Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited

Dispensary Support (Fixed-Term Contract) – Boardwalk, Summerstrand

Company: Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited
Location: Boardwalk, Summerstrand – Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Industry: Pharmaceuticals / Healthcare Retail
Functional Area: Dispensary Support / Pharmacy Assistant Training
Closing Date: 30 September 2025

About Dis-Chem Pharmacies

Dis-Chem Pharmacies is one of South Africa’s most trusted and leading retail pharmacy groups, offering quality healthcare, professional pharmaceutical services, and an extensive range of health, beauty, and wellness products. With a strong national footprint and a commitment to training and empowering pharmacy professionals, Dis-Chem continues to play a critical role in improving access to healthcare across South Africa.

The company prides itself on creating opportunities for individuals to learn, grow, and build long-term careers within the pharmaceutical industry. As part of its ongoing expansion, Dis-Chem is seeking motivated and responsible candidates to join the Boardwalk store in Summerstrand as Dispensary Support staff.

Position Overview

This Fixed-Term Contract opportunity is designed for learners who are ready to begin their journey in the pharmaceutical field by enrolling in the Basic Pharmacist Assistant course. Successful candidates will gain valuable hands-on experience working under the direct supervision of a qualified pharmacist while completing their formal training.

The ultimate goal of this position is to develop learners into fully qualified basic pharmacist assistants registered with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC). Once registered and qualified, permanent employment opportunities may be offered.

Minimum Entry Requirements

To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following educational and entry-level requirements:

Grade 12 (Matric) or Senior Certificate, with:
- Pure Mathematics – minimum of 50%
- Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences – minimum of 50%
Average pass rate of at least 50% across matric subjects.
Completion of a proficiency test, enabling registration with SAPC as a learner basic assistant.
South African citizenship.
Clear criminal record and clear credit history (as verified by MIE checks).

Key Duties and Responsibilities

As a Dispensary Support learner, you will work closely with qualified pharmacists and the dispensary team, gaining first-hand experience in all aspects of retail pharmacy support. Duties include but are not limited to:

Dispensing Support:
- Assist with the sale of Schedule 1 medicines or scheduled substances under supervision.
- Support the compounding, manipulation, and preparation of non-sterile medicines according to approved formulas and SOPs.
Stock Handling & Merchandising:
- Unpack, organize, and merchandise dispensary and OTC shelves as per company standards.
- Monitor medicine expiry dates and ensure correct stock rotation.
- Report on stock shortages, errors, or damages to the Dispensary Manager.
- Receive dispensary stock in line with company SOPs.
Customer Service:
- Provide information to customers to promote health awareness.
- Assist with call centre scripts and patient service telephone calls.
- Follow up on patient script tracking reports and appointment reminders.
Prescription Processing:
- Learn how to accurately interpret prescriptions.
- Assist in the picking, packing, labelling, and checking of medication.
- Be aware of standard dosages, potential side effects, and drug interactions.
- Ensure all medicines are verified and signed off by a qualified pharmacist.
Administrative Support:
- Assist with medical aid scheme authorization for chronic, oncology, and HIV/AIDS medication.
- Support dispensary operations with accurate data capturing and use of pharmacy software (e.g., Unisolv, SAP, E-Scripting).
Health & Safety Compliance:
- Maintain strict adherence to pharmaceutical legal requirements and SAPC standards.
- Support a safe, clean, and compliant dispensary environment at all times.

Skills, Knowledge, and Competencies

Essential Competencies:

Fluency in English and one additional South African language (read, write, and speak).
Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage time effectively and work under pressure.
Detail-oriented with strong numerical and computer skills.
Customer-focused, professional, and trustworthy.
Team player with problem-solving ability and accountability.

Advantageous Competencies:

Previous experience in retail FMCG or Dis-Chem front shop environment.
Knowledge of drug and family planning products or complementary medicine.
Familiarity with pharmacy systems such as Unisolv, SAP, or E-Scripting.

Special Conditions of Employment

Must pass a proficiency test for SAPC learner assistant registration.
Clear health record, clear criminal record, and clear credit record.
Must be willing to work retail hours, including weekends and public holidays, as per operational needs.

Remuneration and Benefits

Market-related salary (aligned with entry-level position and learner contract).
Access to industry-leading training, mentorship, and on-the-job learning.
Career growth potential with permanent employment opportunities upon successful completion of the basic pharmacist assistant qualification.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Dis-Chem Pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer and actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities. The company’s Employment Equity Plan and Transformation Strategy will be taken into consideration during the recruitment process.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit their applications before 30 September 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received feedback within two weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

To apply for this job please visit dischem.simplify.hr.