Pre-registration Pharmacy Technician (Training Post - Annex 21)
Welcome to Swansea Bay University Health Board. We welcome applications from people who share our values: caring for each other, working together and always improving.
Swansea Bay University Health Board reserve the right to close this vacancy after 24 hours if a large number of suitable applications are received. Therefore we encourage early applications to ensure consideration for this post.
Prior consideration for this vacancy will be given to staff currently awaiting redeployment and we therefore reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any stage.
Please be advised that there is a temporary top up for Bands 2 and 3 to reflect the incorporation of the top up to the living wage of £12.60 per hour - £24,638 per annum.
This temporary top up will be in place until the annual pay uplift for 2025/26 is confirmed.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Job overview
THIS POST IS FIXED TERM/SECONDMENT FOR 24 MONTHS DUE TO FUNDING.
Swansea Bay University Health Board are pleased to offer training positions for completion of the Pre-registration Pharmacy Technician programme in Wales. They provide the opportunity to gain the required experience and qualification(s) needed to allow you to apply for registration as a pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Salary: Initially Annex 21 Band 4 - 70%, progressing to 75% after 12 months.
Training positions are Modern Apprenticeship funded through Health Education and Improvement Wales/Welsh Government.
We have positions available across our Cefn Coed and Singleton Hospital sites (candidates are asked to consider their preferred base site and state this in their application form or at interview, if appropriate).
Pharmacy technicians develop a high level of expertise in relation to medicines and health and they work as part of healthcare teams in hospitals, manufacturing units, community pharmacies and GP practices. They focus on management and use of medicines to make sure all types of people get the best outcomes from their medicines.They lead teams delivering medicines service.
During the two-year training, provided by the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) you will be expected to gain experience reflecting the changing and growing roles of the Pharmacy Technician.
Main duties of the job
The role of the Pharmacy technician is varied and interesting and continuously developing into new activity and job roles, which is why we are offering this opportunity to explore this innovative role in a rotational training programme. You will gain experience in a hospital setting dispensing for In-patients and Out-patients, Purchasing and Distribution and ward-based work.
To complete the programme, candidates will need the ability and enthusiasm to undertake a modern apprenticeship training programme which will take two years to complete. This involves working full time (37.5 hours a week) in a pharmacy, building a portfolio of evidence, work-based assessment, on-line learning, study days and group work and following the GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals.
A commitment to studying outside working hours is essential as well as an ability to meet the deadlines set during your training programme. Experience of working effectively both in a team and independently and previous pharmacy experience are desirable but not essential for this post.
Further information related to the Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician training programme can be found across UEA (Certificate of Higher Education for Pharmacy Practice Qualification) and HEIW websites.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Working for our organisation
We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.
As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.
You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.
There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.
Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.
If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The attached JD details the position you will work towards.
Candidates with a Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy Services, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent, or those who have already received funding for Pre-registration Pharmacy Technician training, will not be considered.
To be shortlisted, candidates must have at least 4 GCSEs grade A*-C (new grades 9-4) or equivalent, including:
GCSE English Grade C/Level 4 or above, Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent English language evidence which can include Essential Skills Wales Communication Level.
GCSE Maths at Grade C/Level 4, Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent evidence of numeracy which can include Essential Skills Wales Application of Number Level 2.
One GCSE Science at Grade C/Level 4 or above, or Scottish National 5 or equivalent.
Proof of qualifications will be required at interview. Please ensure that you have your original awarding certificates.
Applicants using 'equivalence' principles e.g. access to higher education courses, may need to complete Essential Skills Wales in 'communication' & 'application of number.' Overseas applicants using ‘equivalence’ principles must provide evidence e.g. Statement of Comparability from the UK National Agency of Qualifications & Skills.
You will complete a GPhC-approved training programme for the initial education & training of pharmacy technicians. If you don't already hold Essential Skills Wales 'digital literacy' at level 2, you will need to complete this as part of the programme.
Person specification
Other Essential Criteria
Essential criteria- Ability to travel within geographical area and work hours flexibly to meet the demands of the service.
- Ability to work extended hours
- Able to work in different locations in Health Board on same day and to visit wards frequently located some distance from each other
Essential Aptitude and abilities
Essential criteria- Ability to work with full range of pharmacy codes and procedures
- Good verbal/written communication skills. Good communicator, motivated, able to work as part of a team. Able to cope with emotional demands of patient involvement
- Ability to concentrate when frequently under pressure and subject to interruptions. Innovative and well organised. Problem solving, able to prioritise and organise workload
- Ability to use Microsoft Office.
- Able to manage sensitive and confidential handling of patient related information.
- Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Welsh
Essential Experience
Essential criteria- Experience of working in a hospital pharmacy department or equivalent. Ability to supervise other staff
- Ability to manage the day-to-day provision of pharmacy service within area.
- Proven track record of competence
Essential Qualifications & Knowledge
Essential criteria- Knowledge of pharmaceutical technical procedures acquired through training NVQ 3 and BTEC or equivalent in pharmaceutical science plus induction & CPD.
- Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- Working towards the Accredited Checking Technician (ACT) qualification
- Member of ‘Specialist’ Professional Group.
Swansea Bay University Health Board is committed to supporting its staff and processes to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing service users experience. In our commitment to increase the number of staff able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we would particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
Equality remains at the centre of the Health Boards policy-making, service delivery and employment practices. We value the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from people from protected groups under the Equality Act 2010, this specifically includes age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/reassignment, race, religion, disability, pregnancy and maternity and marriage and civil partnership.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and applications are welcomed from persons with disabilities. A disability will not prejudice your application. If you are unable to submit your application in the requested format because of a disability please contact the Recruitment Team, who will agree a more suitable way for you to apply.All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification will be invited to interview.
To work in the UK, all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care visa or Skilled Worker visa, unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply should self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship by visiting Work in the UK.If you are eligible for the Health and Care visa, application costs are lower and you do not need to pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge.