About this role
Job summary
Within this role, you will ensure the safe and accurate ordering, dispensing and checking of all medication, dressings and appliances and ensure that they are prepared and delivered within the set timescales.
You will work closely with the other members of the dispensary team in the ensuring the smooth running of the dispensary.
You will give outstanding customer service to our patients, and help enable them to understand their medication.
The role is for 21 hours a week, working between 8:30am and 7:00pm on a pre-agreed rota. This is a fixed term contract for a minimum of 13 months to cover maternity leave.
The salary will be between £13.25 - £13.73 per hour depending on experience and qualification.
The vacancy closes on the 1st June 2026, but we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we find a suitable candidate before then.
Interviews will be held week commencing Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Main duties of the job
To maintain accuracy and manage your time effectively while assisting the dispensary and wider team in providing a high standard of service and care to our patients.
You will be expected to communicate effectively with staff at all levels throughout the organisation as well as patients, visitors and the general public
Dispensing medication in both original packaging, dossett boxes, and dispensing medication for care homes.
About us
Cerne Abbas Surgery is a friendly and supportive three partner rural general practice near Dorchester serving over 4000 patients. We came first in Dorset in the Patient Survey in 2024 and 2025 and pride ourselves on our exceptional team and service.
We operate an integrated nursing team delivering both practice and community nursing care to all of our patients, and we dispense over 9000 items per month.
Job description Job responsibilities
To ensure the safe and accurate ordering, dispensing and checking of all medication, dressings and appliances and that they are prepared and delivered within the set timescales.
Dispense and check all prescriptions safely and accurately
Communicate effectively with patients, visitors and the multidisciplinary team
Ensure that all messages are appropriately logged and appropriate action taken
Maintain patient confidentiality, being helpful and courteous at all times
Observe and follow surgery policies, protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) at all times
Establish and maintain accurate and tidy working practices
Undertake agreed tasks once competency achieved
Adhere to Controlled Drugs protocol
After training, be able to give advice to patients with regards to their medication
Answer the telephone promptly
Assist in the smooth running of the dispensary by ensuring that the work stations are left clean and tidy and by undertaking housekeeping and cleaning duties as appropriate
Deal with prescriptions monies promptly and accurately
Replenish all stock levels at the end of the shift forms, medication etc
Comply with Information Governance and computer usage policies and guidelines
Use resources effectively
Share knowledge with colleagues
Keep up-to-date (CPD) and undertake mandatory training as stipulated
Complete additional allocated tasks following discussion and agreement with dispensary team leader
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
GCSE Mathematics C or above GCSE English C or above NVQ2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent)
Experience Essential
Experience of working in a community pharmacy or dispensing doctors Experience of using own initiative
Desirable
Experience of working within a customer service environment
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Problem solving skills Demonstrable IT skills Excellent communication skills (Written and Oral) Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desirable
Knowledge of SystmOne Understanding of how medication is dispensed for care homes
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Cerne Abbas Surgery
Address 51 Long Street
Cerne Abbas
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 7JG
Employer's website https://www.cerneabbassurgery.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)