Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team on a 2 year training contract. We are looking for versatile individuals who can adapt and cope with high pressured situations. The successful candidate will be able to prioritise their own workload and work flexibly within the team. There is a requirement for all staff to work weekends and bank holidays on a rostered basis. This is currently 1 bank holiday per year and 1 weekend (Sat & Sun) every 8 weeks. The successful candidate will need to be able to accommodate this.
The purpose-built Pharmacy provides a clinical pharmacy service to Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Dorset University Foundation Trust (DHUFT). The pharmacy has undergone a refurbishment and has a state of the art dispensary with benefits of a new ARX robot installation, Prescription Tracking System (PTS) with full Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (EPMA) throughout the hospital.
Main duties of the job
Within the workplace, you will rotate through areas of the Pharmacy department, working alongside our friendly and experienced team. You will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in dispensary, distribution & ordering and being part of the medicines management team on the wards. You will also gain knowledge in more specialised areas such as Aseptic services.
Person care is at the centre of all we do within the pharmacy and as a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (PTPT) you will play a crucial role in this. This includes helping patients with their medication adherence and optimisation also healthy lifestyle advice.
As a student you will study towards becoming a registered Pharmacy Technician, this is a level 3 qualification and is fully funded throughout the 2 year training period. This course is delivered as a blended learning experience. With plenty of on the job learning as well as 20% of off the job learning time provided. Whilst this time is provided there is an expectation that additional study will be completed outside of working hours. The course is assessed by a variety of assessments, course work and case studies culminating in a final portfolio.
Please note apprenticeship rules and eligibility criteria will apply to this post.
About us
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.
Right to Work in the UK: This role is not available for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to support visa applications for this post in line with UKVI regulations.
Details
Date posted
07 November 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
12.21 an hour Minimum wage
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
2 years
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
405-25-CS521PHAR
Job locations
Dorset County Hospital
Williams Avenue
Dorchester
DT1 2JY
Job description
Job responsibilities
After suitable training the post holder will:

• Dispense prescriptions for inpatients and outpatients in accordance with current procedures
• Dispense Controlled Drugs in accordance with current procedures
• Dispense prescriptions for external pharmacy customers in accordance with current procedures
• Provide cover for the Assistant Technical Officers (ATO) annual leave and sickness
• Provide medicines reconciliation for inpatients at DCHFT
• Provide a final accuracy check for medications dispensed for the patients of DCHFT

Once qualified you will be able to register as a pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). This is the governing body that ensures that all pharmacy professionals are working to the correct standards.
Our DCHFT and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Please contact us at Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment.
For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online. Job description
Job responsibilities
After suitable training the post holder will:

• Dispense prescriptions for inpatients and outpatients in accordance with current procedures
• Dispense Controlled Drugs in accordance with current procedures
• Dispense prescriptions for external pharmacy customers in accordance with current procedures
• Provide cover for the Assistant Technical Officers (ATO) annual leave and sickness
• Provide medicines reconciliation for inpatients at DCHFT
• Provide a final accuracy check for medications dispensed for the patients of DCHFT

Once qualified you will be able to register as a pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). This is the governing body that ensures that all pharmacy professionals are working to the correct standards.
Our DCHFT and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Please contact us at Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment.
For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential

• Minimum 3 GCSEs at grade 4 or above (A-C) in Maths, English and 1 Science subjects (Alternatives may be considered on a case-by-case basis)

Desirable

• NVQ 2 or equivalent in Pharmacy Services

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Experience in a pharmacy environment/setting
• Experience of dealing with the public

Desirable

• Experience in a hospital pharmacy

Skills & Abilities
Essential

• Excellent written/verbal communication with all levels of staff and patients
• Has understanding, knowledge and a specific interest in hospital pharmacy

Desirable

• Good interpersonal skills
• Able to prioritise and manage own time
• Intermediate computer skills
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work unsupervised
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions
• Able to work in a busy environment and remain calm under pressure
• Evidence of ability to solve problems
• Able to demonstrate a good level of literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
• Able to work accurately/attention to detail
• Understands patient confidentiality
• Understands the importance of good communication
• Ability to travel for face-to-face study days

Person Specification
Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential

• Minimum 3 GCSEs at grade 4 or above (A-C) in Maths, English and 1 Science subjects (Alternatives may be considered on a case-by-case basis)

Desirable

• NVQ 2 or equivalent in Pharmacy Services

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Experience in a pharmacy environment/setting
• Experience of dealing with the public

Desirable

• Experience in a hospital pharmacy

Skills & Abilities
Essential

• Excellent written/verbal communication with all levels of staff and patients
• Has understanding, knowledge and a specific interest in hospital pharmacy

Desirable

• Good interpersonal skills
• Able to prioritise and manage own time
• Intermediate computer skills
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work unsupervised
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions
• Able to work in a busy environment and remain calm under pressure
• Evidence of ability to solve problems
• Able to demonstrate a good level of literacy, numeracy and ICT skills
• Able to work accurately/attention to detail
• Understands patient confidentiality
• Understands the importance of good communication
• Ability to travel for face-to-face study days

Skills Required