Post Basic Qualified Pharmacist Assistant – Lakeside, Benoni
Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited
Location: Benoni, Gauteng
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 28 April 2026
Closing Date: 27 May 2026
Industry: Pharmaceuticals / Retail Pharmacy
Division: Dispensary Category – Pharmacy
Functional Area: Pharmaceutical Care / Dispensing Support
Experience Level: Entry Level (Qualified Professional Support Role)
Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited is seeking a Post Basic Qualified Pharmacist Assistant to join their Lakeside store in Benoni. This role is an essential part of the pharmacy dispensary team and plays a critical role in ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient delivery of pharmaceutical care to patients.
Pharmacist Assistants form a key link between pharmacists and patients, helping to ensure that medication is dispensed correctly, prescriptions are processed accurately, and patients receive proper guidance on the use of their medication. In a retail pharmacy environment, this role combines clinical responsibility with customer service and operational efficiency.
The position requires both technical pharmaceutical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills, as assistants interact directly with patients while also supporting pharmacists with prescription processing, stock control, and compliance requirements.
Role Purpose and Function
The primary purpose of this role is to support the provision of safe and effective pharmaceutical care by assisting in the dispensing process, managing medicine-related administrative tasks, and ensuring compliance with South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) regulations.
You will be responsible for helping to meet patients’ medicine-related needs while working under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. This includes ensuring accuracy in dispensing, maintaining proper records, and providing clear instructions to patients regarding medication use.
The role also contributes to the efficient operation of the dispensary by supporting stock control, prescription processing, and medical aid administration.
Key Responsibilities Explained in Detail
1. Pharmaceutical Care and Patient Support
You will assist in ensuring that patients receive appropriate pharmaceutical care, which includes helping to interpret prescriptions and supporting the dispensing process.
This includes:
- Assisting in the reading and interpretation of prescriptions
- Supporting pharmacists in selecting and preparing medication
- Ensuring correct labelling and packaging of medicines
- Providing instructions to patients on proper medicine usage
Your role directly impacts patient safety and treatment effectiveness.
2. Dispensing and Medicine Handling
You will assist in the preparation and dispensing of medicines according to approved standard operating procedures (SOPs).
This includes:
- Handling Schedule 1 to Schedule 6 medicines under supervision
- Assisting with compounding and preparation of non-sterile medicines
- Supporting re-packaging and distribution of medications
- Ensuring proper handling and storage of pharmaceutical products
Accuracy and compliance are critical in all dispensing activities.
3. Prescription Processing and Accuracy Control
You will be responsible for ensuring prescriptions are accurately captured and processed within the pharmacy system.
This includes:
- Capturing prescription data on Unisolv or similar systems
- Verifying patient details for accuracy
- Ensuring prescriptions are checked and signed off by a pharmacist
- Correcting errors or rejected claims where necessary
Attention to detail is essential to avoid medication errors.
4. Stock Control and Inventory Management
You will assist in managing pharmacy stock to ensure availability of medicines and prevent shortages.
This includes:
- Receiving and checking incoming stock according to SOPs
- Assisting with FEFO (First Expiry First Out) stock rotation
- Reporting low stock or discrepancies to the dispensary manager
- Assisting with bi-annual stock takes
Proper stock control ensures continuous service delivery.
5. Medical Aid and Claims Processing
You will support the processing of medical aid claims and ensure compliance with medical aid requirements.
This includes:
- Capturing and submitting claims accurately
- Correcting rejected claims
- Understanding medical aid procedures
- Explaining costs and processes to patients
This function ensures smooth financial processing and reimbursement.
6. Patient Interaction and Customer Service
A major part of your role involves interacting directly with patients in a professional and supportive manner.
This includes:
- Assisting patients at the dispensary and front shop
- Providing guidance on over-the-counter medication
- Answering queries related to prescriptions and medicine use
- Supporting health education and awareness
Strong communication skills are essential for building trust with patients.
7. Compliance and Legal Responsibility
You will be required to operate within strict legal and regulatory frameworks governed by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) and Medicines Act.
This includes:
- Following all dispensing regulations and SOPs
- Ensuring controlled substances are handled correctly
- Maintaining accurate patient and prescription records
- Supporting audit and compliance processes
Non-compliance can result in serious legal and professional consequences.
Minimum Requirements Explained
Grade 12 / Matric
Basic educational requirement for understanding pharmaceutical processes and documentation.
Basic Pharmacist Assistance Qualification
A formal qualification enabling registration with SAPC.
SAPC Registration (Essential)
Must be registered with the South African Pharmacy Council to legally perform duties.
Unisolv Experience
Experience with pharmacy management software is highly beneficial.
Computer Literacy (MS Office)
Ability to use basic computer applications for reporting and data entry.
Strong Numerical Skills
Required for accurate prescription processing and stock control.
English and Second Language Proficiency
Essential for communication with diverse patient groups.
Retail Hours Flexibility
Must be willing to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays.
Advantageous Skills and Knowledge
- Experience in retail or FMCG pharmacy environments
- Knowledge of SAP and e-scripting systems
- Understanding of chronic medication, HIV/AIDS, and oncology treatments
- Knowledge of complementary and family planning medicine
- Ability to communicate in a third language
These additional skills enhance performance and patient service delivery.
Key Competencies and Attributes
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent communication and listening skills
- Customer service orientation
- Problem-solving ability
- Trustworthiness and integrity
- Ability to work under pressure
- Strong teamwork skills
- Time management and organisation
- Professionalism in patient care
Special Working Conditions
This role operates in a controlled pharmacy environment with strict safety and compliance standards.
You must be able to:
- Work in temperature-controlled dispensary areas
- Handle stock-sensitive and regulated medicines
- Stand for extended periods
- Work under pressure during busy retail hours
- Maintain confidentiality and professional conduct at all times
A clear criminal and credit record is required for employment.
Remuneration and Benefits
Dis-Chem Pharmacies offers a market-related salary package, which may include:
- Medical aid contributions
- Provident fund benefits
- Staff account discounts and benefits
- Opportunities for professional development
Final Overview
The Post Basic Qualified Pharmacist Assistant role at Dis-Chem Lakeside, Benoni is a vital healthcare support position that ensures patients receive safe, accurate, and effective medication services.
It combines technical pharmaceutical duties with patient interaction and administrative responsibilities, making it a key role within the pharmacy environment.
For qualified candidates with a passion for healthcare, accuracy, and customer service, this role offers a stable career path within one of South Africa’s leading retail pharmacy groups.
