Post Basic Qualified Pharmacist Assistant Opportunity at Dis-Chem Optenhorst Paarl

Dis-Chem Pharmacies is looking for a Post Basic Qualified Pharmacist Assistant to join its Optenhorst store in Paarl, Western Cape. This permanent position is suited to a qualified pharmacy assistant who is passionate about pharmaceutical care, customer service and maintaining high standards within a busy retail dispensary. The successful candidate will support patients with their medicine-related needs while performing a range of pharmaceutical, stock control and administrative duties. If you are registered with the South African Pharmacy Council and want to develop your career within a leading retail pharmacy group, this opportunity could be a strong fit.

The role requires accuracy, professionalism and a good understanding of pharmacy procedures. You will work closely with pharmacists and the wider dispensary team while assisting customers with prescriptions, medicine information, medical aid queries and general healthcare guidance within your scope of practice. You will also contribute to stock management, prescription processing, claims administration and the overall efficiency of the pharmacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the sale of Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 medicines and scheduled substances within the applicable scope of practice.
• Assist with the compounding, manipulation and preparation of non-sterile medicines according to approved formulas and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Assist with the manufacturing of non-sterile medicines under the required supervision.
• Assist with the repackaging of medicines.
• Assist with the distribution and control of Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 medicines and scheduled substances.
• Assist with ordering medicines and scheduled substances up to and including Schedule 6 when instructed by an authorised person.
• Assist with reading and preparing prescriptions following their interpretation and evaluation by a pharmacist.
• Assist with selecting, preparing, labelling and supplying medicines in appropriate containers.
• Interpret prescriptions accurately and work professionally in line with SAPC requirements.
• Capture prescription and patient details accurately and verify information on the system.
• Pick, pack and label medication correctly.
• Remain aware of common dosages and important drug interactions.
• Provide accurate instructions to patients regarding the correct use of medicines supplied.
• Keep informed about changes to medical aid procedures, claims and dispensing requirements.
• Ensure medication is checked for accuracy and signed by a pharmacist.
• Assist and advise patients at the dispensary, self-medication area and front shop within the scope of practice.
• Follow up with patients regarding script tracking reports and appointments when requested.
• Explain medical aid costs to patients where required.
• Provide information that supports health promotion.
• Process documentation needed for accurate medical aid claims.
• Correct prescription errors rejected by medical aids.
• Assist with authorisations for chronic, HIV and AIDS and oncology medication.
• Maintain accurate customer profiles on the system.
• Manage local profile merges and ensure UCS is notified where central merging is required.
• Review messages on customer profiles and take appropriate action.
• Report low stock levels, out-of-stock items and stock discrepancies to the Dispensary Manager.
• Receive dispensary stock according to Dis-Chem SOPs.
• Merchandise stock according to FEFO principles.
• Participate in bi-annual stock takes.
• Exercise proper control over stock, cash and company assets.

Requirements and Skills

Applicants must meet the following essential requirements:

• Grade 12 or Matric.
• Basic Pharmacist Assistance qualification.
• Registration with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).
• Good command of English and a second language, with the ability to read, write and speak both.
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Sound numerical skills.
• Good problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Trustworthy and honest approach to work.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Computer literacy, including MS Office.

The following will be advantageous:

• Knowledge of retail or FMCG operations.
• Working experience with Unisolv.
• Oncology experience.
• A third additional language.
• Knowledge of or experience with SAP and E-Scripting.
• Knowledge of drug and family planning products.
• Knowledge of complementary medicine.

Special Conditions of Employment

Applicants must be registered with the South African Pharmacy Council and be willing and able to work retail hours. The position requires physical fitness because employees may need to stand for extended periods. Candidates must also be comfortable working in an environment involving controlled room temperatures, security requirements, limited space, health and safety considerations and risk stock.

Applicants must be South African citizens, have a valid driver’s licence and have clear credit and criminal records. Successful employees will be expected to comply with Dis-Chem’s pharmacy policies, operating procedures, health and safety standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a market-related salary. Additional benefits include medical aid, a provident fund and access to a staff account, subject to the applicable company terms and conditions.

This Post Basic Qualified Pharmacist Assistant opportunity at Dis-Chem Optenhorst in Paarl offers qualified pharmacy professionals the opportunity to build their careers within a busy retail pharmacy environment. The role combines pharmaceutical care, customer service, prescription administration, stock management and healthcare support. Candidates who are accurate, professional and committed to providing quality service to patients can use this opportunity to develop valuable experience while working for an established pharmacy group.

Applications close on 7 September 2026. Only successful applicants will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within two weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Apply here