturing Course. Experience of working in a community or hospital pharmacy. Knowledge of procedures of own working area following on the job training Knowledge of good customer care. Experience of stock control systems Must have excellent verbal communication skills. Ability to work accurately under pressure and follow standard operating procedures. Good literacy and numeracy skills Ability to interpret written instructions. Developed computer skills Ability to supervise and give instruction to Pharmacy Services Assistants and Porters and other staff as required 6. THE LEEDS WAY VALUES Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are: Patient-centred Collaborative Fair Accountable Empowered All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values 8. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS Team working Flexibility Reliability Trustworthy Honest Integrity Confidentiality Manage time effectively Can use initiative within limits of authority Good communication skills with colleagues, patients and other healthcare staff. Working accurately with attention to detail Ability to train others in line with S.O.Ps Use mistakes as a continuing learning experience Supports others through day to day supervision Commitment to provision of the best possible service Health and Safety/Risk Management All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system. Infection Control The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment. Equality and Diversity The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc. Patient and Public Involvement The Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and planning services. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback. Training and Personal Development Continuous Professional Development The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The jobholder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role. Respect for Patient Confidentiality The jobholder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role. COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS The post holder will maintain a close working relationship with the team they are working in, as well as the Pharmacy Technician Specialist. They will communicate with ward staff, patients/relatives referring when necessary. SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS PHYSICAL EFFORT: Accuracy, dexterity, manipulation and a degree of speed in the preparation and dispensing/assembly of medicines against written prescriptions/requisitions. This involves drawing up using syringes and weighing small amounts of raw materials. Physical effort required if lifting/moving boxes of fluids or dietary products. This can be on a daily basis and can weigh up to 10kg. There may be an infrequent need to handle goods up to 20kg. Senior Pharmacy Services Assistants working in Stores and Distribution will be required to frequently lift heavy boxes up to 20kg throughout a shift. They will also be required to move, using specialist equipment, weights above 20kg. This will be at intervals throughout the day. MENTAL EFFORT: Concentration is required to label, assemble, prepare and dispense medicines against a written prescription/requisition. This activity is performed all day but the post holder has regular short breaks between tasks. Examples are:- to label a prescription can take approx 5-10 minutes then move away from PC and start to assemble medicines required. Then dispense medicines and leave for accuracy checking. To prepare medicines in an aseptic unit may require longer period of concentration with a longer break after a period of up to 3 hours. Controlled Drug dispensing requires concentration as specific checks have to be made at all stages of labelling and dispensing. Senior Pharmacy Services Assistants working in Pharmacy Stores/Distribution may be required to be trained and certified to operate manual handling equipment such as fork lift truck and automated pallet movers. This would be on average 2-3 hours a day. Senior Pharmacy Services Assistants working in Pharmacy Stores/Distribution Warehouse are required to accuracy check orders for periods of up to 3 hours. EMOTIONAL EFFORT: Some prescriptions can be for terminally ill patients. Also, when working in an out-patient dispensary, staff are dealing with patients who have various conditions and can on occasion be asked questions. These are usually referred to a more senior member of staff. WORKING CONDITIONS: The post holder is allocated to work in one of the pharmacy sections. They may on the odd occasion encounter aggressive behaviour and most staff have attended the violence and aggression workshop. Any problems would be passed on to a more senior member of staff. Staff receiving goods into Pharmacy Stores will work with changes in temperature e.g. receipt of order into cold store, working on or near open loading bays, working outside with fork lift truck. The post holder will be required to receive, assemble, prepare/dispense cytotoxic medicines in accordance with COSHH and SOPs. When working in aseptic dispensary the post holder is required to work in a confined environment where aerosols are used eg alcohol sprays for disinfection. Staff follow COSSH guidelines and SOPs. Job description Job responsibilities JOB DIMENSIONS The post holder will not have any line management responsibilities. They will provide induction and training for Pharmacy Services Assistants and Pharmacy Porters and other staff as required. The post holder will be required to work evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays on a rostered basis. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Level 2 Apprenticeship /Pharmacy Services Assistant or NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Services or Pharmacy Manufacturing Course. Experience of working in a community or hospital pharmacy. Knowledge of procedures of own working area following on the job training Knowledge of good customer care. Experience of stock control systems Must have excellent verbal communication skills. Ability to work accurately under pressure and follow standard operating procedures. Good literacy and numeracy skills Ability to interpret written instructions. Developed computer skills Ability to supervise and give instruction to Pharmacy Services Assistants and Porters and other staff as required 6. THE LEEDS WAY VALUES Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are: Patient-centred Collaborative Fair Accountable Empowered All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values 8. