Trainee DispenserNHS

Job summary

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Trainee Dispenser to join our friendly dispensary team at Len Valley Practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to start or develop a career in primary care and medicines management. No previous dispensing experience is essential, what matters most is your willingness to learn, attention to detail, reliability and commitment to providing excellent patient care.

You will receive full support and practical training from our experienced dispensary team while working towards the Buttercups Level 2 Dispensing Assistant qualification. You will gain hands-on experience in prescription processing, dispensing, stock management, medication safety and patient communication, with the opportunity to develop into a qualified Dispenser within the practice.

You will become an important part of our dispensary team, helping to ensure patients receive their medication safely, accurately and efficiently. You will be supported throughout your training with guidance, supervision and regular feedback, whilst gradually developing the confidence to work independently.

If you are organised, approachable, keen to learn and looking for a role where you can build a rewarding career in healthcare, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

As a Trainee Dispenser, you will work alongside our experienced dispensary team to support the safe and efficient supply of medicines to patients.

Your day-to-day duties will include:

• Processing repeat prescription requests and preparing prescriptions accurately.
• Labelling, assembling and preparing medication for patient collection and delivery.
• Supporting stock management, including checking expiry dates, stock rotation and orders.
• Assisting with dispensary administration and maintaining accurate records.
• Communicating with patients and responding to queries in a friendly and professional manner.
• Using EMIS Web and other practice systems as you develop your knowledge and confidence.
• Supporting the wider dispensary team with the smooth running of the dispensary.
• Learning and following safe dispensing procedures and practice protocols.
• Working towards your Buttercups Level 2 qualification alongside your practical training.

You will initially work under close supervision, with your responsibilities increasing as your knowledge, skills and competence develop. The role offers a varied working environment where you will have the opportunity to learn about medicines, develop your patient-facing skills and become an integral part of the practice team.

Job description

Job Title: Trainee Dispenser

Responsible to: Practice Manager

Accountable to: Practice Partnership

Job Summary

The post-holder will work as part of the dispensary team, supporting the safe and efficient supply of medication to patients at Lenham and Harrietsham Practices.

This is a training role designed to provide the successful candidate with the knowledge and skills required to become a qualified Dispenser. The practice will support the post-holder through their dispensing training programme, including completion of the Buttercups Level 2 programme, providing practical experience and guidance from experienced dispensary colleagues.

The successful candidate will develop their knowledge of medicines, prescription processing, stock management and dispensary procedures while maintaining excellent standards of patient care, accuracy and confidentiality.

Main Responsibilities

The post-holder will support the dispensing team in the accurate and safe preparation of medication for patients while undertaking structured training and working towards becoming a qualified dispenser.

• Complete required dispensing training and coursework, including the Buttercups Level 2 programme.
• Work under the supervision and guidance of the Pharmacist, Dispensary Lead and experienced dispensary staff while developing dispensing skills.
• Learn and follow all dispensary Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Assist with the preparation and dispensing of medication for patients at Lenham and Harrietsham Practices.
• Process repeat prescription requests accurately and efficiently.
• Learn to print and process prescriptions using EMIS Web and relevant practice systems.
• Assist with labelling and preparing medication for collection and delivery.
• Support the preparation of Monitored Dosage Systems (MDS/blister packs) once trained and competent.
• Develop knowledge of medication safety, prescribing processes and NHS dispensing regulations.
• Support stock management, including stock rotation, checking expiry dates and assisting with wholesaler orders.
• Assist with dispensary housekeeping, maintaining a safe, clean and organised working environment.
• Learn procedures for handling prescription payments and cash handling.
• Support with prescription administration, filing and processing for payment.
• Learn the processes involved in medication reviews and patient recalls.
• Develop an understanding of Controlled Drug procedures and the requirements of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
• Check emails, tasks and messages regularly and respond appropriately.
• Answer telephone calls professionally and politely, escalating queries where required.
• Provide excellent customer service to patients and develop confident communication skills.
• Ensure outstanding tasks and relevant information are handed over appropriately at the end of each shift.
• Work effectively as part of the dispensary team while developing the ability to work independently.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patients, relatives/carers and staff information.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain a professional, polite and courteous manner at all times.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, patients and external healthcare professionals.
• Adhere to all practice policies, procedures and confidentiality requirements.
• Comply with Health & Safety requirements and contribute to a safe working environment.
• Attend training sessions, supervision meetings and practice meetings as required.
• Participate in the practice appraisal process and follow agreed learning objectives.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role as requested by the Dispensary Manager or Practice Manager.

Training & Development

The practice is committed to supporting the post-holder's development and will provide:

• Support and protected time to complete the Buttercups Level 2 programme.
• Practical training and supervision within the dispensary environment.
• Regular feedback and support from the Dispensary Manager and wider team.
• Opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge required to progress to a qualified Dispenser role.

Person Specification

Essential

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Good attention to detail and ability to work accurately.
• Willingness and commitment to complete the required dispensing training.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to learn new systems and procedures.
• Reliable, organised and able to manage workload effectively.
• Commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality.

Desirable

• Previous experience working in a healthcare, pharmacy or customer service environment.
• Experience using computer systems.
• Previous experience handling medication or stock control.

Appraisal & Training

The post-holder will:

• Participate in the practice appraisal process and complete agreed learning objectives.
• Attend any courses, training events or development opportunities deemed necessary by the Dispensary Lead or Practice Manager.

About us

Len Valley Practice is a friendly forward thinking GP surgery based in the historic village of Lenham Kent caring for just over ten thousand patients across Lenham and Harrietsham The practice is led by five GP partners supported by salaried GPs, GP registrars a strong nursing team, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, physiotherapy and paramedic practitioners as well as skilled administrative and dispensary staff.

We provide a wide range of primary care services including long term condition management, immunisations, maternity and family planning, minor surgery, health screening and treatment of illness or injury Rated Good by the Care Quality Commission the practice is committed to delivering safe effective and patient centred care.

We pride ourselves on being an approachable, supportive and community focused organisation with a strong emphasis on teamwork professional development and delivering high quality care for all.