Senior Pharmacy Assistant

NHS

  • Bristol Area
  • £24,937-26,598 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 8 days ago
There has never been a better time to join the Trust's Pharmacy team as a Senior Pharmacy Assistant. We have been working on transforming our ways of working by introducing a bag repacking service which will play a vital role in ensuring our front line crews are ready and able to respond to emergency situations by preparing our equipment to high standards. This has been working well in the sites we have introduced it in, however we have just received sign off and funding to take it to the next level. So in the next few months we will be trialling a pouch based system to improve the flow of medicines ready for use, reduce checking and restocking times. Alongside this within this financial year we will be introducing an electronic inventory management system for better visibility and tracking of medicines.The role of the Senior Pharmacy Assistant is also a gateway to the organisation with opportunities to develop you career with us either within the Pharmacy team or the wider Trust in both patient-facing and a variety of support roles.Main duties of the jobSenior Pharmacy Assistants supervise a team responsible for repacking drugs bags and pouches in a prescribed and controlled way that ensures each bag or pouch is ready to be used by our clinicians to treat patients. The role is a key operational support function which ensures patient safety whilst supporting Operations in meeting its targets.Main duties include:
  • Daily supervision of the Pharmacy team;
  • Analysis of a range of complex discrepancies and identification of solutions;
  • Ordering, receiving and storing medicines;
  • Effective stock rotation;
  • Picking & packing of orders to fill drugs bags or pouches;
  • Carrying out checking and other quality control processes;
  • Supporting the returns and disposal processes;
  • Making suggestions for improvements;
  • Follow the Trust's medicines Policies and Standard Operational Procedures
This is the start of a new initiative where we are seeking to develop our service and are looking for committed peopleAbout usAt South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) we have a culture where everyone is valued for being themselves. Our aim is to work together to promote the most inclusive environment possible, which attracts people from the widest range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work that we do together, for the benefit of all of our employees, our patients and the communities we serve. We offer flexible working opportunities, inclusive policies and a range of feedback mechanisms to support individuals and to enable a positive, welcoming environment where our people and their careers can thrive in.We employ over 5,000 employees mainly clinical, operational and emergency response staff as well as supporting roles. We also employ Doctors and volunteers which include community first responders and fire co-responders.We take all the steps needed to provide the most compassionate patient care possible whilst also providing an enjoyable and safe place to work. We actively promote a positive set of behaviours as being key to our performance both individually and collectively. Our recruitment, selection and screening processes are designed to uphold these standards and we invite all our candidates to actively share with us through these processes how they will bring these behaviours to life.DetailsDate posted27 August 2025Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 3Salary£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annumContractPermanentWorking patternFull-timeReference number202-7442153Job locationsEmerald ParkEmersons GreenBristolBS16 7FGJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesFor further information about this role please see attached the job description and person specification attached. Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesFor further information about this role please see attached the job description and person specification attached.Person SpecificationEducation & QualificationsEssential
  • Minimum of 3 level 2 qualifications e.g. GCSE's (or equivalent) at grade C or above including English and Maths
Desirable
  • Certificate in Medicines Management for Ambulance Trusts or successful completion of Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship (RQF level 2 equivalent) or the ability to attain after a period of training.
  • Leadership or supervision qualifications
ExperienceEssential
  • Experience in a role that required following strict guidelines and procedures.
  • Previous experience of supervision / leadership.
  • Working in a trustworthy position.
Desirable
  • Experience of medicines management in a primary or secondary care setting.
SkillsEssential
  • Good computer literacy to operate an electronic inventory management system, use email, Excel and Word effectively and participate in video conference calls
Desirable
  • Knowledge of processes involved in stock control and managing a store.
  • EDCL
DrivingEssential
  • Full Driving Licence with a maximum of 3 points
Person SpecificationEducation & QualificationsEssential
  • Minimum of 3 level 2 qualifications e.g. GCSE's (or equivalent) at grade C or above including English and Maths
Desirable
  • Certificate in Medicines Management for Ambulance Trusts or successful completion of Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship (RQF level 2 equivalent) or the ability to attain after a period of training.
  • Leadership or supervision qualifications
ExperienceEssential
  • Experience in a role that required following strict guidelines and procedures.
  • Previous experience of supervision / leadership.
  • Working in a trustworthy position.
Desirable
  • Experience of medicines management in a primary or secondary care setting.
SkillsEssential
  • Good computer literacy to operate an electronic inventory management system, use email, Excel and Word effectively and participate in video conference calls
Desirable
  • Knowledge of processes involved in stock control and managing a store.
  • EDCL
DrivingEssential
  • Full Driving Licence with a maximum of 3 points

NHS