Band 4 Specialist Pharmacy Assistant

Join our Pharmacy Team at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust!

Are you detail-oriented with excellent organisational skills and a passion for healthcare? We're seeking motivated individuals with aseptic experience to join our expanding Aseptic Services team.

The Cancer Services Division at UHB delivers world-class cancer care with specialised oncology and haematology services, delivered by specialist pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and assistant technical officers.

In this vital role, you'll support the Specialist Pharmacy Technician in overseeing daily activities and aseptically preparing chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies and CIVAS/OPAT medications. You'll ensure patients receive safe, high-quality pharmaceutical care through meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict quality standards.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, be comfortable participating in training and development of other staff members, with a commitment to professional development.

We encourage innovative working and actively promote learning and development, including completion of the NVQ3 Science Manufacturing Technician course.

Join our team and help us build healthier lives through our values of being Kind, Connected, and Bold.

For further information or applications, contact Louise Chamberlain, Pharmacy Operations and Performance Manager - Cancer and Aseptic Services: louise.chamberlain@uhb.nhs.uk'

Main duties of the job

The post holder will:

Aseptically prepare; chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, CIVAS/OPAT and Clinical trials using good aseptic technique

Perform specialised cleaning duties and essential environmental monitoring and quality assurance checks

Maintain equipment and facilities to the highest standards

Interpret prescriptions and produce worksheets

Undertake self-checking and ensure accuracy throughout all processes

Participate in the induction and training of staff in areas of responsibility

Issue stocks and maintain good stock control in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Contribute to the department's continuous improvement initiatives

Please refer to the job description and person specification for further details on the role. If you have any questions, would like to look around or require any further information, please contact us to discuss.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• * GCSEs: Mathematics, English and Science (Grade C/4 or equivalent) and two other GCSEs (Grade C/4)
• * NVQ level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills/Support Staff or equivalent
• * Have or are willing to work towards National Level 3 qualification (e.g. ILM Level 3 or similar) or hold knowledge/equivalent experience of pharmaceutical technical procedures acquired though training
• * Have or are working towards evidence of working accurately, such the West Midlands Dispensing Accuracy Assessment or equivalent

Desirable

• * University of Leeds -- Supervisory Skills for Technical Services
• * University of Leeds -- Aseptic Preparation and Dispensing of Medicines
• * University of Leeds -- Cleanroom Behaviour and Comportment for Aseptic Services
• * Accuracy Checking For Dispensing Assistants (National framework)

Experience

Essential

• * Extensive experience working in aseptic services
• * In-depth practical experience of aseptic work
• * Good understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
• * Understanding of pharmacy related computer systems
• * Understanding of Health and Safety at Work, manual handling and COSHH
• * Understanding of dispensing, stock control and supply systems and processes
• * Knowledge of drugs, side effects & where to find further information
• * Knowledge of safe and secure handling of medicines (SaSHM) requirements
• * Knowledge of stock control systems
• * Knowledge of code of practice/customer care
• * Understands the need for delivering a cost effective service and the required work practices to reduce waste

Desirable

• * Experience in staff training
• * Supervisory experience
• * Working Knowledge of pharmacy computer systems
• * Experience in audit

About the employer

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued. We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people. As such we want to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds, and for each of you to feel supported for the diversity you bring, to achieve your full potential. For those staff with a disability, including physical disability, long term health condition, mental health or neurodiverse condition, this also means being committed to making reasonable adjustments needed for you to carry out your role.