About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to specialise in the vital area of veterinary dispensary within Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, a busy multidisciplinary referral hospital based in Ringwood, Hampshire. Working closely with clinicians and nursing teams, you'll ensure efficient dispensing and handling of medications whilst supporting the hospital's high standards of patient care. The role involves developing your knowledge and skills in this key specialist area within a friendly, collaborative environment.
You'll work 33.5 hours per week on average: 4 days per week from 09:00-17:30, plus a 1:4 Saturday rota covering 08:00-14:00. This balanced schedule respects your time whilst keeping you engaged with the team's ongoing work.
Key Responsibilities
- Dispense prescribed medications and manage client queries, including processing payments
- Manage and fulfil order lists, including repeat prescriptions and staff orders
- Oversee stock control, ordering, and bi-annual stock checks in line with IVC protocols
- Ensure secure storage and handling of all pharmaceutical products on site
- Source medications and products from a range of suppliers and pharmacies as required
- Maintain dispensary Standard Operating Procedures and complete daily cleaning and compliance tasks
- Represent SCVS in external meetings with suppliers and regulatory bodies (e.g., VMD)
- Support documentation requirements such as import certificates
Requirements
- Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) qualification or equivalent experience
- Proactive and highly organised approach with keen attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills—the role involves regular liaison with clients and internal teams
- Confidence in managing stock and following protocol
- Previous experience in a referral setting or dispensary role is advantageous
- SQP-C qualification or interest in pursuing further learning in this area would be beneficial
Benefits
- Salary: Up to £15.50 per hour depending on experience
- Leave: 6.6 weeks annual leave plus additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
- CPD & Development: £550 CPD allowance with 3 days paid leave; access to IVC Evidensia Academy and Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia; eligibility to apply for research funding
- Wellbeing: Private medical insurance; enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay; Cycle to Work scheme; employee wellbeing initiatives
- Professional Support: VDS cover and RCVS fees paid
- Additional Perks: Pawsome Benefits reward gateway (discounts and cashback with 100s of retailers); pension scheme (5% employee/3% employer); discounted staff pet care
About the Practice
Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists (SCVS) is a specialist referral centre based in Ringwood, Hampshire, providing referral services for veterinary practices across the south. The hospital features an outstanding team of recognised specialists across multiple disciplines including cardiology, dermatology, internal medicine, neurology, orthopaedics, diagnostic imaging, spinal surgery, and soft tissue surgery, alongside a dedicated rehabilitation team offering physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.
The practice has recently expanded significantly, with a new purpose-built theatre complex, two-storey facility housing a large client reception and waiting area, 10 new consulting rooms, and a new rehabilitation centre. Further additions are planned, including a new diagnostic suite and ICU area. The hospital's advanced nursing team provides excellent patient care during stays, supported by dedicated veterinary care assistants. All of this is powered by IVC Evidensia, demonstrating the practice's commitment to cutting-edge veterinary care and professional development.
