GENERAL WORKER: PHARMACY (X2 POSTS)

This position offers an opportunity to contribute directly to the smooth functioning of hospital pharmacy services within a public healthcare setting. Based at New Somerset Hospital and falling under the Metro Health Services directorate, the role of General Worker: Pharmacy is essential for ensuring that medicines, pharmaceutical stock, and related supplies move efficiently and safely between the pharmacy, hospital wards, clinics, and designated service points. The successful candidate will join a team dedicated to supporting patient care through reliable logistical and operational assistance, working in a busy healthcare environment where accuracy, safety, and confidentiality are paramount.

Applicants need to demonstrate basic numeracy and literacy skills, along with appropriate experience in a pharmaceutical, healthcare logistics, or stock distribution environment. The role is physically demanding, requiring a willingness to work shifts, weekends, public holidays, and overtime as needed. The ability to perform physical tasks such as moving and transporting medicine boxes, stock, trolleys, and supplies is essential, as is the capacity to walk long distances within the hospital. Candidates must be comfortable working in a healthcare setting and handling pharmaceutical stock and related supplies. Key competencies include the ability to receive, handle, distribute, and issue stock according to prescribed procedures and standard operating practices; reading and processing requisitions and stock orders; and applying basic stock rotation principles such as FIFO and FEFO. Strong numerical, interpersonal, and communication skills are required, along with the ability to work effectively in a team, maintain confidentiality regarding patient information and prescriptions, and apply Occupational Health and Safety principles.

The core duties involve providing effective operational and logistical support to pharmacy services. This includes collecting, transporting, and distributing medicines, pharmaceutical stock, supplies, prescriptions, and related documentation throughout the hospital and associated service areas. The worker will assist with receiving, handling, picking, packing, issuing, and moving pharmaceutical stock in line with procedures and stock rotation principles. Supporting medicine distribution means delivering ward stock, prescriptions, and supplies between pharmacy, wards, clinics, and service points. Maintaining a clean, safe, and organised working environment according to OHS requirements is also a key responsibility. The role requires timeous reporting of operational concerns, delays, incidents, and stock-related issues to supervisors, as well as adherence to attendance requirements, working hours, departmental policies, confidentiality rules, and the Code of Conduct. Professional conduct, accountability, effective communication, and positive working relationships are expected throughout.

Notably, no payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a written or practical assessment as well as an oral assessment. This is a permanent government position with two posts available, offering a stable career path within the Western Cape Department of Health.