Apprentice Dispenser - Llanfairpwll Health Centre

APPRENTICE DISPENSER JOB DESCRIPTION Apprentice Dispenser Responsible To Dispensary Team Leader and Practice Manager Accountable To GP Partners- Dispensing Lead GP Hours 37.5 Salary In accordance with apprenticeship regulations and Practice policy. Location Meddygfa Penbryn Surgery Dwyran Llanfairpwllgwyngyll Ynys Mon LL61 6YD Job Purpose To provide support within the Practice Dispensary whilst undertaking and successfully completing the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification over a 12-month period. The post holder will work under the supervision of qualified dispensers and clinicians to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to safely and effectively dispense medicines to eligible dispensing patients. The Apprentice Dispenser will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality dispensing service in accordance with Practice policies, NHS Wales requirements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the principles of the Dispensing Services Quality Scheme (DSQS). The role includes participation in structured workplace training, competency assessments, mandatory training and continuous professional development. Key ResponsibilitiesDispensing Duties Assist in the safe preparation and dispensing of prescriptions under supervision. Accurately select, assemble and label medicines in accordance with prescriptions and SOPs. Process repeat prescriptions and Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) prescriptions where applicable. Ensure prescriptions are processed efficiently whilst maintaining accuracy. Highlight any prescription queries or concerns to a qualified dispenser, pharmacist or GP. Maintain accurate dispensing records. Adhere to all legal, professional and Practice requirements relating to dispensing activities. Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained at all times. Patient Care and Customer Service Provide a professional, courteous and patient-centred service. Assist patients collecting medication and respond appropriately to routine enquiries. Communicate effectively with patients, carers and healthcare professionals. Signpost patients to the appropriate member of the Practice team when necessary. Support the delivery of excellent patient care and customer service. Manage all interactions in accordance with confidentiality and data protection requirements. Stock Management Assist with ordering, receiving and storing pharmaceutical stock. Monitor stock levels and report shortages. Conduct regular stock rotation and expiry date checks. Maintain appropriate storage conditions, including refrigerators and cold-chain medicines. Assist with medicines recalls and stock audits. Support the safe disposal of expired or unwanted medicines in accordance with Practice procedures. Administrative Duties Use EMIS Web and dispensing systems safely and effectively. Maintain accurate patient, prescription and stock records. Assist with filing, scanning and other dispensary administration. Support dispensary audits and quality improvement activities. Maintain a clean, safe and organised dispensary environment. Follow all Practice policies, procedures and SOPs. Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification The successful candidate will be enrolled onto the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification and will be expected to complete the programme within 12 months. The Apprentice Dispenser will: Attend all scheduled training sessions, tutorials and reviews. Complete coursework, assignments and portfolio evidence within agreed timescales. Participate in workplace observations and competency assessments. Develop knowledge of medicines, dispensing procedures and healthcare legislation. Apply learning from the qualification within the workplace. Successfully achieve the qualification within the agreed timeframe. Protected learning time will be provided in accordance with Practice requirements and apprenticeship arrangements. DSQS and Quality Requirements The Apprentice Dispenser will support the Practice in maintaining compliance with Dispensing Services Quality Scheme (DSQS) standards by: Participating in competency assessments. Following all dispensary SOPs. Undertaking continuous professional development. Supporting quality improvement activities. Participating in audits and reviews. Maintaining evidence of training and competency. Promoting safe and effective dispensing practice. Contributing to patient safety and risk management processes. Mandatory Training and Development The Apprentice Dispenser must complete all mandatory training and refresher requirements relevant to the role. This includes: Governance and Compliance Information Governance Data Security Awareness GDPR and Confidentiality Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Patient Safety Safeguarding Adults Safeguarding Children Infection Prevention and Control Medicines Management Awareness Controlled Drugs Awareness Near Miss and Dispensing Error Reporting Health and Safety Health and Safety at Work Fire Safety Basic Life Support (where required) Lone Worker Awareness (where applicable) Business Continuity and Emergency Planning Dispensary Specific Training Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Prescription Processing Stock Management Cold Chain and Refrigerator Monitoring Medicines Storage Requirements Repeat Prescribing Processes Dispensing Software Training Competency Requirements The Apprentice Dispenser will undertake structured competency assessments in: Confidentiality and Information Governance Prescription Processing Medicines Selection and Assembly Labelling of Medicines Patient Communication Stock Control and Ordering Use of Dispensing Systems Repeat Prescribing Procedures Cold Chain Management SOP Compliance Incident and Near Miss Reporting Professional Conduct Competencies will be reviewed and signed off by the Lead Dispenser and/or Practice Manager. General Responsibilities The post holder will: Act in accordance with Practice policies and procedures. Maintain confidentiality at all times. Treat patients, colleagues and visitors with dignity and respect. Promote equality, diversity and inclusion. take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions, whilst complying with all Practice health and safety policies, procedures and training requirements. Participate in annual appraisal and personal development reviews. Work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary Practice team. Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post. Person SpecificationEssential CriteriaQualifications GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics (or equivalent). Eligibility and willingness to undertake the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification. Skills and Knowledge Good communication skills. Good organisational skills. Excellent attention to detail. IT skills. Ability to work as part of a team. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Personal Qualities Reliable and punctual. Professional and approachable. Enthusiastic and willing to learn. Flexible and adaptable. Committed to high standards of patient care. Able to work accurately under pressure. Desirable Criteria The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply Previous healthcare, pharmacy, retail or customer service experience. Knowledge of the NHS and Primary Care services. Experience of using computerised record systems. Understanding of dispensing services within General Practice. Job description Job responsibilities APPRENTICE DISPENSER JOB DESCRIPTION Apprentice Dispenser Responsible To Dispensary Team Leader and Practice Manager Accountable To GP Partners- Dispensing Lead GP Hours 37.5 Salary In accordance with apprenticeship regulations and Practice policy. Location Meddygfa Penbryn Surgery Dwyran Llanfairpwllgwyngyll Ynys Mon LL61 6YD Job Purpose To provide support within the Practice Dispensary whilst undertaking and successfully completing the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification over a 12-month period. The post holder will work under the supervision of qualified dispensers and clinicians to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to safely and effectively dispense medicines to eligible dispensing patients. The Apprentice Dispenser will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality dispensing service in accordance with Practice policies, NHS Wales requirements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the principles of the Dispensing Services Quality Scheme (DSQS). The role includes participation in structured workplace training, competency assessments, mandatory training and continuous professional development. Key ResponsibilitiesDispensing Duties Assist in the safe preparation and dispensing of prescriptions under supervision. Accurately select, assemble and label medicines in accordance with prescriptions and SOPs. Process repeat prescriptions and Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) prescriptions where applicable. Ensure prescriptions are processed efficiently whilst maintaining accuracy. Highlight any prescription queries or concerns to a qualified dispenser, pharmacist or GP. Maintain accurate dispensing records. Adhere to all legal, professional and Practice requirements relating to dispensing activities. Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained at all times. Patient Care and Customer Service Provide a professional, courteous and patient-centred service. Assist patients collecting medication and respond appropriately to routine enquiries. Communicate effectively with patients, carers and healthcare professionals. Signpost patients to the appropriate member of the Practice team when necessary. Support the delivery of excellent patient care and customer service. Manage all interactions in accordance with confidentiality and data protection requirements. Stock Management Assist with ordering, receiving and storing pharmaceutical stock. Monitor stock levels and report shortages. Conduct regular stock rotation and expiry date checks. Maintain appropriate storage conditions, including refrigerators and cold-chain medicines. Assist with medicines recalls and stock audits. Support the safe disposal of expired or unwanted medicines in accordance with Practice procedures. Administrative Duties Use EMIS Web and dispensing systems safely and effectively. Maintain accurate patient, prescription and stock records. Assist with filing, scanning and other dispensary administration. Support dispensary audits and quality improvement activities. Maintain a clean, safe and organised dispensary environment. Follow all Practice policies, procedures and SOPs. Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification The successful candidate will be enrolled onto the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification and will be expected to complete the programme within 12 months. The Apprentice Dispenser will: Attend all scheduled training sessions, tutorials and reviews. Complete coursework, assignments and portfolio evidence within agreed timescales. Participate in workplace observations and competency assessments. Develop knowledge of medicines, dispensing procedures and healthcare legislation. Apply learning from the qualification within the workplace. Successfully achieve the qualification within the agreed timeframe. Protected learning time will be provided in accordance with Practice requirements and apprenticeship arrangements. DSQS and Quality Requirements The Apprentice Dispenser will support the Practice in maintaining compliance with Dispensing Services Quality Scheme (DSQS) standards by: Participating in competency assessments. Following all dispensary SOPs. Undertaking continuous professional development. Supporting quality improvement activities. Participating in audits and reviews. Maintaining evidence of training and competency. Promoting safe and effective dispensing practice. Contributing to patient safety and risk management processes. Mandatory Training and Development The Apprentice Dispenser must complete all mandatory training and refresher requirements relevant to the role. This includes: Governance and Compliance Information Governance Data Security Awareness GDPR and Confidentiality Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Patient Safety Safeguarding Adults Safeguarding Children Infection Prevention and Control Medicines Management Awareness Controlled Drugs Awareness Near Miss and Dispensing Error Reporting Health and Safety Health and Safety at Work Fire Safety Basic Life Support (where required) Lone Worker Awareness (where applicable) Business Continuity and Emergency Planning Dispensary Specific Training Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Prescription Processing Stock Management Cold Chain and Refrigerator Monitoring Medicines Storage Requirements Repeat Prescribing Processes Dispensing Software Training Competency Requirements The Apprentice Dispenser will undertake structured competency assessments in: Confidentiality and Information Governance Prescription Processing Medicines Selection and Assembly Labelling of Medicines Patient Communication Stock Control and Ordering Use of Dispensing Systems Repeat Prescribing Procedures Cold Chain Management SOP Compliance Incident and Near Miss Reporting Professional Conduct Competencies will be reviewed and signed off by the Lead Dispenser and/or Practice Manager. General Responsibilities The post holder will: Act in accordance with Practice policies and procedures. Maintain confidentiality at all times. Treat patients, colleagues and visitors with dignity and respect. Promote equality, diversity and inclusion. take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions, whilst complying with all Practice health and safety policies, procedures and training requirements. Participate in annual appraisal and personal development reviews. Work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary Practice team. Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post. Person SpecificationEssential CriteriaQualifications GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics (or equivalent). Eligibility and willingness to undertake the Buttercups NVQ Level 2 Dispensing Assistant Qualification. Skills and Knowledge Good communication skills. Good organisational skills. Excellent attention to detail. IT skills. Ability to work as part of a team. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Personal Qualities Reliable and punctual. Professional and approachable. Enthusiastic and willing to learn. Flexible and adaptable. Committed to high standards of patient care. Able to work accurately under pressure. Desirable Criteria The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply Previous healthcare, pharmacy, retail or customer service experience. Knowledge of the NHS and Primary Care services. Experience of using computerised record systems. Understanding of dispensing services within General Practice.