Pharmaceutical Technician

Purpose of the Post

Provision of a Hospital Pharmacy Service

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• The post holder will support the principle that care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree

• Maintain throughout the Group’s awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities

• Performance management systems are part of the role and you will be required to participate in the Group’s performance management programme

• To assist in providing medication supply to patients, wards and departments in LUH and external areas, via fulfilment of requisitions or prescriptions

• To carry out the preparation of medication packs for specific therapeutic scenarios (e.g., DKA, anaphylaxis, cardiac resuscitation)

• To perform extemporaneous compounding as directed

• To perform the aseptic compounding of I.V. admixtures including cytotoxic drugs if required

• To carry out the pre-packaging of bulk preparations

• To carry out medication top-ups for wards and departments

• To ensure the receipt, checking and storage of goods received

• To liaise with the Finance Department as required to ensure prompt and accurate processing of payments in relation to medication purchasing

• To be responsible for stock control including ward stocks

• To ensure the maintenance of standards of clinical hygiene within the pharmacy

• To operate computers, automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) and other technologies as required, including engaging with any new software/hardware implementations and associated training requirements

• To ensure that all compatible medications are verified through the national pathway in compliance with Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) legislation

• To attend continuing education courses as deemed advisable/necessary by the Pharmacist Executive Manager or departmental head in consultation with the HR Department

• To agree duty and annual leave rosters with Supervisor

• To demonstrate flexibility in rostering to account for changes in demand on departmental services

• To be involved in checking processes in accordance with departmental protocols and procedures

• To assist in the training of new staff in accordance with departmental procedures

• To liaise with management and staff in matters of departmental procedure as or when problems arise

• To make recommendations to the Supervisor as to how methods and procedures can be improved

• To observe and report to the Supervisor any unusual situations, occurrences, conditions or complaints including those related to drugs, drug requests, drug usage or security within the pharmacy or hospital

• To advise the Supervisor of malfunctioning or unsafe equipment in the pharmacy

• To report any incidents, near misses or dangerous occurrences via the NIMS reporting pathway

• To ensure that work is carried out in a safe manner in accordance with the provisions of the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act

• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.

• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service

KPI’s

• The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the Hospital’s service plan targets

• The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets

• Driving and promoting a Performance Management culture

• In conjunction with line manager assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession

• The management and delivery of KPIs as a routine and core business objective

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS

• Employees must attend fire lectures periodically and must observe fire orders

• All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately

• Infection Control Policies must be adhered to

• In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits

• In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the Hospital Building is not permitted

• Hospital uniform code must be adhered to

• Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management

Risk Management, Quality, Health & Safety

• Adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility

• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role

• Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service

Education and Training

• Engage in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with your Line Manager and staff as appropriate

The above job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved. Consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. Service needs may dictate additions or modifications from time to time.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/or experience

Candidates must have at the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc

a)

(i) Possess the Pharmaceutical Technicians Diploma awarded by the University of Dublin

Or

(ii) Possess a Pharmacy Technicians qualification at Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 6 awarded by the Dublin Institute of Technology, Athlone Institute of Technology, Letterkenny Institute of Technology or Carlow Institute of Technology

Or

(iii) Possess the Pharmacy Services Certificate (NVQ Level 3) offered by The Irish Pharmaceutical Union

Or

(iv) Are currently employed as a Pharmacy Technician in the publicly funded Irish Health Service

Or

(v) Possess a relevant qualification at least equivalent to (ii) or (iii) above

And

b) Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability, professional knowledge and ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office

2026 Undergraduates

Candidates who are graduating in 2026 are eligible to apply for this campaign. Applicants who are successful at interview and will complete their studies in 2026 will remain dormant on the panel and will not be offered a post until they have informed us that they are in receipt of the necessary qualification

Health

Candidates 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

Character

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character

Other requirements specific to the post

A flexible approach to working hours is required in order to ensure deadlines are met

Additional eligibility requirements:

Citizenship requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(i) EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii) Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Candidates must demonstrate:

Professional Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrate experience in use of pharmacy equipment

• Demonstrate evidence of up-to-date pharmaceutical knowledge in the field

• Demonstrate evidence of computer skills including as part of the dispensing process

• Demonstrate awareness of the security considerations/confidentiality involved in working in a hospital pharmacy

• Demonstrate a commitment to Continuing Professional Education

Commitment to Providing a Quality Service

• Demonstrate patient centred focus

• Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a user centred service

Planning & Organising Skills

• Demonstrate the ability to multi task, work flexibly and under pressure

• Demonstrate the ability to work alone and to exercise initiative

• Demonstrate the ability to work in a changing environment

• Demonstrate planning and organisational skills

Teamwork

• Demonstrate team working skills both within the Pharmacy and in a multidisciplinary team

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information, solve problems and make effective decisions

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate appropriately to clients, medical staff, nursing staff etc.

Campaign Specific Selection Process

Ranking/Shortlisting/Interview

A ranking and/or short-listing exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and/or short-listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section 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 in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.

Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.

The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.

The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long-term health condition.

Read more about the HSE’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Code of Practice

The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).

The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles to be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice. The Code outlines the standards to be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process.

Read the CPSA Code of Practice.

Tenure

The current vacancies available are permanent/specified purpose and whole time.

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 the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Working Week

The standard weekly working hours of attendance for your grade are 35 hours per week. Your normal weekly working hours are 35 hours. Contracted hours that are less than the standard weekly working hours for your grade will be paid pro rata to the full time equivalent.

You are required to work agreed roster/on-call arrangements advised by your Reporting Manager. Your contracted hours are liable to change between the hours of 8.00am and 8.00pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of collective agreements and HSE Circulars.

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004.

Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018 set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26-week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26-week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Probation

Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.