Pharmacist Assistant PBQ Opportunity at Dis-Chem Pharmacies Pongola Junction

Dis-Chem Pharmacies is hiring a Post Basic Qualified Pharmacist Assistant for its new Pongola Junction store in Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal. This is a permanent opportunity for a qualified pharmacy professional who can provide pharmaceutical care while supporting the dispensary team with accurate medicine handling, customer service and stock control. The successful candidate will work within the required scope of practice and under the supervision of the responsible pharmacist where applicable. The position is well suited to someone who combines strong attention to detail with sound pharmaceutical knowledge, professionalism and a commitment to excellent patient care. Applications close on 28 August 2026.

Job Overview and Responsibilities

The Pharmacist Assistant PBQ will play an important role in the operation of the new Dis-Chem Pongola Junction pharmacy. The position involves assisting with pharmaceutical services, prescription processing, medicine preparation, stock management and patient support. The successful candidate will need to follow Dis-Chem’s standard operating procedures while complying with South African Pharmacy Council requirements and relevant legislation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assist with the sale of Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 medicines or scheduled substances.
• Assist with the compounding, manipulation and preparation of non-sterile medicines according to approved formulas and standard operating procedures.
• Assist with the manufacturing of non-sterile medicines and scheduled substances under the required supervision.
• Assist with the repackaging of medicines.
• Assist with the distribution and control of Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 medicines and scheduled substances.
• Assist with ordering medicines and scheduled substances up to and including Schedule 6 when instructed by an authorised person.
• Assist with reading and preparing prescriptions, selecting and preparing medicines, labelling products and supplying medicines in the appropriate containers.
• Capture prescription information accurately and verify patient details on the system.
• Pick, pack, label and check medication accurately while remaining aware of common dosages and important drug interactions.
• Provide patients with accurate instructions on the correct use of medicines supplied.
• Keep up to date with medical aid procedures and requirements relating to claims and dispensing.
• Ensure medication is checked for accuracy and signed off by a pharmacist.
• Assist and advise patients at the dispensary, self-medication area and front shop within the permitted scope of practice.
• Follow up with patients regarding script tracking reports and appointments when requested by the Dispensary Manager.
• Explain medical aid costs to patients where required.
• Provide health information that supports the promotion of good health.
• Process paperwork required for accurate medical aid claims.
• Correct prescription errors rejected by medical aids.
• Assist with the authorisation of chronic, HIV and AIDS and oncology medication.
• Maintain accurate customer profiles on the pharmacy system.
• Merge customer profiles locally and notify UCS when central profile merging is required.
• Review messages on customer profiles and take appropriate action.
• Report low stock, out-of-stock products and stock discrepancies to the Dispensary Manager.
• Receive dispensary stock according to Dis-Chem SOPs and merchandise stock using FEFO principles.
• Participate in bi-annual stock takes.
• Exercise proper control over stock, cash and company assets.
• Maintain professional standards when dealing with patients, colleagues and other stakeholders.

Requirements and Skills

Applicants must have Grade 12 or Matric and a Basic Pharmacist Assistance qualification. Registration with the South African Pharmacy Council is essential for the position. Candidates should have a strong understanding of pharmaceutical procedures and be able to work accurately within the required legal and professional framework. Previous experience with retail or FMCG operations can strengthen an application, although the position also offers an opportunity to build experience within a new pharmacy environment.

Additional experience or knowledge in Unisolv, SAP and E-Scripting will be advantageous. Oncology experience, knowledge of drug and family planning services and complementary medicine can also benefit applicants. Knowledge of retail pharmacy operations will be useful when assisting patients and managing the day-to-day requirements of a busy dispensary.

The successful candidate should have strong English communication skills as well as the ability to read, write and speak a second language. Good listening skills, customer focus and attention to detail are important because the role involves handling prescriptions, patient information and medicines. Sound numerical ability, problem-solving skills, computer literacy and good time management are also required. Candidates should be trustworthy, honest, reliable and able to remain professional when working under pressure.

Employment Conditions and Benefits

The successful applicant must be registered with the South African Pharmacy Council and must be willing and able to work retail hours. The role requires physical fitness because the employee may need to stand for extended periods. The position also involves working in a controlled room-temperature environment with security requirements, limited space and exposure to risk stock, making compliance with health and safety procedures essential.

Applicants must be South African citizens and have a valid driver’s licence. A clear credit record and clear criminal record are required as part of the employment conditions. Dis-Chem offers a market-related salary along with benefits that include medical aid, a provident fund and a staff account, subject to the applicable company terms and conditions.

This permanent Pharmacist Assistant PBQ vacancy offers an opportunity to join Dis-Chem Pharmacies as it expands its presence with the new Pongola Junction store. Candidates who meet the qualification, SAPC registration and employment requirements should ensure that their applications demonstrate their pharmaceutical knowledge, customer service ability and attention to detail. The employer has stated that only successful applicants will be contacted, and candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful. Dis-Chem Pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer and supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.

Apply here