Apprentice Pharmacy Services Assistant

Handling customer queries in confidence Collection of prescription charges/checking patient exemption statements Operation of efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the dispensary with the objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage Ensuring that drugs are received and stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions Ensuring that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and maintaining the temperature control record/logbook Ensuring that that all dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order Maintaining full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions Ordering and unpacking drugs and dressings Dispensing and checking repeat prescriptions and prescriptions from surgeries under the supervision of a dispenser Taking orders for repeats and dealing with queries from district nurses and support staff Using the computer to keep records up to date Dealing with queries from patients regarding their prescriptions Handling controlled drugs (and keeping register) Handling prescription money and operating/balancing the till Assisting when required to meet targets in relation to dispensing doctors' scheme Assisting in stock checks

Training:

Standards are occupation-focused; they are not qualification-led. The learning happens throughout the apprenticeship. And the apprentice is assessed at the end. There is a focus on key areas - knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSB).

Highlights of the Standard:

There is a major shift from assessing to learning. Instead of continually assessing learners, assessors will be more like tutors or mentors - planning activities, sending feedback and supporting apprentices until the EPA (End Point Assessment). The EPAO (End Point Assessment Organisation) will then be responsible for assessing the apprentice Instead of assessing apprentices, on-programme learning will meet all the KSBs in the standard and prepare apprentices for their EPA. Mentors will need to check which assessment methods are used in the EPA and do mock tests and practice runs as the apprentice approaches the EPA The standards include a 20% off-the-job training requirement. This means providers and employers need to work together to plan learning activities outside of the apprentice's normal working duties. Off-the-job training is mandatory and will be audited, so it needs to be properly organised and recorded Apprentices are now graded according to their performance in the EPA. This means mentors will need to work closely with their learners to get the most out of them - planning activities to coach borderline apprentices and stretch and challenge high achievers.  Pharmacy Services Assistant Level 2 qualification is achieved on completion

Training Outcome:
Following successful completion of the training, an apprentice could be qualified to work as a dispensing assistant in Community Pharmacies: Should they wish to continue training, accuracy checking roles present an interesting progression Further training can lead to a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician qualification, meaning registration with the GPhC and a qualification which is recognised in the wider NHS

Employer Description:
Oaks Pharmacy is a friendly independent pharmacy based in an easy to reach shopping centre in Selly Oak. Our patients’ health and happiness is at the heart of our work. We take pride in having served our local community and continue to strive to meet their needs.

Working Hours :
Monday - Friday, 11:30am - 6.00pm. You would be required to work every other Saturday.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience