Pharmacy Support Worker, Higher Level
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Lauriston Buildings
(including weekend and public holidays commitment)
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.
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.
**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**
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.
Are you looking to join a supportive team that provides development opportunities within the NHS Lothian’s Pharmacy & Medicines Service?
Join our dedicated pharmacy team and play a vital role in supporting the safe provision of medicines.
About the Role
We are seeking to recruit a Pharmacy Support Worker (PSW), Higher Level to join our well-established pharmacy team. Our team consists of pharmacy technicians, trainee pharmacy technicians, and PSWs, all working together to ensure the safe provision of medicines across the site.
This post will look to work with the Dermatology service to support dispensing, homecare and clinical services for Dermatology. Medicines Homecare service is an alternative supply route for medicines to the patients. Overall prescribing responsibility still sits with the clinical services, but medicines are delivered to the patient’s homes, using private medicine Homecare Providers.
The successful candidate will become part of the team that will deliver the technical service to sexual health and Ophthalmology services, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high quality of patient care and participate in ongoing service development. We are currently in the planning phase to develop an integrated dispensary for Chalmers, Dermatology and Ophthalmology within the Lauriston Building and the successful post holder will be based here in the future.
Full training and ongoing support will be provided to help you develop the necessary skills. Participation in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh weekend and public holiday rota is expected of the post holder. The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) is a large teaching hospital with an established reputation for offering the best practice across a wide variety of specialist services.
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 Development: 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.
About you
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Pharmacy Support Worker, Higher Level with a passion for delivering exceptional clinical care.
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
* Must be educated to SCQF Level 6 with relevant work experience in a healthcare or pharmacy environment.
* A diligent, reliable, and flexible approach to work.
* Prior experience within pharmacy services or stock management.
The completion of an in-house competency-based Group Award accredited via Edinburgh College within 18 months of commencing the post will also be required as well as the completion of in-house training programmes to demonstrate competency.
About NHS Lothian
NHS Lothian serves a population of 900,000 across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and West Lothian. As Scotland’s second-largest health system, we are one of four teaching Boards, fostering strong partnerships with universities and research institutions. Our Pharmacy & Medicines Service is dedicated to delivering clinically led, person-centred care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.
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. We know that a job advert can only tell you so much. To discuss this opportunity further and explore how it could fit your career goals, we warmly invite you to contact:
📧 Contact: Sylwia Michlewska, Lead Pharmacist Dermatology
📩 Email: sylwia.michlewska@nhs.scot
📞 Phone: 0131 536 1556
or
📧 Contact: Dawn Harkins, Dispensary Operational Team Lead
📩 Email: dawn.harkins@nhs.scot
📞 Phone: 0131 536 2849
For further information on what is included in the role and what skills/experience are being looked for, click on the links at the bottom of the screen to the job description and person specification.