South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Medicines Optimisation Pharmacy Technician - Band 5

The closing date is 31 March 2026

Job summary

Thank you for taking the time to look at this role, we are a close knit, supportive team, looking for individuals who want to make a difference and be a part of something meaningful.

Following a successful business case for the development of the pharmacy service at Cheswold Park Hospital, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced pharmacy technician ready for a new challenge. The post will involve working closely with the Chief Pharmacy Technician in setting up and establishing new systems and processes whilst collaborating with the teams at Cheswold Park Hospital and the wider Trust pharmacy team in embedding the pharmacy service.

If you are somebody who is enthusiastic and motivated, a strong communicator, able to work well within a team and independently who acts with integrity and autonomy, we would love to hear from you.

Standard working pattern is 9am until 5pm with weekend commitment. This post is being offered as part-time, 3 days per week.

This role will be based at Cheswold Park Hospital, Doncaster, with some occasional cross cover at our other Pharmacy bases in Barnsley and Wakefield. We know how important work life balance is and support flexible working, this can be discussed upon appointment.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to have their up-to-date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will work with the speciality pharmacists and all members of the MDT to co-ordinate all aspects of the patients medicines related journey, communicating effectively to ensure a safe, seamless and integrated transfer of care for our patients.

Key result areas include:

Supporting clinical teams with the supply, storage & management of medicines within inpatient areas.

Develop & establish new pharmacy systems & processes at Cheswold Park Hospital.

Complete medicines history/reconciliation when patients are admitted into our care.

Provide information to patients & carers about their medicines and support adherence & understanding.

Work closely with clinical teams to plan & support timely leave & discharge, utilising near patient dispensing process to ensure medicines are received in a timely manner where appropriate.

Support with transfer of care into other settings.

Accuracy checking medication for leave/discharge.

Support the training & development of trainees.

Participate in the weekend & bank holiday rota.

At the time of advertising, this role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. For this reason, we are unable to sponsor anyone for a skilled worker visa for this role.We are happy to accept applications from candidates who can prove their right to work in the UK or via alternative visa routes & applications will be considered alongside others.

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Details

Date posted

17 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-QA01453

Job locations

Cheswold Park Hospital

Cheswold Lane

Doncaster

South Yorkshire

DN5 8AR


Job description

Job responsibilities

This job description is an outline of the main duties of the post. The postholder will be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as directed.

To provide a ward pharmacy service to allocated units external to hospital sites

To provide technical support to the mental health pharmacy services including checking patients own medication on admission, the dispensing and supply of medication to specific patients

Co-ordinate and manage the day-to-day workload. Provide immediate line management support for allocated staff (pharmacy technicians band 4, pharmacy assistants or student technicians)

Provide day to day line management for junior staff

To accuracy check completed prescriptions and maintain technical competency for this)

Maintain competencies that enable working across the trust.

The content of this post will be reviewed in consultation with the postholder when necessary and in line with the service developments.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

  • To improve the access to medicines for allocated units and in particular to assist in ensuring medicines are available:
    • For leave, for discharge and for self-medication in a timely manner.
  • To participate in the operation of the Medicines Management Service at ward level maintaining competencies in all aspects including:

a) Providing a supply and topping-up service at ward/team base level, to the allocated units to ensure adequate stocks are maintained for patient care.

b) Assessing suitability of patients own drugs on admission for continued use and arranging the safe disposal of those drugs which are not.

c) Complete pharmacy profiles ready for clinical checking by the ward pharmacist.

d) Drug transcription error reporting.

e) Preparation of reports for costing and usage.

f) With ward pharmacists and ward staff in determining appropriate pharmaceuticals stock levels, for the production and updating of ward-stock lists ensure the correct paperwork is completed

g) To assist in the provision of advice to ward staff on the safe and secure storage and handling of pharmaceuticals.

h) Specialised medication counselling, eg, inhaler use.

i) Medicines reconciliation against home medicines and GP records

j) Support and participate in extended technician roles as they develop in the trust

