Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
Our evolving Medicines Management team are looking for a passionate Senior Pharmacy Support Worker to support with our ongoing efforts to improve effective use of medications and patient flow.
The Pharmacy Support Worker roles are expanding and moving into new and exciting areas, and this role will be specifically working within the surgery wards.
We're looking for a proactive and reliable individual to join our surgical ward pharmacy team, playing a key role in supporting the safe and effective use of medicines at ward level.
About us
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Work closely with pharmacy technicians and pharmacists to support medicines management on surgical wards
Ensure accurate and timely supply of medications to wards, including top-ups and urgent requests
Support discharge processes by helping prepare take home medications for patients leaving hospital
Maintain appropriate stock levels and rotate stock to reduce waste
Liaise with ward staff to identify and resolve medication supply issues
Take part in education and training of ward staff to ensure compliance with medicines standard and effective medicines usage
Act as a point of contact for junior support staff and assist in their training and supervision
Job description
Job responsibilities
Work closely with pharmacy technicians and pharmacists to support medicines management on surgical wards
Ensure accurate and timely supply of medications to wards, including top-ups and urgent requests
Support discharge processes by helping prepare take home medications for patients leaving hospital
Maintain appropriate stock levels and rotate stock to reduce waste
Liaise with ward staff to identify and resolve medication supply issues
Take part in education and training of ward staff to ensure compliance with medicines standard and effective medicines usage
Act as a point of contact for junior support staff and assist in their training and supervision
Person Specification
Trust Values
Essential
- Patient First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Essential
- 2 GCSE's or equivalent grades A* - C or 4-9 in English and Maths (If qualifications gained outside the UK evidence of equivalent standards must be demonstrated at interview)
- NVQ 2 in Pharmacy or other Level 2 approved GPhC qualification for pharmacy support staff
- Supervisory qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience of supervision
- Previous pharmacy experience (hospital or community) or supervisory experience
- Must be able to commit to completing 'in-house' training programme within 6 months of starting. Opportunities to progress are available but may require additional qualifications to meet eligibility criteria to undertake additional qualifications
- Must be able to work late evenings, bank holidays and weekend working according to rota requirements
- Health and physical abilities sufficient for the post (if necessary with reasonable adjustments with respect to the Equality Act/Disability Discrimination Act).
- Required to lift and handle packages, weighing up to 15kg on a repetitive basis. (Reasonable adjustment may be made) Required to move pallets weighing between 500 and 600kg using an unpowered pallet truck daily (Receipts posts only)
Desirable
- Other healthcare qualifications
- GCSEs in science-based or other role specific relevant subjects
- Previous experience in health or social care (if not pharmacy)
- Experience in stock control i.e., receiving, maintaining and / or issuing stock
- Use of till and / or handling money in a work environment (RSH posts only)
Person Specification
Trust Values
Essential
- Patient First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Essential
- 2 GCSE's or equivalent grades A* - C or 4-9 in English and Maths (If qualifications gained outside the UK evidence of equivalent standards must be demonstrated at interview)
- NVQ 2 in Pharmacy or other Level 2 approved GPhC qualification for pharmacy support staff
- Supervisory qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience of supervision
- Previous pharmacy experience (hospital or community) or supervisory experience
- Must be able to commit to completing 'in-house' training programme within 6 months of starting. Opportunities to progress are available but may require additional qualifications to meet eligibility criteria to undertake additional qualifications
- Must be able to work late evenings, bank holidays and weekend working according to rota requirements
- Health and physical abilities sufficient for the post (if necessary with reasonable adjustments with respect to the Equality Act/Disability Discrimination Act).
- Required to lift and handle packages, weighing up to 15kg on a repetitive basis. (Reasonable adjustment may be made) Required to move pallets weighing between 500 and 600kg using an unpowered pallet truck daily (Receipts posts only)
Desirable
- Other healthcare qualifications
- GCSEs in science-based or other role specific relevant subjects
- Previous experience in health or social care (if not pharmacy)
- Experience in stock control i.e., receiving, maintaining and / or issuing stock
- Use of till and / or handling money in a work environment (RSH posts only)
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
