Senior Pharmacist - Voluntary Assisted Dying

• Fixed term,Part-Time Position (48hrs per f/n) 
  • Optional with dual appointment with clinical/operational team for Full time position available
• Grade 3 (SX6-SX81) Based within Alfred Care Group, part of Bayside Health servicing patients across Victoria
• 5 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.   

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 medications
• Packing the voluntary assisted dying medications into the prescribed locked box, along with the necessary pre-dosing medications and instructions
• Dispensing 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 Act 
• Supporting medical practitioners, patients, families and carers throughout the process
• Receiving 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 instructions 
• Educate medical staff about the administration of the voluntary assisted dying medications. 
• Travel to the location where the patient is across Victoria  

• Demonstrated compassion and empathy, with a commitment to patient care
• Excellent communication, time management skills with the ability to prioritise, plan and organise your work 
• Ability to work seamlessly and collaboratively within a small, close-knit team
• Motivated and enthusiastic with demonstrated ability to take initiative
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• A valid driver’s license with the ability to drive competently and safely 

 Qualifications & Experience required 

• Registered pharmacist in Australia
• Relevant clinical post-graduate qualification such as Masters in Clinical Pharmacy Practice or equivalent highly desirable
• Experience in the provision of clinical pharmacy services in a hospital or outpatient setting highly desirable
• Experience in ambulatory care or delivering clinical pharmacy services in the home environment, including Home Medication Reviews, highly desirable
• Experience in providing cognitive services to patients as they approach the end of life highly desirable
• Experience in providing clinical services to patients receiving palliative care highly desirable
• Extensive 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)

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