  • To cover for all technicians within the service having the appropriate knowledge to dispense and accuracy check for all units
  • To cover the technicians role in other areas of the trust having the appropriate knowledge to provide technical services to all areas of the trust.
  • Assist in the distribution to all wards and departments of approved policies and procedures by the Drug and Therapeutics Trust Action Group.
  • Ensure the appropriate receipt, processing, storage and stock control of medicines and other supplies.
  • Participate in the supply of Clozapine to a specific group of patients ensuring compliance with the standard operating procedures (e.g. blood tests have been taken, results obtained, valid prescriptions received, and medication dispensed and collected in a timely manner).
  • Ensure compliance with the self administration of medicines and compliance policy in relation to the allocated wards and departments.
  • Respond to enquiries and requests from staff, patients and carers, in accordance with individual competence and departmental policy.
  • Assist the pharmacy management team in the development and monitoring of SOPs.
  • Train others in the routine duties of the department and to provide services to your allocated wards/ departments in your absence.
  • Provide support and act as a mentor for junior staff as required.
  • Report incidents both within pharmacy team and any witnessed on the wards/departments using the computerised reporting system.
  • Use of pharmacy and other computer systems in the course of performing these duties.
  • Comply with the Trust's Medicine Code.
  • Dispense medication, for in, out, day and hostel patients ready to receive a final accuracy check including compliance aids.
  • Maintain accreditation and perform the final accuracy check of prescriptions according to departmental protocol.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

For full job description information please see attached document.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. We strongly discourage this and will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This job description is an outline of the main duties of the post. The postholder will be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as directed.

To provide a ward pharmacy service to allocated units external to hospital sites

To provide technical support to the mental health pharmacy services including checking patients own medication on admission, the dispensing and supply of medication to specific patients

Co-ordinate and manage the day-to-day workload. Provide immediate line management support for allocated staff (pharmacy technicians band 4, pharmacy assistants or student technicians)

Provide day to day line management for junior staff

To accuracy check completed prescriptions and maintain technical competency for this)

Maintain competencies that enable working across the trust.

The content of this post will be reviewed in consultation with the postholder when necessary and in line with the service developments.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

  • To improve the access to medicines for allocated units and in particular to assist in ensuring medicines are available:
    • For leave, for discharge and for self-medication in a timely manner.
  • To participate in the operation of the Medicines Management Service at ward level maintaining competencies in all aspects including:

a) Providing a supply and topping-up service at ward/team base level, to the allocated units to ensure adequate stocks are maintained for patient care.

b) Assessing suitability of patients own drugs on admission for continued use and arranging the safe disposal of those drugs which are not.

c) Complete pharmacy profiles ready for clinical checking by the ward pharmacist.

d) Drug transcription error reporting.

e) Preparation of reports for costing and usage.

f) With ward pharmacists and ward staff in determining appropriate pharmaceuticals stock levels, for the production and updating of ward-stock lists ensure the correct paperwork is completed

g) To assist in the provision of advice to ward staff on the safe and secure storage and handling of pharmaceuticals.

h) Specialised medication counselling, eg, inhaler use.

i) Medicines reconciliation against home medicines and GP records

j) Support and participate in extended technician roles as they develop in the trust

  • To cover for all technicians within the service having the appropriate knowledge to dispense and accuracy check for all units
  • To cover the technicians role in other areas of the trust having the appropriate knowledge to provide technical services to all areas of the trust.
  • Assist in the distribution to all wards and departments of approved policies and procedures by the Drug and Therapeutics Trust Action Group.
  • Ensure the appropriate receipt, processing, storage and stock control of medicines and other supplies.
  • Participate in the supply of Clozapine to a specific group of patients ensuring compliance with the standard operating procedures (e.g. blood tests have been taken, results obtained, valid prescriptions received, and medication dispensed and collected in a timely manner).
  • Ensure compliance with the self administration of medicines and compliance policy in relation to the allocated wards and departments.
  • Respond to enquiries and requests from staff, patients and carers, in accordance with individual competence and departmental policy.
  • Assist the pharmacy management team in the development and monitoring of SOPs.
  • Train others in the routine duties of the department and to provide services to your allocated wards/ departments in your absence.
  • Provide support and act as a mentor for junior staff as required.
  • Report incidents both within pharmacy team and any witnessed on the wards/departments using the computerised reporting system.
  • Use of pharmacy and other computer systems in the course of performing these duties.
  • Comply with the Trust's Medicine Code.
  • Dispense medication, for in, out, day and hostel patients ready to receive a final accuracy check including compliance aids.
  • Maintain accreditation and perform the final accuracy check of prescriptions according to departmental protocol.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

