Dispensary Support (Fixed Term) Opportunity at Dis-Chem Liberty Promenade Mitchells Plain

Dis-Chem Pharmacies is looking for a Dispensary Support employee to join its Liberty Promenade store in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town. This fixed-term opportunity is designed for candidates who are eligible to complete the Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant course and want to build practical experience in a retail pharmacy environment. The successful candidate will gain exposure to pharmaceutical procedures, dispensing support, medicine stock control and patient service under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. This opportunity can provide a pathway towards permanent employment once the employee qualifies as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant and meets the applicable registration requirements.

The Dispensary Support position is intended to support learners as they develop an understanding of the pharmaceutical environment and the principles involved in dispensing and quality on-the-job learning. Employees will remain in the fixed-term Dispensary Support role until they are registered with the South African Pharmacy Council as Learner Basic Assistants. Once the required qualification is completed and the employee qualifies as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant, permanent employment may be offered. Candidates should therefore be prepared to commit to the learning and development requirements of the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the dispensary team under the direct personal supervision of a pharmacist.
• Assist with the sale of Schedule 1 medicines or scheduled substances within the permitted scope.
• Assist with the compounding, manipulation and preparation of non-sterile medicines according to approved formulas and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Assist with unpacking and merchandising dispensary stock.
• Clean dispensary and OTC shelves according to pharmacist-approved requirements.
• Complete additional duties assigned by the Dispensary Manager.
• Learn to interpret prescriptions accurately and work professionally within applicable pharmaceutical and legal requirements.
• Assist with accurate picking, packing, labelling and checking of medication.
• Develop awareness of common dosages and important drug interactions.
• Ensure medication is checked for accuracy and signed by a pharmacist.
• Assist with stock control for Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 medicines and scheduled substances.
• Maintain clean, organised and correctly packed medicine shelves.
• Monitor medicine expiry dates and report concerns where required.
• Follow up with patients regarding script tracking reports when requested by the Dispensary Manager.
• Follow up on patient appointments when required.
• Assist with call centre scripts and patient service telephone calls.
• Provide appropriate information to individuals to support health promotion.
• Assist with scheme authorisations for chronic, HIV and AIDS and oncology medication.
• Report low stock, out-of-stock products and stock discrepancies to the Dispensary Manager.
• Receive dispensary stock according to the company’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• Follow all applicable pharmacy, health and safety and company procedures.
• Support efficient dispensary operations while developing practical pharmaceutical skills.

Requirements and Skills

• Grade 12, Matric or Senior Certificate.
• Pure Mathematics at 50%.
• Life Science and/or Physical Science.
• An average of at least 50% across the required subjects.
• Completed proficiency test confirming capability to apply for registration with the South African Pharmacy Council as a Learner Basic Assistant.
• Ability to register with the SAPC as a Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant.
• Good English and a second language, with the ability to read, write and speak both.
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Good problem-solving ability.
• Strong time management and deadline-driven approach.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good computer and numerical skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Conflict management skills.
• Accountability and professional conduct.
• Trustworthy and honest approach to work.
• Ability to follow instructions and established procedures.

The following will be advantageous:

• Retail FMCG experience.
• Previous Dis-Chem front shop experience.
• Good performance record in a customer-facing environment.
• Knowledge of drug and family planning products.
• Knowledge of complementary medicine.
• A third additional language.
• Experience with Unisolv.
• SAP knowledge.
• E-Scripting knowledge.

The ideal candidate should be committed to learning and able to work carefully under the supervision of qualified pharmacy professionals. Accuracy is critical because the role involves handling medicines, patient information and stock records. You will also need to communicate professionally with patients and colleagues while following prescribed procedures. A strong sense of responsibility, willingness to learn and ability to handle pressure will help you succeed in the position.

This Dispensary Support opportunity provides practical exposure to pharmacy operations while supporting the completion of the Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant pathway. Successful employees can develop experience in dispensing support, medicine stock control, prescription handling, patient service and pharmacy administration. The position can also provide a pathway towards permanent employment after the employee qualifies as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant and meets the required registration conditions.

Special Conditions of Employment

Applicants must complete the required proficiency test demonstrating their capability to register with the South African Pharmacy Council. Candidates must be South African citizens and will be subject to MIE checks, including clear criminal and credit records.

The position involves working in a pharmacy environment where accuracy, professional conduct and compliance are essential. Candidates should be prepared to follow strict procedures and work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist when performing duties within the learner scope of practice.

Remuneration and Application Information

The position offers a market-related salary. Dis-Chem Pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer and considers its Employment Equity Plan and targets during recruitment. The company also actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.

Applications close on 14 September 2026. Only successful applicants will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within two weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Apply here