Job summary
We are an 11,000 patient Practice on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent and are looking for a Dispensing Receptionist to join our hard-working dedicated team. Our team prides itself on being approachable, efficient and supportive to both patients and colleagues. This is a dual role combining reception duties with dispensing support, ensuring smooth patient journeys from arrival to collection of medication or prescriptions.
You must have an excellent attendance record, be a good timekeeper, able to work under pressure and enjoy working as part of a team. The successful candidate will be flexible, motivated, reliable, conscientious and committed to making a valuable contribution to the team
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities
Greeting patients and providing a welcoming front-of-house service
Managing appointments, phone calls, and patient queries
Processing prescriptions and assisting with dispensing under supervision
Maintaining accurate records and patient confidentiality
Supporting the clinical team with administrative task
Ensuring stock is managed and shelves are well-presented
About You
Were looking for someone who is:
Friendly, professional, and patient-focused
Highly organised with attention to detail
Comfortable working in a busy environment
A strong communicator with good IT skills
Previous experience in healthcare, pharmacy, or reception is desirable (training provided if needed)
About us
We have one main site in Sheerness, with two other branch sites at Eastchurch & Leysdown.
The successful candidate will be based at the branch sites.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Reception Duties
Greet patients and visitors in a courteous and professional manner
Manage patient appointments, telephone calls, and general enquiries
Register new patients and update patient records accurately
Handle repeat prescription requests and liaise with clinicians as required
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to GDPR/NHS data protection standards
Dispensing Duties
Assist with the preparation and dispensing of medication under supervision
Process repeat prescriptions and ensure accuracy in dispensing
Maintain stock control, including ordering and safe storage of medicines
Ensure compliance with NHS dispensing regulations and practice protocols
Provide advice to patients on the safe collection of medication (within competence and training)
Administrative Duties
Support clinicians and practice staff with administrative tasks
Record and file information accurately in clinical systems
Contribute to the smooth running of the surgery by assisting colleagues when required
Participate in audits, training, and quality improvement initiatives
- Confidentiality: In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately In the performance of the duties outlined in this job description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data
The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment, such training to include: Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work
Job description
Job responsibilities
Reception Duties
Greet patients and visitors in a courteous and professional manner
Manage patient appointments, telephone calls, and general enquiries
Register new patients and update patient records accurately
Handle repeat prescription requests and liaise with clinicians as required
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to GDPR/NHS data protection standards
Dispensing Duties
Assist with the preparation and dispensing of medication under supervision
Process repeat prescriptions and ensure accuracy in dispensing
Maintain stock control, including ordering and safe storage of medicines
Ensure compliance with NHS dispensing regulations and practice protocols
Provide advice to patients on the safe collection of medication (within competence and training)
Administrative Duties
Support clinicians and practice staff with administrative tasks
Record and file information accurately in clinical systems
Contribute to the smooth running of the surgery by assisting colleagues when required
Participate in audits, training, and quality improvement initiatives
- Confidentiality: In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately In the performance of the duties outlined in this job description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data
The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment, such training to include: Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a customer-facing role
- Experience of handling confidential information
Desirable
- Previous experience in a GP Surgery, Pharmacy, or healthcare reception
- Experience of using NHS clinical systems (e.g. EMIS, Docman)
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Friendly, approachable, and patient-focused
- Reliable, punctual, and professional
- Commitment to patient care
Desirable
- Commitment to continuous professional development
- Ability to adapt to change in a healthcare environment
Qualifications
Essential
- Good general education (GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths)
Desirable
- NVQ Level 2 / 3 in Dispensing
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Desirable
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands
- Ability to work flexibly across reception and dispensary
- Problem-solving skills and initiative
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of patient confidentiality and GDPR
- Basic IT skills (Microsoft Office, email, data entry)
Desirable
- Awareness of NHS policies and procedures relating to dispensing and reception
- knowledge of medical terminology
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a customer-facing role
- Experience of handling confidential information
Desirable
- Previous experience in a GP Surgery, Pharmacy, or healthcare reception
- Experience of using NHS clinical systems (e.g. EMIS, Docman)
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Friendly, approachable, and patient-focused
- Reliable, punctual, and professional
- Commitment to patient care
Desirable
- Commitment to continuous professional development
- Ability to adapt to change in a healthcare environment
Qualifications
Essential
- Good general education (GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths)
Desirable
- NVQ Level 2 / 3 in Dispensing
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Desirable
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands
- Ability to work flexibly across reception and dispensary
- Problem-solving skills and initiative
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of patient confidentiality and GDPR
- Basic IT skills (Microsoft Office, email, data entry)
Desirable
- Awareness of NHS policies and procedures relating to dispensing and reception
- knowledge of medical terminology
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.