About the Role
The Department of Health is seeking a dedicated Pharmacist Assistant Grade 1 to 3 (Post Basic) to be based in the Oudtshoorn Medical Depot. This role is crucial in ensuring that pharmaceutical products are received, stored, and distributed efficiently, directly impacting the community’s health and well-being in Oudtshoorn, a town located in the Western Cape. As a Pharmacist Assistant, you will play an essential part in supporting healthcare facilities by managing stock and ensuring compliance with pharmacy practices. Your contributions will help create a healthier community and enhance the public service landscape in South Africa.
In this position, you will assist with various tasks such as inventory control, packaging, and distribution of pharmaceutical products. Your support will enable healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care to patients. The role is designed for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others while pursuing a career in the public service sector.
About the Department
The Department of Health is committed to promoting and protecting the health of all South Africans. It strives to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services. Working here means being part of a team dedicated to improving public health outcomes and ensuring that citizens receive the care they deserve. The department plays a vital role in health promotion, disease prevention, and managing healthcare resources effectively.
What You’ll Do
- Assist in receiving and storing pharmaceutical products from suppliers.
- Support the control of pharmaceutical stock and manage inventory.
- Issue stock against orders from health facilities as per the scope of practice.
- Help in the efficient packaging of pharmaceutical products for delivery.
- Facilitate the distribution of completed pharmaceutical orders to facilities.
- Ensure compliance with good pharmacy and warehouse practices.
- Collaborate with the Pharmacy Supervisor on compiling statistics and reports.
What You’ll Need
- Post-Basic Pharmacist Assistant qualification allowing registration with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).
- Current registration with the SAPC as a Pharmacist Assistant (Post-Basic).
- Experience:
- Grade 1: No experience required post-registration.
- Grade 2: At least 5 years of relevant experience.
- Grade 3: At least 13 years of relevant experience.
- Willingness to work overtime when necessary.
- Ability to lift and move heavy boxes and operate warehouse equipment.
- Good literacy, numeric, and computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams).
- Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
- Strong work ethic and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
Minimum educational qualification: As required by the training facility and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) plus Post-Basic Pharmacist Assistant qualification that allows registration with SAPC as a Pharmacist Assistant (Post-Basic) Warehousing.Registration with a professional council: Current registration with the SAPC as a Pharmacist Assistant Post Basic or Pharmacist Assistant Post Basic (Warehousing).
Experience: Grade 1: None after registration with the SAPC as Pharmacist Assistant (Post-Basic).
Grade 2: A minimum of 5 years appropriate experience as Pharmacist Assistant after registration as a Pharmacist Assistant (Post-Basic) with the SAPC.
Grade 3: A minimum of 13 years appropriate experience as Pharmacist Assistant after registration as a Pharmacist Assistant (Post-Basic) with the SAPC.
Inherent requirements of the job: Willingness to work overtime when required.
Able to pick up and move large/heavy boxes.
Competencies (knowledge/skills): Knowledge and/or experience in handling pharmaceutical supplies particularly in a warehouse environment, including Cold Chain Practices.
Knowledge of Drug Supply Management Principles.
Good knowledge of wholesale warehouse practices and procedures.
Good literacy and numeric skills.
The ability to work in a warehouse type situation and have the physical dexterity.
Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams) Ability to lift heavy objects and operate heavy machinery- stackers, pallet jacks.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
Ability to comply with applicable legislation.
Ability to work accurately under pressure and maintain a high work ethic.
Job Duties
Assist with the receiving and storage of pharmaceutical products from suppliers.Assist with the control of pharmaceutical stock.
Assist with the Issuing of stock against orders from health facilities within the scope of practice of a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant.
Assist with the efficient and secure packaging of pharmaceutical products for delivery.
Assist with the effective control and distribution of completed pharmaceutical orders to facilities.
Compliance with good pharmacy practice and good warehouse practice.
Support and assist the Pharmacy Supervisor with collating statistics.
