Job summary
As a Pharmacy Technician within our Primary Care Network, you will play a vital role in supporting safe and effective medicines use, working alongside Clinical Pharmacists, GPs, and the wider multidisciplinary team. This position combines technical expertise with patient-facing support, helping people understand and manage their medication to achieve the best possible outcomes.
This role is included within the extended hours provision and will involve working an evening and Saturdays on a rota basis.
LOCATION:
Office and practice based within the West Mendip PCN area (Street, Wells or Glastonbury), with occasional home visits and travel to other sites within the PCN area as required
Main duties of the job
You will contribute to improving prescribing practices and repeat prescribing processes, reducing medicines waste and minimising clinical risk. Through shared decision-making conversations, you will empower patients to use their medicines effectively and confidently.
Your work will include supporting medication reviews, medicines reconciliation, and care transitions, as well as assisting with audits, implementing national prescribing guidance, and promoting antimicrobial stewardship. You will also provide advice on lifestyle and health inequalities, helping patients access the right care and support.
This is a varied role that requires collaboration across health and social care settings, including GP practices, care homes, community pharmacies, and other local services.
About us
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) were established in July 2019 as part of the NHS Long Term Plan to improve the quality and accessibility of care by encouraging collaboration among various healthcare services and community organisations.
One of 13 PCNs in Somerset, we are a collaboration of five GP practices in West Mendip: Glastonbury Health Centre, Glastonbury Surgery, Wells City Practice, Wells Health Centre and Vine Surgery Partnership (Street). Our purpose, values and vision underpin our beliefs on the necessities of a healthcare service, and what we aim to achieve, both now and in the future. They guide the actions and decisions made by our whole team, ensuring they align with our commitment to prioritise personalised care for the people of West Mendip.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work under the direction of Clinical Pharmacists and GPs to support patient-facing activities and medicines optimisation, ensuring shared decision-making conversations are facilitated appropriately.
- Assist Clinical Pharmacists with medicines optimisation tasks, including checking inhaler technique, supporting medication reviews and reconciliation, and helping patients understand their medicines in line with agreed protocols.
- Undertake medicines reconciliation in accordance with practice protocols for new care home patients and during care setting transfers, liaising with community pharmacies as required.
- Organise necessary monitoring tests and documentation to support Clinical Pharmacists in delivering Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs).
- Support the wider team in providing lifestyle advice and signposting to services, contributing to initiatives that address local health inequalities.
- Assist in managing shared care protocols under the guidance of Clinical Pharmacists, escalating complex cases appropriately.
- Assist with antimicrobial stewardship initiatives to promote appropriate antibiotic use in line with national guidance.
- Participate in medication audits and medicines safety reviews as directed by the Clinical Pharmacist or GP team.
- Support the implementation of national prescribing policies and guidance by assisting with audits, quality improvement measures, and contributing to Direct Enhanced Service delivery under supervision.
- Assist in monitoring high-risk medications and flagging safety issues to the Clinical Pharmacist or GP in accordance with protocols.
- Take a proactive approach to safe prescription handling, identifying risks and escalating recommendations for improvement to the appropriate clinician.
- Respond to medication queries professionally and refer to the GP or Clinical Pharmacist in line with practice protocols.
- Assist in preparing and submitting claims for personally administered and high-cost drugs as required.
- Work collaboratively with the PCN multi-disciplinary team to ensure medicines optimisation processes are followed efficiently.
- Support efficient ordering and return processes to minimise medication wastage.
- Provide training and support on safe handling of medicines and assist with EPS implementation as directed.
- Develop effective working relationships with pharmacy professionals and MDT members to support integration across health and social care settings.
- Assist reception teams in managing general prescription requests, ensuring clinically complex cases are referred to GPs or Clinical Pharmacists.
- Support implementation of national prescribing policies and guidance across GP practices, care homes, and primary care settings under supervision.
- Assist the PCN in achieving QOF targets and delivering locally commissioned enhanced services as directed.
- To assist in the appropriate monitoring and management of prescribing the budgets and to liaise with the medicines management team at the CCG.
- Carry out duties flexibly, acknowledging that the job description may be reviewed and updated in line with changing circumstances following consultation.
ALL POST HOLDERS ARE REQUIRED TO
- Adhere to West Mendip PCN policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc
- Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training
- Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training
- Take part in an annual appraisal
- Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018
- Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for their post
- Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Infection Control policies and procedures
Please see the supporting documents section for a PDF of this job description, which includes a Job Requirements Matrix.
Note
This job description is neither definitive nor exhaustive and is not intended to be totally comprehensive. It may be reviewed in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder. This job description is to be read in conjunction with all current West Mendip PCN policies, procedures & guidelines.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work under the direction of Clinical Pharmacists and GPs to support patient-facing activities and medicines optimisation, ensuring shared decision-making conversations are facilitated appropriately.
- Assist Clinical Pharmacists with medicines optimisation tasks, including checking inhaler technique, supporting medication reviews and reconciliation, and helping patients understand their medicines in line with agreed protocols.
- Undertake medicines reconciliation in accordance with practice protocols for new care home patients and during care setting transfers, liaising with community pharmacies as required.
- Organise necessary monitoring tests and documentation to support Clinical Pharmacists in delivering Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs).
- Support the wider team in providing lifestyle advice and signposting to services, contributing to initiatives that address local health inequalities.
