Pharmacy Procurement and Homecare - Senior Assistant Technical Officer

Whittington Hospital NHS Trust

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are seeking applicants to join our fantastic Pharmacy Procurement and Homecare team. Applicants should have excellent Microsoft office skills, experience in a finance or accounting role with AAT/CIMA/CIPS qualification or NVQ level 2 in pharmacy services. Training can be provided for those who are able to undertake the relevant units of the NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Services. Accuracy, excellent written and verbal communication skills are key to undertaking the role. Applicants will need to use their initiative in resolving problems and be prepared to change priorities to ensure patients receive the right medications in a timely manner. We are small but supportive team and looking for someone who enjoys routine but works well as a team meet changing priorities. Job shares and those seeking flexible working arrangements are also welcome.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

  • Processing orders on the pharmacy stock control system and transmitting them to suppliers via edi or email

  • Process invoices for payment and resolve any discrepancies.
  • Maintain up to date and accurate computer files.
  • Liaise with suppliers and other hospitals to obtain urgent medication.
  • Plan and organise own workload to meet routine and unexpected deadlines including identification of alternative suppliers to resolve supply problems.

About us

The Whittington Health is an Integrated Care Organisation that provides, safe, personal, coordinated care, high quality community and hospital services to the populations of Haringey and Islington and aims to help local people live longer and healthier lives for the community we serve.

The Whittington Hospital is the acute hospital of Whittington Health it is situated in Northeast London a few minutes' walk from Archway Tube Station and Upper Holloway Overground station.

The Whittington Hospital is one of the first Integrated Care Organizations in London providing a seamless transition from Hospital to Community Care.

Our innovative Pharmacy Department is a great place to work and has previously undergone extensive and exciting developments as part of this new organisation.

The Dispensary and Distribution areas benefit from an ARX robot installation & a Prescription Tracking System and the Pharmacy I.T team have implemented full Inpatient Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration across the trust.

Date posted

02 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£31,944 to £34,937 a year Per Annum (pro rata) Including HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Job share

Reference number

220-WHT-3038

Job locations

Whittington Hospital

Magdala Avenue

London

N19 5NF


Job description

Job responsibilities

W:\Job Desc\Procurement & Homecare Snr ATO

You will be a vital part of the procurement and homecare team to support clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in procuring medicines and identifying alternatives for items that are on shortage.

You will need to liaise with suppliers and become familiar with using a variety of online catalogues.

An accurate eye for detail in checking prices and investigating invoicing discrepancies is needed. We are working towards e-invoicing, which will place more emphasis in resolving pricing differences.

A calm and methodical approach is essential to cope with multiple tasks and prioritise workload.

Job description

Job responsibilities

W:\Job Desc\Procurement & Homecare Snr ATO

You will be a vital part of the procurement and homecare team to support clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in procuring medicines and identifying alternatives for items that are on shortage.

You will need to liaise with suppliers and become familiar with using a variety of online catalogues.

An accurate eye for detail in checking prices and investigating invoicing discrepancies is needed. We are working towards e-invoicing, which will place more emphasis in resolving pricing differences.

A calm and methodical approach is essential to cope with multiple tasks and prioritise workload.

Person Specification

Work experience

Essential

  • Ability to navigating around online platforms
  • Processing payments using digital sytems
  • Investigating stock or accounting discrepancies
  • Processing orders using digital platforms

Desirable

  • Competently using pharmacy stock control or procurement computer system
  • Reconciling statements
  • Dispensing using a pharmacy stock control system

Education

Essential

  • 5 GCSE passes Grade C (4) and above including Mathematics, English and a Science
  • BTEC /NVQ L2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff (or equivalent)

Desirable

  • CIPS level 3
  • ACCT level 2
  • Formal IM&T qualification (e.g. ECDL) or equivalent experience

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Knowledge of working in a pharmacy department
  • Knowledge of procurement and relevant medicines legislation
  • Clear understanding of procurement processes
  • Excellent computer literacy of Microsoft office suite
  • Good command of both written and spoken English Language
  • Clear and concise telephone manner
  • Ability to investigate and resolve ordering and payment queries
  • Good organisational, time management and workload prioritisation skills
  • Good team working and interpersonal skills.
  • Able to make critical decisions in the absence of the Procurement and Stores Manager.
  • Logical problem-solving skills
  • Hardworking and reliable
  • Flexible, enthusiastic approach
  • Able to deal with frequent interruptions, stressful situations, or changing priorities whilst completing planned workload.
  • Ability to work accurately under pressure and able to meet multiple deadlines whilst dealing with stressful situations.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of working in a hospital

