Pharmacy Support Worker (Acute/Mental Health sites only)

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern

• Location: Royal Alexandra Hospital
• Permanent contract
• Full‑time: 36 hours per week
• Shift pattern: 0900‑1700 Monday – Friday (one 30‑minute early night or late start one day per week, to be agreed)

Key Responsibilities

• Dispense inpatient and outpatient prescriptions, clinically/professionally screened by a registered pharmacist, to a high level of accuracy following a comprehensive dispensary training package and competency sign‑off.
• Dispense complex prescriptions such as palliative care prescriptions and patient compliance aids.
• Pack, prepare and dispense unlicensed/licensed medicines, clinical trials, controlled drugs, antibiotic alert policy and non‑formulary medicines, ensuring necessary paperwork is completed.
• Identify and liaise with senior pharmacy technician or pharmacist regarding any medication discrepancies found on prescriptions.
• Comply with current legislation, code of ethics, conduct and practice relevant to pharmacy, and follow NHSGGC policy on safe and secure handling of medicines.
• May act as super user for the pharmacy robotic system, fixing errors that may arise in day‑to‑day running of the machine, following training.
• Deal with telephone enquiries appropriately, offering resolution or forwarding to most appropriate member of staff.
• Ensure good hand hygiene and use appropriate PPE, following infection control guidance.
• Act as temporary key holder for drug cupboards whilst performing top‑up services in accordance with NHS GGC safe and secure handling of medicines policy.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required

• General education at National 5/Standard Grade level or above, with at least 3 Standard Grade qualifications including English and Maths.
• Basic numeracy and literacy skills.
• Basic IT skills, including typing and Microsoft Office and email systems.
• Experience or training in stock control systems.
• Working towards or completing a Pharmacy Services SVQ/NVQ Level 2, or equivalent.
• Experience in a healthcare/pharmacy or customer‑facing role.
• Knowledge and appreciation of policies, procedures and legislation in dispensing/supplying medication.
• Ability to plan and organise workload to meet demanding needs of the service.
• Use initiative and prioritise workload.
• Effective communication, persuasion and people‑management skills.
• Experience with moving and handling procedures and health and safety measures.
• Knowledge of waste management regulations and procedures.
• Successful completion of the comprehensive on‑the‑job training programme (average 18 months) to become fully proficient within the pharmacy support worker role.
• Successful candidates will undertake a SVQ in Pharmacy Services Group Award (SCQF Level 6) during the training programme.

What We Offer

• Minimum 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays.
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits.
• Salary sacrifice car benefit scheme.
• Development opportunities: study bursaries, e‑learning and classroom‑based courses.
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays.
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services.
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
• NHSGGC is a Forces Friendly Employer, pledging commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and welcoming applications from the Armed Forces community.

Work‑life Balance

• Commitment to flexible working options where service needs allow.

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