Job summary
We are seeking a self-motivated and enthusiastic Pharmacy Technician to join our established and innovative Clinical Pharmacy Team on a 12-month fixed-term contract to provide maternity leave cover. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience within a progressive Primary Care Network while making a meaningful difference to patient care across our seven GP practices.

We are committed to developing our staff and helping individuals realise their full potential. We actively support professional growth and seek to utilise Pharmacy Technicians to the full extent of their clinical and professional capabilities.

The successful candidate will join our friendly team of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and Care Coordinator input, supporting patients to improve their medicines use, health outcomes and quality of life.

Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is required.

Main duties of the job
Working as part of the Clinical Pharmacy Team and wider multidisciplinary team, the post holder will be depending on experience:

• Support patients to achieve the best possible outcomes from their medicines.
• Improve the safe, effective and cost efficient use of medicines.
• Provide advice and support to patients, carers and healthcare professionals.
• Work under the direction of the Lead Clinical Pharmacist and Senior Pharmacy Technician while managing their own workload.
• Liaise effectively with GP practice staff, community pharmacies, care homes and external healthcare partners.
• Promote evidence-based prescribing in line with local and national guidance.

This is a patient facing role and will involve travel across PCN practices, as well as home and care home visits where required.

About us
Folkestone, Hythe and Rural Primary Care Network is an innovative, friendly and forward-thinking organisation serving approximately 52,000 patients across seven practices.

We are recognised for our:

• Strong multidisciplinary working
• Digital innovation
• Investment in workforce development
• Supportive and collaborative culture
• Commitment to high-quality patient care

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced pharmacists and pharmacy technicians while developing skills in medicines optimisation, care home medicine support, medication safety and long-term condition management.

Job responsibilities
The following are the core responsibilities of the clinical pharmacy technician team and each Pharmacy Technician will be required to undertake any of the responsibilities listed. Post holders with less experience will be supported to develop competencies to be able to undertake any of the responsibilities below. There may be on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:

• a. To support the practice with their High risk drug monitoring in particular renal function monitoring with patients taking anticoagulants
• b. Check Eclipse safety data regularly
• c. Visit Care homes to information gather and review medication needs and issues, developing and implementing action plans to resolve issues.
• d. On rota managing the team inbox for emails and tasking from PCN staff and practice staff
• e. Dealing with medication queries from PCN staff and practice staff
• f. To undertake medication-related audit
• g. As part of the PCN pharmacy team, receive and process MHRA alerts and ensure they are documented and advice provided to practices
• h. Assist the Care Home team with the Care Home vaccination programme, administering vaccinations (if qualified to do so).

In addition to the primary responsibilities, the pharmacy technician may be requested to:

• a. Signpost to the latest guidance ensuring the practice conforms to NICE, CQC etc.
• b. Provide basic advice and guidance around specialist only, unlicensed and not recommended drugs in primary care
• c. Encourage cost-effective prescribing within the practice and reduce high cost drug spend. Provide advice and assistance to practices for them to accomplish work related to the Medicine Management within the practice to improve effectiveness and quality in prescribing.
• d. Implementing guidance on dressing and barrier product prescribing and supply
• e. To reconcile medicines following patients discharge from hospital or clinic appointments.

Person Specification
Personal Qualities
Essential

• Polite and confident
• Flexible and cooperative
• Motivated
• Forward thinker
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Ability to work under pressure

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Ability to promote best practice regarding all pharmaceutical matters
• Effective time management (Planning & Organising)
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Good interpersonal skills
• Problem solving & analytical skills
• Ability to follow policy and procedure
• Ability to assess the patient or carers understanding of taking medicines.

Desirable

• EMIS user skills

Experience
Essential

• Minimum of one year working in a medicines orientated environment

Desirable

• Experience in pharmacy services in primary care
• Broad knowledge of how General Practice functions

Qualifications
Essential

• GCSE grade A* to C (9-4) in English and Maths or equivalent
• Demonstrable commitment to professional and personal development

Desirable

• CPPE Primary care pharmacy education pathway completion or equivalent course
• Medicines Management Qualification

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.