Senior Pharmacist - Voluntary Assisted Dying

Description

Fixed term,Part-Time Position (48hrs per f/n) Optional with dual appointment with clinical/operational team for Full time position availableGrade 3 (SX6-SX81) Based within Alfred Care Group, part of Bayside Health servicing patients across Victoria5 Weeks Annual Leave (Pro-rata) & Salary Packaging

Alfred Care Group is seeking an experienced and motivated pharmacist to join the Voluntary Assisted Dying Statewide service as a Senior Pharmacist. This is a unique opportunity to join one of the most progressive hospital pharmacy services in the country and specifically with the opportunity to work in a statewide service.

About The Department

Alfred Care Group Pharmacy is well recognised for high quality and innovative patient- focused services, education and training programmes as well as significant research output. The service operates over 4 sites within Alfred Care Group, and continually advocates for postgraduate learning and research interests, with supportive partnerships and expert mentors available to foster staff development.

Further information is available at https://www.alfredhealth.org.au/services/pharmacy-at-alfred-health

About the Team – Victorian Voluntary Assisted Dying Statewide Pharmacy Service

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act commenced on the 19th June 2019. To ensure voluntary assisted dying is provided in a safe and compassionate manner the Government established a Statewide Pharmacy Service.

The Victorian Statewide Pharmacy Service is based within the Alfred Care Group Pharmacy Department. The service visited over 500 patients over the past year, and this number continues to grow. As part of the service, pharmacists within the team will visit patients, their carers, doctors, and Care Navigators/Coordinators across Victoria, including regional areas. On occasion, these visits require an overnight stay.

The Statewide Pharmacy Service Key Roles Are

Compounding the voluntary assisted dying medicationsPacking the voluntary assisted dying medications into the prescribed locked box, along with the necessary pre-dosing medications and instructionsDispensing the voluntary assisted dying medications to patients with prescriptions issued in accordance with a voluntary assisted dying permit.Providing patients with the required information in accordance with the Voluntary Assisted Dying ActSupporting medical practitioners, patients, families and carers throughout the processReceiving and disposing of any unused voluntary assisted dying medications.Reporting to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board in accordance with the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act.

The team regularly provides comprehensive personalised face-to-face information and education to patients, families, carers, and medical staff. The team also works closely with the Statewide Care Navigators and VAD Coordinators to ensures patients are supported throughout their voluntary assisted dying journey.

We are seeking to appoint a qualified pharmacist to join our dedicated team. This appointment is for 0.6EFT – 3 days a week appointment until 30th June 2027 and will undergo periodic review thereafter based on government funding.

About The Role

As Senior Pharmacist – Voluntary Assisted Dying, you will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of these pharmacy services to patients across Victoria. You will work in collaboration with the Lead and Senior Pharmacist of this service to provide progressive advanced level patient-centred care to all associated patients.

As a pharmacist working within the Statewide Pharmacy Service you will:

Communicate with and provide education to medical practitioners regarding prescribing of medications and medication protocols.Review prescribed medications, dispense voluntary assisted dying medications, and supportive medications.Educate patients and their carers regarding medications and administration instructionsEducate medical staff about the administration of the voluntary assisted dying medications.Travel to the location where the patient is across Victoria

More information about Voluntary Assisted Dying is available on the DHHS website: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/patient-care/voluntary-assisted-dying

Key Skills

Demonstrated compassion and empathy, with a commitment to patient careExcellent communication, time management skills with the ability to prioritise, plan and organise your workAbility to work seamlessly and collaboratively within a small, close-knit teamMotivated and enthusiastic with demonstrated ability to take initiativeAttention to detail and accuracyA valid driver’s license with the ability to drive competently and safely

Qualifications & Experience Required

Registered pharmacist in AustraliaRelevant clinical post-graduate qualification such as Masters in Clinical Pharmacy Practice or equivalent highly desirableExperience in the provision of clinical pharmacy services in a hospital or outpatient setting highly desirableExperience in ambulatory care or delivering clinical pharmacy services in the home environment, including Home Medication Reviews, highly desirableExperience in providing cognitive services to patients as they approach the end of life highly desirableExperience in providing clinical services to patients receiving palliative care highly desirableExtensive hospital pharmacy experience with a demonstrated understanding of contemporary practice in hospital clinical pharmacy services, QuM and therapeutics highly desirable

Benefits

Salary Packaging & Novated Leasing through Maxxia.On-site car & bike parking opportunities, Deducted Pre-Tax(subject to avilability)Fantastic onsite fitness facilities at The Alfred through ProSport Health and Fitness and access to Fitness Passport.Child Care Services at The Alfred managed by KU Children’s Services.

For any questions or for a confidential discussion please contact Phuc Phan, Lead Pharmacist – Statewide Pharmacy Service (p.phan@alfred.org.au)

Applications must be submitted electronically via the Bayside Health (Alfred) website - applications forwarded to the contact email address will not be considered.

Applications closing 11pm AEST, Monday the 14th of September 2026

Internal Footer

We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and people of all genders, sexualities, and cultural backgrounds.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application materials, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

In accordance with the Health Services Amendment (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Act 2020, health care workers in Category A or B roles (as determined by the department’s risk ratings) are required to be vaccinated against influenza or hold an acceptable medical exemption.