233599 Pharmacy Support Worker - Higher Level

NHS National Services Scotland; Livingston; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health service in Scotland is seeking a Pharmacy Support Worker (Higher Level) to join their Aseptic Services team. This role involves supporting the preparation and supply of medicines, as well as contributing to service improvements. Candidates must have relevant pharmacy experience and essential qualifications in English, Mathematics, and a Science. Join a supportive team dedicated to patient care and professional growth.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive training and development

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in a pharmacy environment is essential.
• A passion for learning and development with a professional attitude.
• Personal values aligned with NHS Lothian's core values.

Responsibilities

• Support aseptic technical services with duties including goods receipt and preparation of medicines.
• Support team ambition to expand into higher-level activities.
• Collaborate with senior pharmacy technicians on service improvement initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

National 4 (or equivalent) English, Mathematics and a Science

SCQF Level 6

Job description

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.

We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long‑term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found in the further information for this vacancy.

This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme membership/record. If the post holder is not a current PVG member for the required regulatory group (i.e. child and/or adult) then an application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before they can begin in post.

Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: Disclosure Scotland Changes.

Are you ready to take the next step in your healthcare career? Would you like to join a supportive team where you can develop advanced skills and contribute to the smooth operation of vital pharmacy services? If you have a passion for learning, teamwork, and improving patient care, this role offers an exciting opportunity to make a difference.

About the Role

As a Pharmacy Support Worker (Higher Level), you will play a key role in the Aseptic Services team at St John’s Hospital, a renowned teaching hospital with a reputation for excellence. In this role, you will:

• Support the aseptic technical services with duties including goods receipt, preparation and supply of medicines to clinical areas, labelling and supply of medicines.
• Support the team’s ambition to expand into higher‑level activities, including checking and releasing unlicensed medicines. Training and development will be provided to help you build confidence and skills to undertake these extended responsibilities.
• Support the training and development of the Pharmacy Support Worker team, ensuring high standards of service delivery.
• Collaborate with senior pharmacy technicians on service improvement initiatives to optimise the efficiency of medicine supplies throughout the hospital.

Comprehensive training and support will be provided to help you succeed in this role and meet its exciting ambitions.

Why Join Us?

When you join NHS Lothian’s Pharmacy & Medicines Service, you’re joining a team that values professional growth, innovation, and collaboration. Here’s why this role could be perfect for you:

• Career progression: Gain advanced skills through structured training and expand your scope of practice.
• Supportive environment: Work with a friendly, professional team that is committed to helping you succeed.
• Impactful work: Contribute to the efficient supply of medicines, directly supporting high‑quality patient care.
• Flexibility: We offer flexible working arrangements to help you achieve a better work‑life balance.

About You

• Essential qualifications: National 4 (or equivalent) English, Mathematics and a Science (Biology or Chemistry). Educated to SCQF Level 6, with the willingness to complete an in‑house competency‑based Group Award accredited by Edinburgh College within 12 months of starting.
• Relevant experience in a pharmacy environment is essential.
• A passion for learning and development, with a professional attitude and commitment to providing exceptional patient care.
• Personal values aligned with NHS Lothian’s core values: quality, teamwork, care, compassion, dignity, respect, openness, honesty, and responsibility.

If you’re enthusiastic, organised, and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

About NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian is Scotland’s second‑largest health system, serving a population of 900,000 across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and West Lothian. Our Pharmacy & Medicines Service is committed to delivering person‑centred, clinically led care, ensuring patients benefit fully from their medicines. At the Western General Hospital, you’ll join a team dedicated to excellence in patient care and professional development.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience we’re looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification linked below. However, we understand that there's only so much a job pack can convey. If you’d like to learn more about this exciting role, the team you’ll be joining, or the opportunities available, we encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager. This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals. The service will also consider flexible working where it can be accommodated.

For further information please contact the following:

Susan King, Accountable Pharmacist Aseptic Services
📞 01506 522039 | 📧 [e-mail] or Karen Scott, Senior Pharmacy Technician Aseptic Services 📞 01506 523692 | 📧 [e-mail]

Take the first step toward a rewarding career in pharmacy—apply now!