Job Title & GradeSenior Grade Pharmacy Technician (Permanent, Full Time 35 Hours) Campaign ReferenceRQ913 Closing DateMonday 26th August 2024 Proposed Interview DateTo be confirmedTaking Up AppointmentImmediately Informal enquiresDeborah Murray – Pharmacy Executive Manager Tel 01 6010317Email: DMurray@peamount.ie Location of PostPeamount Healthcare, Newcastle Details of ServicePeamount Healthcare is an independent voluntary organisation that operates in partnership with the HSE, CHO7 and Dublin Midlands Hospital Group to provide a range of high-quality health and social care services. We help people return home after a serious illness, we provide safe and homely residential care for those who need it, and we support people to live as independently as possible in the community.· Peamount Healthcare is committed to the following values:· Person centred – seeing each person as unique, giving them a voice and focusing on ability.· Respect – creating a supportive environment where everyone is given courteous and respectful care and support.· Excellence – enabling interdisciplinary teams to deliver high quality integrated care, meaningful outcomes with a focus on continuous improvement.· Team working – fostering an inclusive, healthy working environment where people are valued and recognised for their individual and shared achievements.· Quality improvement – supporting teams to embed continuous improvement methodology as part of everything we do.· Education & Research – partnering with academia to support education, learning, research and evidence-based care. Reporting Relationship - The Senior Grade Technician will report directly to the Pharmacy Executive Manager (PEM). Purpose of Post · To assist the PEM in the provision of the dispensary, clinical, medication safety and medicines information services as appropriate.· To act as lead for the day to day running of the dispensary.· Identify and address patient care needs and medication management risks and escalate where appropriate. · To contribute to a ward based clinical pharmacy service.· Advise and provide information to other healthcare professionals, including other technicians and pharmacists, to assist them in their care of the patient. Eligibility Criteria Qualifications & Experience Candidates must on the latest date for receipt of applications possess: (i) The Pharmaceutical Technicians Diploma awarded by the University of Dublin Or (ii) the Pharmacy Technicians qualification at QQI Level 6 awarded by Technological University Dublin, Technological University of the Shannon (Athlone), Atlantic Technological University (Letterkenny), of South East Technological University (Carlow)Or (iii) the Pharmacy Services Certificate (NVQ 3) offered by the Irish Pharmaceutical Union.Or (iv) a relevant qualification at least equivalent to (ii) or (iii) above. AndAt least three years fulltime satisfactory post qualification hospital experience.AndQualification and/or experience in the extended pharmacy technician role eg ward-based top ups, Medicines Management, Medication Optimisation or Accuracy Checking roles. AndPossess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability, see job specifications) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office. Desirable Skills, Competencies and KnowledgePrevious experience in procurement of pharmaceuticalsPrevious experience of developing, implementing, and auditing SOPs. Other requirements specific to the post Professional Skills· Experience in working independently and using initiative to improve systems and processes.· Evidence of ability to escalate, collaborate and delegate where appropriate.· Depth and Breadth of experience in identifying error and risk “red flags” and escalating as appropriate. · Evidence of leadership skills. Communication Skills· Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills and an ability to communicate in a manner suited to individuals, target groups and health professionals.· Ability to communicate with members of multidisciplinary teams and managers assertively and with diplomacy to ensure adherence with medication policies and clinical best practice.· Engage with healthcare & non-healthcare professionals in a respectful, co-operative and professional manner.· Have a person-centred approach, which is respectful towards service users/residents, staff and others.· Evidence of ability to empathise with and treat service users/ residents, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect. IT Skills· A willingness to develop Information Technology skills relevant to the role· Excellent presentation and facilitation skills i.e. ability to present clearly and concisely · Computer skills i.e. Cliniscript, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Additional Skills· A flexible approach to carrying out the duties of the role and open to new ideas.· Demonstrates initiative, innovation and problem-solving ability and ability to identify and implement solutions and change.· Demonstrates team working skills and ability to build strong working relationships with multidisciplinary team members and colleagues of all grades· Demonstrate experience completing audits / projects to improve service provision.· The ability to effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions· Evidence of effective planning, organising and time management skills · Displays motivation and commitment to providing a quality pharmacy service. HealthA candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. CharacterEach candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character AgeAge restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age. Principal Duties & Responsibilities General AccountabilityParticipate in the Pharmaceutical Service as part of a professional, and dedicated team including the development of and expansion of ward pharmacy / clinical pharmacy services.· Provide advice, as required, to medical and nursing staff on the proper and economic use of drugs and medicines including participation in schemes for the dissemination of information in relation to drugs and drug usage designed to deliver optimal care economically.Create, promote and maintain open communication and healthy working relationships.Maintain throughout Peamount Healthcare, awareness of the privacy of the service user / resident in relation to all hospital activities.Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the values of Peamount Healthcare. Specific Accountability Drug DistributionLead a dispensary team of pharmaceutical technicians and technician and pharmacist students, to ensure that patients have all required drug therapy available to them when required, in so far as is possible, taking pharmacy and supplier opening hours into consideration. Identify pharmacist specific tasks and delegate / communicate effectively with the clinical pharmacy team to ensure timely completion.· Contribute to the procurement and supply of drugs, pharmaceuticals and other related items and to identify and accelerate strategies that generate cost efficiencies.· Ensure that the purchase, storage and supply of all items is operated on the most economical lines, consistent with quality at pharmacy, ward and department levels and with reference to legal requirements, transit, security and conditions of chemical and physical stability.Carry out stock control and procurement procedures for all materials (pharmaceuticals and disposable equipment) used in the pharmacy in line with relevant laws and regulations, professional guidance, and best practice.Order medications and pharmaceutical products from approved vendors in line with departmental policies and standard operating procedures.Dispense, issue, and distribute medications to wards and clinical areas in line with departmental policies and standard operating procedures.Receive and check in Pharmacy deliveries in compliance with the EU Falsified Medicines Directive and in line with departmental policies and standard operating procedures.Ensure that drugs are stored safely and securely.Sort and return medications for reintegration into stock or disposal as appropriate in line with departmental policies and standard operating procedures.Assist in avoidance of stock outages by timely ordering of medications and manage stock shortages as appropriate.Ensure that all drug distribution practices conform to local pharmacy policies and good dispensing practice e.g. dispensing of cytotoxic products, dispensing of fridge items, dispensing in accordance with pharmacy ICT recording requirements.Identify, develop, implement and review drug supply, storage and handling policies in pharmacy and clinical areas. Work systems Be fully conversant with all approved systems of work and documentation associated with the pharmaceutical care of the patient, at the level of the pharmacy department, clinical area, and at an organisational level.· Ensure that the needs of patients and professional staff are being adequately met by the pharmaceutical service provided. This will involve providing help and advice to patients and staff on all aspects of therapy and collaborating with community pharmacists to ensure continuity of supply of medication where necessary.Ensure that quality and risk identification systems are operating correctly.Ensure that all documentation is completed in accordance with any relevant policies, in a timely manner and filed appropriately when complete.· Undertake and participate in quality improvement projects, practice-based research and audit to identify and address deficiencies in medications management systems and improve the pharmacy service and patient safety. · Collect data and maintain logs, records and other documentation as assigned.Highlight any discrepancies, incidents or inadequacies in services to the Pharmacy Executive Manager and Quality Manager, as appropriate.Work collaboratively with all members of the pharmacy and wider healthcare teams to deliver an integrated pharmacy service. Act as a liaison between the dispensary and healthcare staff in clinical areas.Identify and participate in Quality / Value for Money initiatives. Educational· Participate in the training of Student Technicians and Pharmacy Students.Participate in continuing education and in such activities consistent with the post. Attend appropriate study days and continuing education courses as may be deemed necessary for the development of both the service and the individual. Health & SafetyComply with and enact Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in hospital policies, protocols and procedures relevant to your area.Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and othersBe familiar with risk management reporting structures, identify risks and take appropriate action. Report any adverse incidents or near misses. Be responsible in highlighting risks to appropriate unit level managers & Pharmacy Executive Manager.Be familiar with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards: Residential care; Disabilities; Safer Better Healthcare; Prevention and control of Healthcare Associated Infections; Hygiene standards. The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post, which may be assigned to him / her from time to time. Adaptability and flexibility is essential, and other clinical areas as listed within job description may need to be covered at times. The job description must be regarded as an outline of the major areas of accountability at the present time, which will be reviewed and assessed on an on-going basis. Hence, the Senior grade technician will be required to maintain, enhance and develop their knowledge and skills necessary to respond to a changing situation. Campaign Specific Selection PostA ranking and or short listing exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your CV. The criteria for ranking and or short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in a) Eligibility criteria b) Desirable skills, competencies and knowledge and c) Other requirements specific to this post sections of this job specification. Therefore, it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process. Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview depending on the service needs of the organisation. Code of PracticePeamount will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principles basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, facilities for feedback to applicants on matters relating to their application when requested and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of Code of Practice. Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.hse/ie/eng/staff/jobs The reform programme outlined for the Health Service may impact on this role and as structures change the job description may be reviewed.The job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive or restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned. Terms & Conditions of EmploymentSenior Grade TechnicianPeamount Healthcare, Newcastle, Co. Dublin. TenureThe Current Vacancy available is a Full Time Permanent Senior Grade Pharmacy Technician.The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest’ stage. Appointment as an employee of Peamount Healthcare is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004. RemunerationRemuneration is in accordance with the salary scale approved by the Department of Health: Current salary scale with effect from 1st June 2024. Working WeekThe hours allocated to this post are 35 hours per week with 7 hours as a standard working day. The allocation of these hours will be at the discretion of the Department Head and in accordance with the needs of the service. HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day/Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016Annual Leave29 days per annum Probation All employees will be subject to a probationary period as per the probation policy. This policy applies to all employees irrespective of the type of contract under which they have been employed. A period of 12 months’ probation will be served:• On commencement of employment.• Fixed term to permanent contract.• Permanent employees commencing in promotional posts will also undertake a probationary period relating to their new post. PensionEmployees of Peamount Healthcare are required to be members of the Hospitals Superannuation Scheme. Deductions at the appropriate rate will be made from your salary payment.If you are being rehired after drawing down a public service pension your attention is drawn to Section 52 of the Public Services Pension (Single and Other Provisions) Act 2012. The 2012 Act extends the principle of abatement to retired public servants in receipt of a public service pension who secure another public service appointment in any public service body. MaternityMaternity leave is granted in accordance with the terms of the Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2001. Sick LeavePeamount Healthcare operates a Sickness Absence Management policy in line with the new Public Service Sick Leave Scheme as introduced in 31st March 2014. Pre-Employment Health Assessment Prior to commencing in this role a person will be required to complete a form declaring their health status which is reviewed by the hospital’s Occupational Health Service and if required undergo a medical assessment with this department. Any person employed by Peamount Healthcare must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Validation of Qualifications & Experience Any credit given to a candidate at interview, in respect of claims to qualifications, training and experience is provisional and is subject to verification. The recommendation of the interview board is liable to revision if the claimed qualification, training or experience is not proven.ReferencesPeamount Healthcare will seek up to two written references from current and previous employers, educational institutions or any other organisations with which the candidate has been associated. The hospital also reserves the right to determine the merit, appropriateness and relevance of such references and referees.Garda VettingPeamount Healthcare will carry out Garda vetting on all new employees. An employee will not take up employment with the hospital until the Garda Vetting process has been completed and the hospital is satisfied that such an appointment does not pose a risk to clients, service users and employees.Health & SafetyThese duties must be performed in accordance with the hospital health and safety policy. In carrying out these duties the employee must ensure that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act. Staff must carry out their duties in a safe and responsible manner in line with the Hospital Policy as set out in the appropriate department’s safety statement, which must be read and understood. Quality, Risk & Safety Responsibilities It is the responsibility of all staff to:· Participate and cooperate with legislative and regulatory requirements with regard to Quality, Risk and Safety.· Participate and cooperate with external agencies on safety initiatives as required.· Participate and cooperate with internal and external evaluations of hospital structures, services and processes as required, including but not limited to:Ø National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare.Ø National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections.Ø HSE Standards and Recommended Practices for Healthcare Records ManagementØ Safety audits and other audits specified by the HSE or other regulatory authorities.· To initiate, support and implement quality improvement initiatives in their area which are in keeping with the hospitals continuous quality improvement programme.It is the responsibility of all managers to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for Quality, Safety and Risk within their area/department. Specific Responsibility for Best Practice in Hygiene Hygiene in healthcare is defined as “the practice that serves to keep people and the environment clean and prevent infection. It involves preserving one’s health, preventing the spread of disease and recognizing, evaluating and controlling health hazards.”· It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure compliance with hospital hygiene standards, guidelines and practices.· Department heads/ managers have overall responsibility for best practice in hygiene in their area.· It is mandatory to complete hand hygiene training every 2-years and sharps awareness workshops yearly.
If you are seeing this message it may be an redirection error,
please contact our support with this code:
TW96aWxsYS81LjAgQXBwbGVXZWJLaXQvNTM3LjM2IChLSFRNTCwgbGlrZSBHZWNrbzsgY29tcGF0aWJsZTsgQ2xhdWRlQm90LzEuMDsgK2NsYXVkZWJvdEBhbnRocm9waWMuY29tKQ==