For full job description information please see attached document.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. We strongly discourage this and will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable experience as a pharmacy technician
  • Experience of working in a hospital pharmacy

Desirable

  • Accuracy checking
  • Hospital pharmacy experience
  • Setting up of ward-based pharmacy services
  • Provision of medicines management to new services Linking with community pharmacies
  • Discharge planning
  • Self-administration of medicines
  • Specific experience of working in a mental health environment

Training

Essential

  • Nationally recognised accuracy checking qualification or has ability to demonstrate competencies at this level
  • Accredited Checking technician status

Desirable

  • Medicines management training
  • Team leading training

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Self motivated
  • Team player
  • Attention to detail
  • Well motivated, enthusiastic and adaptable
  • Aptitude to learn new tasks
  • Ability to take responsibility
  • Commitment to CPD

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ Level 3, BTec, or similar nationally recognized qualification in pharmaceutical sciences
  • UK Professional registration as a Pharmacy Technician

Desirable

  • NVQ A1 assessor qualified

Special Knowledge/Skills

Essential

  • Supervisory skills
  • Pharmaceutical Waste management
  • Misuse of drugs act 1971
  • Regulations on Controlled Drugs in Primary and secondary care.
  • Understanding of mental health issues, mental illnesses & their treatment
  • Good communication skills both oral and written
  • Good time management & organisational skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Good computer / IT skills

Desirable

  • Hospital computer systems JAC
  • Knowledge and experience of checking dispensed prescriptions
  • Ward based medicines management audit.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post. A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
  • Able to work within the whole trust boundaries

Desirable

  • A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability)
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable experience as a pharmacy technician
  • Experience of working in a hospital pharmacy

Desirable

  • Accuracy checking
  • Hospital pharmacy experience
  • Setting up of ward-based pharmacy services
  • Provision of medicines management to new services Linking with community pharmacies
  • Discharge planning
  • Self-administration of medicines
  • Specific experience of working in a mental health environment

Training

Essential

  • Nationally recognised accuracy checking qualification or has ability to demonstrate competencies at this level
  • Accredited Checking technician status

Desirable

  • Medicines management training
  • Team leading training

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Self motivated
  • Team player
  • Attention to detail
  • Well motivated, enthusiastic and adaptable
  • Aptitude to learn new tasks
  • Ability to take responsibility
  • Commitment to CPD

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ Level 3, BTec, or similar nationally recognized qualification in pharmaceutical sciences
  • UK Professional registration as a Pharmacy Technician

Desirable

  • NVQ A1 assessor qualified

Special Knowledge/Skills

Essential

  • Supervisory skills
  • Pharmaceutical Waste management
  • Misuse of drugs act 1971
  • Regulations on Controlled Drugs in Primary and secondary care.
  • Understanding of mental health issues, mental illnesses & their treatment
  • Good communication skills both oral and written
  • Good time management & organisational skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Good computer / IT skills

Desirable

  • Hospital computer systems JAC
  • Knowledge and experience of checking dispensed prescriptions
  • Ward based medicines management audit.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post. A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
  • Able to work within the whole trust boundaries

Desirable

  • A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability)

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Cheswold Park Hospital

Cheswold Lane

Doncaster

South Yorkshire

DN5 8AR


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Cheswold Park Hospital

Cheswold Lane

Doncaster

South Yorkshire

DN5 8AR


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Lianne Riley

lianne.riley@swyt.nhs.uk

07554386449

Details

Date posted

17 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-QA01453

Job locations

Cheswold Park Hospital

Cheswold Lane

Doncaster

South Yorkshire

DN5 8AR


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)