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS Team working Flexibility Reliability Trustworthy Honest Integrity Confidentiality Manage time effectively Can use initiative within limits of authority Good communication skills with colleagues, patients and other healthcare staff. Working accurately with attention to detail Ability to train others in line with S.O.Ps Use mistakes as a continuing learning experience Supports others through day to day supervision Commitment to provision of the best possible service Health and Safety/Risk Management All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system. Infection Control The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment. Equality and Diversity The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc. Patient and Public Involvement The Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and planning services. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback. Training and Personal Development Continuous Professional Development The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The jobholder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role. Respect for Patient Confidentiality The jobholder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role. COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS The post holder will maintain a close working relationship with the team they are working in, as well as the Pharmacy Technician Specialist. They will communicate with ward staff, patients/relatives referring when necessary. SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS PHYSICAL EFFORT: Accuracy, dexterity, manipulation and a degree of speed in the preparation and dispensing/assembly of medicines against written prescriptions/requisitions. This involves drawing up using syringes and weighing small amounts of raw materials. Physical effort required if lifting/moving boxes of fluids or dietary products. This can be on a daily basis and can weigh up to 10kg. There may be an infrequent need to handle goods up to 20kg. Senior Pharmacy Services Assistants working in Stores and Distribution will be required to frequently lift heavy boxes up to 20kg throughout a shift. They will also be required to move, using specialist equipment, weights above 20kg. This will be at intervals throughout the day. MENTAL EFFORT: Concentration is required to label, assemble, prepare and dispense medicines against a written prescription/requisition. This activity is performed all day but the post holder has regular short breaks between tasks. Examples are:- to label a prescription can take approx 5-10 minutes then move away from PC and start to assemble medicines required. Then dispense medicines and leave for accuracy checking. To prepare medicines in an aseptic unit may require longer period of concentration with a longer break after a period of up to 3 hours. Controlled Drug dispensing requires concentration as specific checks have to be made at all stages of labelling and dispensing. Senior Pharmacy Services Assistants working in Pharmacy Stores/Distribution may be required to be trained and certified to operate manual handling equipment such as fork lift truck and automated pallet movers. This would be on average 2-3 hours a day. Senior Pharmacy Services Assistants working in Pharmacy Stores/Distribution Warehouse are required to accuracy check orders for periods of up to 3 hours. EMOTIONAL EFFORT: Some prescriptions can be for terminally ill patients. Also, when working in an out-patient dispensary, staff are dealing with patients who have various conditions and can on occasion be asked questions. These are usually referred to a more senior member of staff. WORKING CONDITIONS: The post holder is allocated to work in one of the pharmacy sections. They may on the odd occasion encounter aggressive behaviour and most staff have attended the violence and aggression workshop. Any problems would be passed on to a more senior member of staff. Staff receiving goods into Pharmacy Stores will work with changes in temperature e.g. receipt of order into cold store, working on or near open loading bays, working outside with fork lift truck. The post holder will be required to receive, assemble, prepare/dispense cytotoxic medicines in accordance with COSHH and SOPs. When working in aseptic dispensary the post holder is required to work in a confined environment where aerosols are used eg alcohol sprays for disinfection. Staff follow COSSH guidelines and SOPs. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Level 2 Apprenticeship /Pharmacy Services Assistant or NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Services or Pharmacy Manufacturing Course. (Or near completion of course). Experience Essential Experience of working in a pharmacy setting. Desirable Experience of working within an Aseptics unit. Skills & behaviours Essential Good attention to detail. Can work in a fast paced environment. Good numeracy and literacy skills. Can work in a physically demanding role. Can manage time effectively. Desirable Good IT skills. Committed to self-development. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Level 2 Apprenticeship /Pharmacy Services Assistant or NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Services or Pharmacy Manufacturing Course. (Or near completion of course). Experience Essential Experience of working in a pharmacy setting. Desirable Experience of working within an Aseptics unit. Skills & behaviours Essential Good attention to detail. Can work in a fast paced environment. Good numeracy and literacy skills. Can work in a physically demanding role. Can manage time effectively. Desirable Good IT skills. Committed to self-development. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name Leeds Teaching Hospitals Address St. James's University Hospital Beckett Street Leeds LS9 7TF Employer's website https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)