Job summary
We are seeking dynamic, enthusiastic, and experienced pharmacists to join the well-established Medicines Optimisation Team in NHS Devon.
Through collaboration with local stakeholders, the Medicines Optimisation Team is responsible for enabling the delivery of safe, cost-effective, and evidence-based medicines usage for the 1.2 million residents of Devon. The team is highly valued by local GPs and healthcare teams and has an excellent record of delivery against national and local targets.
You will work as an integral member of a dedicated team of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and support staff to support the appropriate investment in medicines in Devon. Successful candidates will be able to draw on a broad range of abilities, including excellent clinical knowledge, and exemplar communication skills.
Applicants must be registered with the GPhC.
Please note that NHS Devon are in the high-level planning stages of moving to a new central, single office based in Pynes Hill, Exeter in the Autumn of 2023. We are also exploring the possibility of providing a number of small satellite sites (in Plymouth and north Devon, for example) that colleagues will be able to access, and we continue to embrace the benefits of agile, hybrid working. Your work-base will be discussed and confirmed with you as part of the interview process
Main duties of the job
Pharmacy teams based in primary care play a key role in the delivery of the NHS long term plan and medicines optimisation goals. NHS Devon has, for many years, recognised the value of having both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians supporting GP practices, so there is an expectation that this post holder will build relationships and work closely with Primary Care Networks and their pharmacists, as well as other system colleagues to support the delivery of national and locally agreed medicines optimisation priorities.
In return for your commitment, enthusiasm, and professionalism, we can offer a friendly and supportive environment. We promote skill mix in the workplace and aim to recognise key strengths of individual team members. The post provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience and knowledge of delivering many facets of medicines optimisation in primary care and the wider Devon system.
The successful candidates will be required to travel across Devon for this role
About us
As an Integrated Care System (ICS), we recognise now more than ever that we can only provide the care that people really need by working together. Together for Devon therefore represents a partnership where health and care services work together with local communities to improve peoples health, wellbeing and care. It aims to transform health and care services so they are clinically, socially and financially sustainable.
Our vision is simple: equal chances for everyone in Devon to lead long, happy and healthy lives. To achieve this, we have set out six ambitions for the next five years that will help us transform services including: Effective and efficient care, embedding the Integrated Care Model, the Devon deal (a citizen-led approach to health and care), Children and young people, Digital Devon and ensuring Equality.
About NHS Devon
As part of the Devon ICS, NHS Devon Integrated Care Board is responsible for the majority of county's NHS budget, and develops a plan to improve peoples health, deliver high-quality care and better value for money. The organisation is led by a diverse board, with an aim to improve peoples lives in Devon wherever they live, to reduce health inequalities and make sure we can deliver these services for the long term.
For more information, visit our ICS website www.icsdevon.co.uk and our NHS Devon website www.devon.icb.nhs.uk
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Job description and person specification for full details of the role and responsibilities.
- Where the post is a temporary position there may be a possibility of the post becoming permanent.
- All posts can be considered as development opportunities if applicants do not meet the essential criteria at the time of appointment but would be able to meet this in a reasonable time frame.
- Vacancies may close early if a high volume of applications are received.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Job description and person specification for full details of the role and responsibilities.
- Where the post is a temporary position there may be a possibility of the post becoming permanent.
- All posts can be considered as development opportunities if applicants do not meet the essential criteria at the time of appointment but would be able to meet this in a reasonable time frame.
- Vacancies may close early if a high volume of applications are received.
Person Specification
Knowledge, Training and Experience
Essential
- Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience
- Extensive knowledge of specialist areas, acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge or experience to master's level equivalent
- Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development
- Must have an understanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagement
- Should have an appreciation of the relationship between the Department of Health, NHS England, the Integrated Care Board and individual provider and commissioning organisation
- Member of relevant professional body - GPhC
Communication
Essential
- Must be able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential groups
- Negotiate on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change.
Analytical Skills
Essential
- Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options
- Takes decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action
- Strategic thinking - ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise
Other skills
Essential
- Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly
- Must be able to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals
- Must be able to use initiative to decide relevant actions and make recommendations to Sponsor/ Manager, with the aim of improving deliverables and compliance to policies
- policies. Ability to make decisions autonomously, when required, on difficult issues, working to tight and often changing timescales
- Experience of identifying and interpreting National policy. Experience of researching best practice (globally, private and public sector), interpreting its relevance and processes/ practices which could be implemented successfully to achieve system reform (advising on policy implementation)
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with intermediate keyboard skills
- Needs to have a thorough understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
Desirable
- Comprehensive experience of project principles techniques and tools such as Prince 2 and Managing Successful Projects
Other
Essential
- Previously responsible for a budget, involved in budget setting and working knowledge of financial processes
- Used to working in a busy environment
- Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change
- Willing to engage with and learn from peers, other professionals and colleagues in the desire to provide or support the most appropriate interventions
- Professional calm and efficient manner
- Effective organiser, influencer and networker
- Demonstrates a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
- Completer/Finisher
Person Specification
Knowledge, Training and Experience
Essential
- Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience
- Extensive knowledge of specialist areas, acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge or experience to master's level equivalent
- Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development
- Must have an understanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagement
- Should have an appreciation of the relationship between the Department of Health, NHS England, the Integrated Care Board and individual provider and commissioning organisation
- Member of relevant professional body - GPhC
Communication
Essential
- Must be able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential groups
- Negotiate on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change.
Analytical Skills
Essential
- Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options
- Takes decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action
- Strategic thinking - ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise
Other skills
Essential
- Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly
- Must be able to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals
- Must be able to use initiative to decide relevant actions and make recommendations to Sponsor/ Manager, with the aim of improving deliverables and compliance to policies
- policies. Ability to make decisions autonomously, when required, on difficult issues, working to tight and often changing timescales
- Experience of identifying and interpreting National policy. Experience of researching best practice (globally, private and public sector), interpreting its relevance and processes/ practices which could be implemented successfully to achieve system reform (advising on policy implementation)
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with intermediate keyboard skills
- Needs to have a thorough understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
Desirable
- Comprehensive experience of project principles techniques and tools such as Prince 2 and Managing Successful Projects
Other
Essential
- Previously responsible for a budget, involved in budget setting and working knowledge of financial processes
- Used to working in a busy environment
- Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change
- Willing to engage with and learn from peers, other professionals and colleagues in the desire to provide or support the most appropriate interventions
- Professional calm and efficient manner
- Effective organiser, influencer and networker
- Demonstrates a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
- Completer/Finisher
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).
