Job vacancy: Pharmacy Procurement Assistant, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Torquay

Job summary

Main area

Admin

Grade

NHS AfC: Band 2/3

Contract

Permanent

Hours

Part time
Flexible working

36 hours per week

Job ref

388-7073143-A&C

Employer: Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Pharmacy Department
Town: Torquay
Salary: Dependent on experience / qualification
Closing: 15/04/2025 23:59

Pharmacy Procurement Assistant

NHS AfC: Band 2/3

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Assist in the maintenance of systems for effective and economic purchasing of medicines and other pharmacy-supplied items to ensure continuity of supply, minimise waste and to maintain efficacy.
Assist in the day to day maintenance of the pharmacy stock control system and in the development of the software, including modification of files, implementation of planned enhancement and basic maintenance of back-up systems and hardware e.g. printers.
Provide general administrative and clerical support for purchasing and computer services e.g. processing of letters, reports and maintaining effective systems for filing.
Process invoices and other documentation relating to purchasing when required; receive goods on to the stock control system and support the use of EDI e.g. by creating trading partners and inputting EAN codes.
Provide appropriate and accurate financial and accounting information to appropriate members of staff within the organisation, and any other information required relating to drug usage, purchasing, expenditure and pharmacy workload. Plan and maintain a regular reporting schedule and produce adhoc reports as required.
Provide specialist IT support to all pharmacy staff e.g. problem solving and advice on advanced features of word processing and spreadsheet software.
Following guidelines, provide new members of pharmacy staff with appropriate levels of access to the computer systems. Administer initial and on-going training, being on hand to assist pharmacy staff with IT related queries / problems.
Undertake risk assessments on visual display equipment and other IT equipment used throughout the department, and report on findings.
Be involved in service development projects to ensure continuous improvement; participate in reviews of work practices and procedures in order to ensure consistent provision of services.
Achieve objectives agreed at Achievement Reviews in order to contribute effectively to the overall provision of pharmacy services and to ensure progressive development.
Ensure awareness of, and operate within current health and safety legislation and compliance with the departmental safety policies and procedures.
Strictly observe confidentiality of all information concerning patients, and comply with procedures relating to Data Protection Act.
Represent the department to a high professional standard in conduct, manner and appearance.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English grade C or above.
• Able to complete a BTEC Level 2 certificate in the principles and practice for pharmacy support staff or equivalent.

Desirable criteria

• ECDL qualification or equivalent.

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Ability to demonstrate an in depth understanding of all application of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, where complex reports are compiled and formatted, and Trust email, Outlook.
• Able to provide general administrative support
• Ability to compile accurate information relating to drug usage and expenditure.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in raising purchase orders/using a stock control system.

Skills

Essential criteria

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Ability to manage interruptions on workload
• Methodical, accurate and quality-oriented, strives for continuous improvement

You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, we are proud of our investment in our staff both in terms of developing potential career skills and valuing people.

If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer. We have a ‘Staff Carers’ policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply promptly.
Please read the job description carefully and tailor your application to reflect the requirements of the role.
Applicants who identify in their application form they are a part of the Armed Forces community will be guaranteed an interview, provided they meet the minimum essential criteria outlined in the job description and person specification for the role. Step into Health guidance can be found on our NHS Employers website.
Correspondence will be sent via Trac, text, and email. Please ensure you check your email and Trac account regularly.
Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band.
If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
It is your responsibility to ensure the timely receipt of appropriate references.

The Trust is committed to preventing discrimination, valuing diversity and achieving equality of opportunity. No person (staff, patient or public) will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of the nine protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. If you require support you can obtain this from our Equality Business Forum which has representatives from all protected groups.