Apprentice Pharmacy Services Assistant

Introduction

This is a great opportunity for someone who is keen to get into Pharmaceuticals. You will be working alongside pharmacy technicians while under the supervision of the pharmacist. This employer values apprenticeships and will provide all the support you will need to thrive in this environment.

About the Employer

We are an independent NHS Community Pharmacy serving the people of Smethwick. As a local community pharmacy, we can offer a wide range of services and facilities for you and your family. We provide NHS flu jabs, emergency hormonal contraception (morning after pill), free NHS blood pressure checks and free NHS prescription delivery across Smethwick, Oldbury, B66, B67 and surrounding areas.

What You'll Do

• 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 -o-date
• Dealing with queries from patients regarding their prescriptions
• Handling controlled drugs (and keeping 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

Training Outcome

Following successful completion of the training an apprentice could be

• Qualified to work as a dispensing assistant in Community Pharmacies
• Should they wish to continue training, accuracy-checking roles present an interesting progression, and further training can lead to a pharmacy technician qualification, meaning registration with the GPhC and a qualification which is recognised in the wider NHS

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE or equivalent - English - 4 or above
• Essential - GCSE or equivalent - Maths - 4 or above
• Desired - GCSE or equivalent - Science - 4 or above

Course Information

Course: Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)

Level: 2

Route: Health and science

Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday to Saturday - shifts may require you to work evenings and half day on Saturdays. Flexible working hours are available and can be discussed during the interview process to accommodate individual circumstances where possible.

Expected Duration: 1 Year 3 Months

Training Provider: BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE