Apprentice Pharmacy Services Assistant (Level 2)

Summary

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a dedicated and expert team in a community-based pharmacy. It’s a great chance to start your career whilst being supported by a great team.

Annual wage: £11,648 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, shifts, may work evenings and weekends.
35 hours a week
Possible start date: Wednesday 15 January
Duration: 1 year 3 months
Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

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 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 to 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
Attending Matthew Boulton College at least 1 day per week

Where you’ll work

435 Walsall Road

Perry Barr

Birmingham

B42 1BT

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE

Your training course

Pharmacy services assistant (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents

receive and log prescriptions
assemble prescribed items, undertake an in-process accuracy check and issue prescribed items
work according to legislative requirements, and organisational policies
order, receive, maintain and issue pharmaceutical stock
provide appropriate advice when authorised on supplied medicines and products, their storage and disposal
work within the parameters of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the pharmacy
act in accordance with systems and organisational governance
recognise and act within the pharmacy regulatory, legal and ethical standards
support the team in the development of others
maintain and further develop your own skills and knowledge through development activities; maintain evidence of your personal development and actively prepare for and participate in appraisal
communicate effectively with the public, carers and other health and social care professionals using a range of techniques to determine their needs, and keep information confidential
handle information (record, report and store information) related to individuals and/or patients in line with local and national policies
use pharmacy IT systems and other IT resources according to legislative requirements and organisational policies
demonstrate person centred care and support within a pharmacy setting
make pharmacy patients and patient safety your first concern
use judgement and refer service user as appropriate to another member of the team, GP, healthcare worker, manufacturer etc
maintain the interests of patients and the health of the public
promote and advocate equality, diversity and inclusion
promote healthy lifestyles to customers
work safely within the parameters of your role using Standard Operating Procedures
apply policies which relate to health and safety at work
act appropriately in situations to prevent harm to yourself and others

Your training plan

This is a Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant standard that includes the following:

Upon successful completion the apprentice will achieve a Pharmacy Services Assistant Level 2 qualification
The 20% off the job training is delivered 1 day a week with the apprentice attending Matthew Boulton College in Birmingham
In house training provided by the employer
On-programme learning that will meet all the Knowledge, Skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the standard and prepare apprentices for their End Point Assessment (EPA). Mock tests and practice runs will be arranged as the EPA approaches
General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) approved Dispensing and Medicine Counter Assistant (MCA) qualification

Requirements

Essential qualifications

Other in:

English (grade 4/C or above)
Maths (grade 4/C or above)

Desirable qualifications

Other in:

Science (grade 4/C or above)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Team working
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience

Other requirements

As part of this apprenticeship, you will be required to travel to both the employer location and also attend college. Please ensure that you have researched your travel arrangements and are happy with the time it will take and distance required to travel, before you apply for this vacancy.

About this company

Welcome to Towerhill Pharmacy. As your local and innovative community pharmacy in Birmingham, we are here to support you at all times. We firmly believe that serving the community requires a constant commitment and professional yet compassionate attitude towards its healthcare needs. Our team aim to provide our patients and customers with comprehensive information and guidance about their health and well-being in a supportive and friendly manner. Towerhill Pharmacy is uniquely patient-focused and our experienced, hard-working pharmacists are passionate about serving the community of Birmingham! Therefore, whether you are looking for travel vaccinations or you are simply wanting some advice, we will always be here for you when you need us most. We offer easy access to a wide range of exceptional NHS and Private Pharmacy Services. All of our staff continuously work hard to maintain and promote a high-quality customer and healthcare service that is accessible to all individuals. We are proud to be locally owned, and our priority is to provide you and your family with friendly, first-class pharmacy services. As a locally run pharmacy, we have developed a true love for our patients and the people in our community, providing exceptional services to all.

After this apprenticeship

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
Further training can lead to a pharmacy technician qualification, meaning registration with the GPhC and a qualification which is recognised in the wider NHS

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE

BMet Recruitment Team

recruitment@bmet.ac.uk

0121 362 1122

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000293007.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Tuesday 7 January at 11:59pm)

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