- Assist in managing shared care protocols under the guidance of Clinical Pharmacists, escalating complex cases appropriately.
- Assist with antimicrobial stewardship initiatives to promote appropriate antibiotic use in line with national guidance.
- Participate in medication audits and medicines safety reviews as directed by the Clinical Pharmacist or GP team.
- Support the implementation of national prescribing policies and guidance by assisting with audits, quality improvement measures, and contributing to Direct Enhanced Service delivery under supervision.
- Assist in monitoring high-risk medications and flagging safety issues to the Clinical Pharmacist or GP in accordance with protocols.
- Take a proactive approach to safe prescription handling, identifying risks and escalating recommendations for improvement to the appropriate clinician.
- Respond to medication queries professionally and refer to the GP or Clinical Pharmacist in line with practice protocols.
- Assist in preparing and submitting claims for personally administered and high-cost drugs as required.
- Work collaboratively with the PCN multi-disciplinary team to ensure medicines optimisation processes are followed efficiently.
- Support efficient ordering and return processes to minimise medication wastage.
- Provide training and support on safe handling of medicines and assist with EPS implementation as directed.
- Develop effective working relationships with pharmacy professionals and MDT members to support integration across health and social care settings.
- Assist reception teams in managing general prescription requests, ensuring clinically complex cases are referred to GPs or Clinical Pharmacists.
- Support implementation of national prescribing policies and guidance across GP practices, care homes, and primary care settings under supervision.
- Assist the PCN in achieving QOF targets and delivering locally commissioned enhanced services as directed.
- To assist in the appropriate monitoring and management of prescribing the budgets and to liaise with the medicines management team at the CCG.
- Carry out duties flexibly, acknowledging that the job description may be reviewed and updated in line with changing circumstances following consultation.
ALL POST HOLDERS ARE REQUIRED TO
- Adhere to West Mendip PCN policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc
- Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training
- Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training
- Take part in an annual appraisal
- Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018
- Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for their post
- Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Infection Control policies and procedures
Please see the supporting documents section for a PDF of this job description, which includes a Job Requirements Matrix.
Note
This job description is neither definitive nor exhaustive and is not intended to be totally comprehensive. It may be reviewed in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder. This job description is to be read in conjunction with all current West Mendip PCN policies, procedures & guidelines.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Understanding of prescribing and medicines management issues
- Understanding of working effectively within multi-disciplinary groups and hospital pharmacy
- 2 years post-qualification experience
- Delivering a positive and professional service to patients and the public
- Knowledge and understanding of pharmacy law and ethics, and current legislation
- Good clinical knowledge including terminology
Desirable
- Experience in training others
Skills & Personal Attributes
Essential
- Able to communicate complex and sensitive information to patients or wider audiences using a variety of methods
- Able to develop effective working relationships at all levels
- Demonstrate ability to identify and implement best practice
- Can work independently and within a team, collaborating with healthcare professionals to achieve best outcomes for patients
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
- Excellent organisational skills with ability to prioritise and manage own workload
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Good IT skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations
- Professional appearance & demeanour
- Adaptable to change - flexible in accepting new procedures and policies
- Demonstrates initiative and a positive, proactive attitude towards improving patient care and medicines management
- Shows willingness to learn, adapt to new processes, and contribute ideas to enhance safety and efficiency within the team.
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 Pharmacy Services (BTEC or Equivalent)
- Registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
- Enrolled in, undertaking or qualified from, an approved training pathway for example, the Primary Care Pharmacy Educational Pathway (PCPEP) or Medicines Optimisation in Care Homes (MOCH) or courses approved by the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) as meeting the requirements of the UK-wide APTUK/PCPA National Competency Framework for Primary Care Pharmacy Technicians
- Evidence of CPD
Other Requirements
Essential
- Hold a current UK driving licence and be able to drive between practices
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Understanding of prescribing and medicines management issues
- Understanding of working effectively within multi-disciplinary groups and hospital pharmacy
- 2 years post-qualification experience
- Delivering a positive and professional service to patients and the public
- Knowledge and understanding of pharmacy law and ethics, and current legislation
- Good clinical knowledge including terminology
Desirable
- Experience in training others
Skills & Personal Attributes
Essential
- Able to communicate complex and sensitive information to patients or wider audiences using a variety of methods
- Able to develop effective working relationships at all levels
- Demonstrate ability to identify and implement best practice
- Can work independently and within a team, collaborating with healthcare professionals to achieve best outcomes for patients
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
- Excellent organisational skills with ability to prioritise and manage own workload
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Good IT skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations
- Professional appearance & demeanour
- Adaptable to change - flexible in accepting new procedures and policies
- Demonstrates initiative and a positive, proactive attitude towards improving patient care and medicines management
- Shows willingness to learn, adapt to new processes, and contribute ideas to enhance safety and efficiency within the team.
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 Pharmacy Services (BTEC or Equivalent)
- Registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council
- Enrolled in, undertaking or qualified from, an approved training pathway for example, the Primary Care Pharmacy Educational Pathway (PCPEP) or Medicines Optimisation in Care Homes (MOCH) or courses approved by the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) as meeting the requirements of the UK-wide APTUK/PCPA National Competency Framework for Primary Care Pharmacy Technicians
- Evidence of CPD
Other Requirements
Essential
- Hold a current UK driving licence and be able to drive between practices
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).
