Dispenser (NVQ2)

Job responsibilities

Job Summary

To be responsible for the processing of prescriptions in accordance with practice policy and extant legislation. In addition, the post holder will be required to support the Dispensary Manager in ensuring a high-level of service is delivered at all times whilst supporting the multi-disciplinary team in line with the strategic objectives of the practice.

The following are the core responsibilities of the Dispenser. There may be, on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:

a. To be responsible for checking all medicines dispensed, ensuring there are no discrepancies

b. Dispensing medicines to the entitled population safely and accurately

c. Collecting prescription charges in accordance with dispensary protocol

d. Maintaining stock levels within the dispensary, liaising with the dispensary manager to facilitate reordering

e. Receiving and storing supplies in accordance with current policy, ensuring the cold chain is maintained where applicable

f. Ensuring controlled drugs are dispensed in accordance with practice policy

g. Ensuring safe disposal of returned and/or out of date medicines

h. Ensuring all repeat prescriptions are processed within a 48-hour timeframe

i.Providing patients with advice regarding all prescription matters

j.Processing prescription requests via email, phone, fax, face-to-face and online

k.Processing Dossett boxes

l. Assisting the Dispensary Manager in the preparation of monthly returns

m. Always maintaining a clean and safe working environment

n. Always maintain accurate records, including appropriate coding entries

In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Dispenser may be requested to:

Provide guidance for trainee dispensary staff and students as necessary

• Partake in audit as directed by the audit lead
• Provide guidance for trainee dispensary staff and students as necessary
• Remain current with the latest guidance ensuring the dispensary conforms to NICE, CQC, etc. guidance

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Strong IT skills
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
• Clinical system user skills
• Ability to promote best practice regarding all pharmaceutical matters
• Effective time management (planning and organising)
• Capable of managing payments (invoices, cash, etc.)
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Good interpersonal skills
• Problem solving and analytical skills
• Ability to follow policy and procedure

Desirable

• Ability to effectively manage stock including ordering, rotation, disposal, etc.

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Polite and confident
• Flexible and cooperative
• Motivated
• Forward thinker
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Ability to work under pressure

Other requirements

Essential

• Flexibility to work outside of core office hours
• Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified Dispenser (NVQ Level 2)
• GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths at Grade C (4) or above

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a dispensary
• Experience working with the general public/patients

Desirable

• Experience of working in primary care
• Broad knowledge of general practice

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).