Band 3 Rotational Senior Pharmacy Assistant

Job Title: Rotational Senior Pharmacy Assistant

Location: Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading

Grade: NHS AfC Band 3

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Full time – includes weekends and late shifts)

Salary: £24,937 – £26,598 per annum

Closing Date: 11 March 2026

The Inpatient Pharmacy at Royal Berkshire Hospital offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced Pharmacy Assistant/Dispenser to join our multidisciplinary team. Candidates must possess or be working towards an NVQ Level 2 qualification in Pharmacy Services, or be willing to complete the required training. The role provides a rotational experience across Pharmacy Stores and the Dispensary teams, with opportunities to develop skills in dispensing specialised medicines, liaising with healthcare professionals and supporting the supply of Monitored Dosage Systems (MDS).

• Undertake duties on a rotational basis across Pharmacy Stores and the multidisciplinary Dispensary teams.
• Assist in dispensing specialised medicines and MDS.
• Support the provision of a variety of pharmacy services through a range of tasks.
• Liaise with a range of healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective medication use.
• Perform general support tasks within the pharmacy team as required.

• Essential Criteria: GCSEs at grade A‑C (or equivalent) in Maths, English Language and two Science subjects.
• NVQ and BTEC Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or willingness to work towards qualification.
• Pharmacy experience in a hospital or community setting.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience dispensing MDS (desirable).
• JAC experience (desirable).
• Stock control experience (desirable).

• Flexible working opportunities and a strong emphasis on work‑life balance.
• Annual leave: 27 days for new starters, plus bank holidays; increases to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years of NHS service (pro‑rata for part‑time staff).
• NHS pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Money Advice Service.
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave for eligible staff.
• On‑site nursery (based at RBH).
• Full educational library services.
• Cycle to work scheme and lockable storage for cycles.
• Bus to work scheme.
• Excellent rail and bus links.
• Access to a wide range of Health Service discounts.

Apply online via NHS Jobs. Successful applications will be transferred to the Trust’s preferred applicant management system. Please note that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship; see the government website for details. The Trust may close the vacancy earlier than advertised if the application cap is reached.

The role requires the postholder to access vulnerable people, therefore a Disclosure and Barring Service check is mandatory. All new appointments (except executive positions) are subject to a 6‑month probationary period.

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equality, diversity and a smoke‑free environment. We encourage applications from all backgrounds.