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of the principles of efficient stock control e.g. stock rotation, expiry dates, minimum stock-levels and re-order levels
  • Awareness of the need for patient confidentiality
  • Experience of working in an environment requiring working with attention to detail and to pre-determined deadlines
  • Experience of using Microsoft office excel, work, outlook
  • Use of a Pharmacy Stock Control System and medicine/medical terminology
  • General procurement principles (e.g. contracts)

Desirable

  • Experience of working in a large multidisciplinary team
  • Experience of working in a hospital environment or a community pharmacy
  • Experience working as a pharmacy assistant
  • Awareness of the dangers associated with handling potentially hazardous products such as flammable liquids and cytotoxics
  • Experience with CMM (JAC) pharmacy stock control system
  • Experience of EDI systems

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Ability to work autonomously with minimum required supervision
  • Demonstrates patience, empathy and calm nature in a busy environment
  • Demonstrates reliability and good time keeping
  • A positive can-do attitude and a positive attitude to change
  • Able to cope with moderate physical exertion and heavy lifting of pharmaceutical supplies

Desirable

  • Able to confidently communicate with senior members of staff regarding the need to follow due processes
  • Assertive and quick to respond to urgent issues

Other

Essential

  • Ability to do Late Duty, Weekend Duties + Bank Holidays according to a rota
  • Awareness of Equal Opportunities
  • Good Attendance Record, Good Time Keeping
  • Ability to support with the receipt and checking of deliveries
Person Specification

Work experience

Essential

  • Ability to navigating around online platforms
  • Processing payments using digital sytems
  • Investigating stock or accounting discrepancies
  • Processing orders using digital platforms

Desirable

  • Competently using pharmacy stock control or procurement computer system
  • Reconciling statements
  • Dispensing using a pharmacy stock control system

Education

Essential

  • 5 GCSE passes Grade C (4) and above including Mathematics, English and a Science
  • BTEC /NVQ L2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff (or equivalent)

Desirable

  • CIPS level 3
  • ACCT level 2
  • Formal IM&T qualification (e.g. ECDL) or equivalent experience

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Knowledge of working in a pharmacy department
  • Knowledge of procurement and relevant medicines legislation
  • Clear understanding of procurement processes
  • Excellent computer literacy of Microsoft office suite
  • Good command of both written and spoken English Language
  • Clear and concise telephone manner
  • Ability to investigate and resolve ordering and payment queries
  • Good organisational, time management and workload prioritisation skills
  • Good team working and interpersonal skills.
  • Able to make critical decisions in the absence of the Procurement and Stores Manager.
  • Logical problem-solving skills
  • Hardworking and reliable
  • Flexible, enthusiastic approach
  • Able to deal with frequent interruptions, stressful situations, or changing priorities whilst completing planned workload.
  • Ability to work accurately under pressure and able to meet multiple deadlines whilst dealing with stressful situations.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of working in a hospital

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of the principles of efficient stock control e.g. stock rotation, expiry dates, minimum stock-levels and re-order levels
  • Awareness of the need for patient confidentiality
  • Experience of working in an environment requiring working with attention to detail and to pre-determined deadlines
  • Experience of using Microsoft office excel, work, outlook
  • Use of a Pharmacy Stock Control System and medicine/medical terminology
  • General procurement principles (e.g. contracts)

Desirable

  • Experience of working in a large multidisciplinary team
  • Experience of working in a hospital environment or a community pharmacy
  • Experience working as a pharmacy assistant
  • Awareness of the dangers associated with handling potentially hazardous products such as flammable liquids and cytotoxics
  • Experience with CMM (JAC) pharmacy stock control system
  • Experience of EDI systems

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Ability to work autonomously with minimum required supervision
  • Demonstrates patience, empathy and calm nature in a busy environment
  • Demonstrates reliability and good time keeping
  • A positive can-do attitude and a positive attitude to change
  • Able to cope with moderate physical exertion and heavy lifting of pharmaceutical supplies

Desirable

  • Able to confidently communicate with senior members of staff regarding the need to follow due processes
  • Assertive and quick to respond to urgent issues

Other

Essential

  • Ability to do Late Duty, Weekend Duties + Bank Holidays according to a rota
  • Awareness of Equal Opportunities
  • Good Attendance Record, Good Time Keeping
  • Ability to support with the receipt and checking of deliveries

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Whittington Hospital NHS Trust

Address

Whittington Hospital

Magdala Avenue

London

N19 5NF


Employer's website

https://www.whittington.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Whittington Hospital NHS Trust

Address

Whittington Hospital

Magdala Avenue

London

N19 5NF


Employer's website

https://www.whittington.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Pharmacy Procurement Lead

Diane Meech

d.meech@nhs.net

02072885751

Date posted

02 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£31,944 to £34,937 a year Per Annum (pro rata) Including HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Job share

Reference number

220-WHT-3038

Job locations

Whittington Hospital

Magdala Avenue

London

N19 5NF


Supporting documents

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