Job overview

Are you interested in earning a wage whilst training to achieve a nationally recognised qualification to become a Pharmacy Technician?

An exciting opportunity for 1 Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (PTPT) to join the pharmacy department at University Hospitals Sussex Trust based at Worthing or St Richards Hospital in Chichester

Candidates must have a minimum of 4 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C / 4 or above and must include Maths, English Language ONE Science (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics) and one other GCSE. Certificates will need to be provided prior to interview stage in order to be verified. Candidates must also meet the eligibility criteria for Apprenticeships.

Find out more about the role of the Pharmacy Technician here :

Main duties of the job

Full educational support is provided, but you will need to be able to quickly learn new IT systems and embrace new technology to provide safe and effective care to patients in a variety of environments.

You will need to be highly committed to achieve the qualification as it requires participation and completion of a vigorous training and competency program. You will need to demonstrate excellent work / life / study balance skills and be very self-motivated.

Four days each week will be based at Worthing / Chichester hospital gaining vocational experience and completing competencies required to complete the Level 3 diploma. One day per week will be within a virtual classroom to learn the knowledge required to underpin the diploma. Your training will involve working with an educational supervisor to develop a work-based portfolio, undertaking work-based assessments and completing all assignments / projects.

Trainees who successfully complete the training programme, complete an e-portfolio and the end point assessment (EPA) will be eligible to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council and practice as a registered Pharmacy Technician.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to service delivery on a flexible working basis which will include weekends, late duties and bank holidays.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Fixed term is planned to run from September 2024 - end August 2026.

Main Responsibilities

To undertake dispensing of prescriptions for inpatient, outpatient and discharge medication, including ward transcription sheets. To dispense ward stock controlled drugs (CDs) in accordance with legal and departmental procedures.

To participate in pharmacy reception duties; includes responding to telephone calls and visitors promptly, inputting all prescription types onto the electronic tracking system.

To process and assemble orders of stock items for wards, departments, health centres and other hospitals.

To check inpatient prescriptions and identify all inpatient medication that is required to be dispensed. To accurately record dispensing requirements on ward transcription sheets. To refer any medication changes to the ward pharmacy technician and / or ward pharmacist

To provide daily ward visits and determine the suitability of Patient Own Drugs (PODs) against agreed criteria for re-use and refer (if necessary) to the pharmacy clinical team

To identify whether the patient has sufficient PODs on the ward and determine whether an additional supply is needed and discuss with the clinical team as necessary. When transcribing for a medicine supply attention to detail is imperative and all work would be appropriately supervised and witnessed.

To provide a final accuracy check on prescribed items against a valid prescription. If any dispensing errors identified provide appropriate feedback to the dispenser so the item can be corrected. Or referral to the pharmacist if the query is relating to a medicine or a prescription.

Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Person specification

Qualification and Training

Essential criteria

• Minimum 4 GCSEs or equivalent including Maths, English & ONE Science and one other GCSE (at grade C or above / grade 9 - 4) Resident in UK / EU for at least 3 years Must not hold a Level 3 qualification or above in the same training subject Not already in formal government funded education

Experience

Essential criteria

Desirable criteria

Skills, Knowledge / Ability

Essential criteria

Desirable criteria

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Essential criteria

Important information for applicants

Flexible Working : If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting / line manager.

DBS Checks : As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa : Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for those that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.

Closing adverts early : Please apply as early as you're able for this role. In the event of exceptional interest we may close adverts earlier than specified.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications