Pharmacist Assistant (Post Basic) Grade 1 to 3 (Permanent position)

This permanent position is based at Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory and offers an opportunity for a registered Pharmacist Assistant (Post Basic) to join a busy tertiary hospital pharmacy environment. The role is graded from Grade 1 through Grade 3, meaning the appointment level and corresponding remuneration will depend on the candidate’s years of appropriate experience after registration with the South African Pharmacy Council. The successful appointee will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, rotating duties according to rosters and contributing to the safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery of pharmaceutical services to patients and healthcare professionals.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the South African Pharmacy Council as a Pharmacist Assistant (Post Basic) or Pharmacist Assistant (Post Basic) Institutional, and they must be registered with the SAPC in the relevant category. Experience requirements vary by grade: Grade 1 requires no post-registration experience, Grade 2 requires a minimum of five years of appropriate experience, and Grade 3 requires a minimum of thirteen years of appropriate experience as a Pharmacist Assistant after registration. Candidates who do not yet have the stipulated registration may also apply, but they will only be appointed if they submit proof of application for registration and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees to the relevant council on or before the day of the interview.

The core duties include dispensing medicines, documenting and assisting with medicine-related queries, and providing a comprehensive pharmaceutical service that is both safe and cost-effective. The role also involves the effective control of pharmaceutical stock in the pharmacy and in hospital wards, including receiving, storage, distribution, cold chain management and temperature monitoring. The incumbent will assist with data collection and record keeping, as well as with the training, teaching and mentoring of pharmacy staff. Supporting the pharmacy supervisor with process improvement strategies, audit compliance and adherence to Good Pharmacy Practice requirements is another key responsibility. The position also requires compliance with all people management policies, including conflict and complaint management, and strict adherence to infection control and occupational health and safety practices.

Applicants should be computer literate in MS Office applications and have practical experience with the JAC or WellSky dispensing system. Knowledge of Good Pharmacy Practice, institutional pharmacy procedures, medicine supply management principles, cold chain management, and relevant legislation such as the Medicines Act, the Pharmacy Act and the Public Finance Management Act is essential. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, a patient-oriented approach, and the ability to plan, manage time, solve problems, work accurately under pressure and maintain professionalism are all required. The inherent requirements include the physical ability to move heavy pharmaceutical items stored at various heights, a willingness to prepare and mix chemotherapy, and availability to work overtime and after hours as needed. Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to a practical assessment, and no payment of any kind is required when applying. The position offers annual salary plus service benefits, including a 13th cheque, pension fund contributions, and housing and medical aid allowances.