Senior Assistant Technical Officer
Closing date: 27 July 2026.
Position: Fixed Term/Secondment, 12 months.
Please note if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex you must seek approval from your current manager before applying for this secondment opportunity. If you cannot obtain approval you should not apply unless you wish to take the role as a fixed‑term position.
We are looking for an organised and proactive team player with strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, a commitment to teamwork and patient care, and confidence using IT systems.
In return you will join a friendly, forward‑thinking pharmacy team, receive full training, and have opportunities to develop and contribute to meaningful improvement projects that benefit patients, the NHS and the planet.
Main duties of the job
As a Senior Assistant Technical Officer you will help ensure the safe, efficient and accurate supply of medicines to patients across the hospital, supervise day‑to‑day dispensary workflow, support and train junior staff, and maintain high standards of safety and service.
A key part of the role is leading the return and recycle of medicines, identifying items suitable for reuse, reducing waste and supporting the Trust’s sustainability goals. You will also manage stock levels, process prescriptions via electronic systems, and respond to queries from patients and clinical staff.
About us
At UHSussex (UHSx) diversity is our strength and we want you to feel included. You will join a creative, innovative community that encourages everyone to succeed. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We offer a buddy system to help new members settle in and extensive wellbeing programmes to support flexible work‑life balance.
As a university trust and leader in research we value learning, teaching and training. From the moment you start with us we will help you grow and develop. We hope you will choose UHSx for a long, rewarding career where you can see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
Job responsibilities
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.
Role Summary
- Supervision: Support and guide Band 2 ATOs, ensuring tasks are carried out safely and efficiently, and assist with staff training and competency sign‑off.
- Returns and Recycling: Lead the dispensary’s return and recycle programme, identifying medicines suitable for reuse in accordance with Trust policy to reduce waste and environmental impact.
- Stock Management: Maintain effective stock control within the dispensary; perform stock counts, expiry checks and ensure medicines are stored safely and rotated correctly.
- Communication: Liaise with pharmacists, technicians, ward staff and patients to resolve queries promptly and ensure timely medicine supply; communicate effectively within the team.
- Service Quality: Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring compliance with legal, safety and governance requirements.
- Continuous Improvement: Participate in audits, service evaluations and improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and sustainability within the pharmacy.
- Teamwork: Contribute to a supportive and collaborative working environment, promoting the Trusts values of compassion, respect and professionalism.
Person Specification
Essential & Desirable
- Experience working in a pharmacy environment with understanding of dispensing processes.
- Strong attention to detail and numeracy skills; able to perform accurate pharmaceutical calculations.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with patients, colleagues and healthcare professionals.
- Evidence of teamwork, reliability and ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines.
- Commitment to professional development, learning and upholding Trust values.
- NVQ Level 3 in Pharmaceutical Sciences or willingness to complete.
- Previous experience working in a hospital pharmacy or similar healthcare setting.
- Experience supervising or training junior pharmacy support staff.
- Experience handling patient or customer queries in a busy environment.
- Evidence of involvement in service improvement or sustainability initiatives (e.g. medicines return/recycle).
- Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and safe systems of work.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) is required to check for any previous convictions.
Employer name
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Address
Worthing Hospital and Royal Sussex County Hospital
Lyndhurst Rd, Worthing BN11 2DH and Eastern Rd BN2 5BE
Salary
£25,760 to £27,476 per year, pro rata
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Reference number
279-8151906-JUL26
Job locations
Worthing Hospital and Royal Sussex County Hospital
Lyndhurst Rd, Worthing BN11 2DH and Eastern Rd BN2 5BE
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