Senior Pharmacy Support Worker

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

Join our team at the University Hospital Southampton as an Advanced Pharmacy Support Worker, where you'll play a vital role in assisting with the smooth operation of our oncology pharmacy. You will work as part of the oncology pharmacy team to assemble, manufacture and delivery oncology medication to our patients.

We're looking for individuals with a keen eye for detail, who can thrive in a busy environment and who has excellent communication skills.

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

The post will involve working in our brand-new aseptic suite as part of a team of experienced technicians and support workers. Your main duties will include:

• Passing and continuing to maintain required spray/wipe and broth validations
• Accurately and safely manufacturing treatments using aseptic technique, (including novel and clinical trial medicines) following standard operating procedures
• Covering reception duties when required including greeting other healthcare professionals, taking phone calls, and receiving in and sending prescriptions whilst maintaining confidentiality
• Taking responsibility for the completion of daily documentation as required for an aseptic unit
  
  

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together
  
  

Qualifications / Training Required

Essential criteria

• NVQ 2 in Pharmacy or other Level 2 approved GPhC qualification for pharmacy support staff or equivalent experience
• Supervisory qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience of supervision
  
  

Desirable criteria

• 2 GCSE’s or equivalent grades A* - C or 4-9 in English and Maths (If qualifications gained outside the UK evidence of equivalent standards must be demonstrated at interview)
• Other healthcare qualifications
• GCSEs in science-based or other role specific relevant subjects
  
  

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Use of information technology in the workplace or within education or voluntary sector
• Standard keyboard skills
• Previous pharmacy experience (hospital or community) or supervisory experience
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience in health or social care (if not pharmacy)
• Experience in stock control i.e., receiving, maintaining and / or issuing stock
• Clinical trials or research experience (Clinical trials only)
• Use of till and / or handling money in a work environment (RSH posts only)
  
  

Aptitudes And Skills Required

Essential criteria

• Customer service skills in the workplace or voluntary sector
• Communicate effectively with others in English both in speaking and writing
• Able to demonstrate ability to pass Numeracy test at interview
• Ability to follow procedures
• Attention to detail and accurate working
• Able to work independently and prioritise work.
• Motivated and self-reliant and organised
• Adaptable particularly able to work in busy, noisy and changing environments
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Demonstrate times when able to work effectively under pressure