Job summaryDo you want to be an integral part of a thriving acute Trust that embraces transformation and is passionate about delivering safe, personal and effective care? If the answer is yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you to join our award-winning pharmacy team.We are looking for a Senior Pharmacy Assistant who is keen to join our friendly team. The right candidate will benefit from a training programme that gives the variety of duties required within the Technical Services Department.The right candidate will be a strong communicator, organised and a team player.Main duties of the jobGeneral duties of this post include:Maintaining accurate stock levels of medicines and consumablesReceipt and Return of cleanroom clothing, with some heavy lifting and bending involved.Stock replenishment for both units within Technical ServicesInputting orders into the computer systemsAnswering telephones and dealing with simple queriesProcessing and disposing of medicinal wasteCleaning of the Aseptic and Chemotherapy Units and the Isolators and Microbiological Safety cabinetsAssembling ingredients for the production of chemotherapy and intravenous medicinesProduction of Aseptically Manipulated Products including CIVAS/PN and Chemotherapy medicinesTraining of Domestic's, Assistants, Technician's and Pharmacists in the cleaning of the Technical Services UnitsTraining of Assistants, Technician's and Pharmacists in 3 stage transfer decontamination in both Aseptic's and the Chemotherapy UnitsPerforming In Process Checks for Aseptically prepared productsDispensing of Outsourced Special's medicationAbout usEstablished in 2003 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) is a large integrated health care organisation providing high quality acute secondary healthcare for the people of East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.Our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 700,000 patients a year from the most serious of emergencies to planned operations and procedures. We employ over 8,000 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work and achievements.A rota is in place to cover Bank Holidays and we are a flexible and friendly team. Core hours of the service run from 08:00 - 16:30 with a weekend day 09:00 - 16:00 included in the working week. Staff work a 7.5 hour shift within these hours, there may be an option to work longer shifts . All working patterns can be discussed at interview.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesGeneral duties of this post include:Deputise for other Senior Pharmacy Assistant colleagues as delegated and as designated in their absence.Undertake cytotoxic reconstitution and dispensing in accordance with COSHH regulations and Regional and National standards, under direction of the Technical Services Manager.Undertake special dispensing and preparation involving the use of aseptic techniques within a controlled environment in accordance with aseptic procedures under the direction of the Technical Services Manager, including Central Intravenous drugs and Parenteral Nutrition solutions.Support the Lead Pharmacy Technician and Senior Pharmacy Technician in Aseptic Services and Oncology and assistant teams.Act within the constraints of this role and consult and seek guidance from the Lead Pharmacy Technician and Senior Pharmacy Technician where issues and problems exceed this remit.Ensure that the Lead Pharmacy Technician and Senior Pharmacy Technician are aware and informed in a timely way of any issues which may affect the running of the aseptic units, or the quality of products produced in it.Ensure that all pharmacy assistants and technicians are aware of the principles of Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Good Manufacturing Practice, effective stock control and management and that this is carried out at all times.Assist with the training of pharmacy assistants, domestic staff and pharmacy technicians including maintenance of training records and signing off competencies.Act as a role model for the assistants and technicians and demonstrate the ability to provide safe, cost-efficient use of medicines.Undertake waste management and disposal of returned pharmaceutical products which may include hazardous material, following standard operating procedures.Ensure Pharmacy Portering and transport staff (including relief staff) are following current procedures when handling and delivering medicines.Maintain the shelves and storage areas in a neat and tidy manner ensuring good stock rotation.Person SpecificationQualificationsEssentialQCF level 2 certificate in Pharmacy Services or equivalent qualificationTrainingEssentialSupervisory experienceSpecial KnowledgeEssentialUnderstanding of local and national NHS and Pharmaceutical PolicyKnowledge of medicines legislation and guidance i.e. Medicines Act, Misuse of Drugs Act, Safe and Secure Handling of Medicines, Medicine Guidance Notes, MHRA AlertsGeneral knowledge of NHS developments including primary and secondary care Understanding of clinical governance principlesExperienceEssentialPractice in one or more relevant areasExperience of supervising pharmacy services in primary or secondary careWorking within GMP/GDP guidelinesWorking within GMP/GDP guidelinesHR policies awarenessAbility to maintain and report on records and statisticsJudgementEssentialDemonstrates clear thinking and able to analyse problemsMakes sound decisionsIntuition - anticipates difficulties and takes appropriate actionKnows when to consult (own limitations)Reflects on own practice and learns from experienceReflects on own practice and learns from experienceCommunication SkillsEssentialExcellent verbal and written communicationExcellent negotiator, influencerCourteous with all customers both internal and external including members of the public and other healthcare professionalsAble to communicate informationAbility to influence Pharmacy and hospital staff and other peopleAbility to prioritise demands on service and plan workload of self and othersSkills in training and development of a range of staffPersonal QualitiesEssentialHas vision and imagination, initiative, creativity, able to see beyond barriersCan balance leadership and working within a teamPrioritises and meets deadlinesMature in approach and has professional credibilityAble to be seen as a role model - reliable, fair and balancedFlexibleSystematic approachEnergetic and can enthuse, 'can-do' approachCalm under pressureThrives on changeGood numeric and verbal skillsCPDOther RequirementsEssentialFlexibility in working hoursAdvanced keyboard skillsDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Employer detailsEmployer nameEast Lancashire Hospitals NHS TrustAddressRoyal Blackburn HospitalBlackburnBB2 3HHEmployer's websitehttp://jobs.elht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)