PHARMACIST ASSISTANT (POST BASIC): GRADE 1 -3 (SHIFTS) (X46 POSTS)

This vacancy invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for 46 posts of Pharmacist Assistant (Post Basic) at Grade 1, 2, or 3, with shift work, across the Limpopo Department of Health. The positions are spread across the Mopani, Vhembe, Waterberg, Sekhukhune and Capricorn districts, at hospitals, clinics and community health centres. Each facility has a single post, and successful candidates will be placed at one of the specified locations. The role is an OSD-graded post requiring a post-basic pharmacist assistant qualification.

The primary purpose of the role is to provide pharmaceutical support within a facility or cluster, working under the supervision of a pharmacist or nursing manager. The incumbent will be responsible for the safe and efficient handling of medicines and stock, ensuring compliance with the Pharmacy Act, the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act, and good pharmacy practice. This includes ordering items authorised by the Nursing Manager, confirming and following up orders with the depot, receiving stock from depot or hospitals, checking physical stock against invoices, capturing stock on stock cards, and resolving price queries. The assistant will also issue stock to cubicles and patients using picking lists, verify that picks are correct, and maintain all relevant documentation, including credit notes and stock deviation reports.

A key part of the job is stock control. The assistant must help maintain a pharmaceutical stock control system that meets legal requirements, prevent expired stock, perform stocktaking twice a year, facilitate returned goods, and manage the cold chain for temperature-sensitive products. The role also involves coordinating pay-point helpdesk services, monitoring service level agreements with third-party contractors, identifying new pay points, and reorganising them according to norms and standards. The assistant will participate in the control and distribution of stock to facilities, ensuring that dispatch complies with good distribution practices.

To be eligible, applicants need a National Senior Certificate or Grade 12/Matric, plus an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) as a Pharmacist Assistant Post Basic. Current registration with the SAPC is required. Candidates must be willing to work after hours, be on call, and do shift work, and must be able to travel to all facilities within the cluster. A valid driver's licence is required, except for people with disabilities. Computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as virtual meeting platforms, is essential.

The department values integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Good communication skills, a team-oriented attitude, and a commitment to continuous learning and Batho Pele principles are also important. Applicants should be aware that failure to comply with the application conditions and requirements will result in disqualification. The advertised positions provide an opportunity to contribute to public health initiatives and ensure that medicines reach patients safely and legally across Limpopo's health facilities.