Location: Polokwane, Limpopo
Company: Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited
Job Type: Fixed Term (Leading to Permanent upon SAPC Qualification)
Introduction
Are you a motivated Grade 12 graduate looking to build a career in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector? Dis-Chem Pharmacies Platinum Park in Polokwane has an exciting opportunity for a Dispensary Support candidate to join their team on a fixed-term contract. This program is specifically structured for learners capable of completing the Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant course. In this frontline healthcare support role, you will gain hands-on experience in dispensary operations, stock handling, script processing under pharmacist supervision, and patient care. Upon passing the proficiency assessment and registering with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), you will pave the path toward permanent employment as a qualified Basic Pharmacist Assistant!
About the Company
Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited is one of South Africa’s leading pharmacy and healthcare retail groups, trusted by millions of customers across the nation. Guided by a core mission to provide accessible, affordable, and expert healthcare, Dis-Chem combines full-service dispensaries with extensive wellness, baby, and FMCG retail departments.
At Dis-Chem, staff operate in a professional, dynamic, and learning-focused environment. Dis-Chem places significant value on internal skills development, equipping staff with recognized healthcare qualifications and structured learning pathways. Joining Dis-Chem Platinum Park in Polokwane offers you a structured entry point into the pharmaceutical sector, supported by experienced pharmacists and comprehensive workplace learning.
Company Summary
- Industry: Retail Pharmacy, FMCG & Healthcare Services
- Company Size: Large Enterprise (National Footprint)
- Work Culture: Professional, Learning-Driven, Quality-Focused, Patient-Centric
- Location: Platinum Park, Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa
Available Opportunities
Dis-Chem Platinum Park is hiring a Dispensary Support team member on a fixed-term basis. Candidates will work under the direct personal supervision of a Responsible Pharmacist while completing the required proficiency testing and SAPC registration as a Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant.
Core Responsibilities:
- Dispensary & Script Support: Assisting pharmacists with picking, packing, and labeling medication accurately, ensuring all prescriptions are checked and signed off by a pharmacist.
- Scheduled Medicine Sales: Assisting with the sale of Schedule 1 medicines and scheduled substances under direct supervision.
- Compounding & Preparation: Assisting with the compounding, manipulation, or preparation of non-sterile medicines according to approved formulas and SOPs.
- Stock & Shelf Management: Receiving dispensary stock according to company SOPs, tracking low/out-of-stock levels, organizing shelves, and checking medicine expiry dates for Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 products.
- Patient & Administrative Care: Following up on patient script tracking reports, managing scheme authorizations (chronic, HIV/AIDS, oncology), handling call center/phone queries, and providing health-promotion information.
Key Objectives
Your success as Dispensary Support at Dis-Chem Platinum Park will be evaluated by your accuracy, adherence to SAPC legal standards, and progress in your learning modules. Within your first 90 days, you will be expected to:
- Pass the SAPC Proficiency Test: Complete and pass the initial proficiency assessment required to register as a Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant with the South African Pharmacy Council.
- Master Dispensary SOPs: Learn and follow Dis-Chem’s strict standard operating procedures for picking, labeling, stock receiving, and expiry management.
- Ensure 100% Checking Accuracy: Prepare every script accurately so that all dispensed items pass final checking and signing by the pharmacist without error.
- Deliver Professional Patient Care: Handle patient phone calls, script tracking, and front-dispensary inquiries with empathy, professionalism, and prompt communication.
What You Will Learn
This fixed-term contract serves as a practical, high-value learning experience within a busy retail dispensary environment. Throughout the program, you will gain expertise in:
- SAPC Legal & Regulatory Frameworks: Understanding South African pharmaceutical legislation, legal scope of practice, and professional ethics.
- Dispensing & Script Processing: Accurate interpretation of prescriptions, dosage verification, drug interaction awareness, and script preparation.
- Dispensary Software Systems: Practical exposure to industry systems such as Unisolv, SAP, and E-Scripting software.
- Pharmaceutical Inventory Management: Handling, receiving, storing, and rotating Schedule 1 through Schedule 5 medications safely and systematically.
What You Will Gain
Starting your healthcare journey with Dis-Chem Platinum Park provides excellent growth and career benefits:
- Pathway to Permanent Employment: Fixed-term employment with a direct offer of permanent placement once fully qualified and registered with the SAPC as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant.
- Sponsored Qualification Pathway: Structured workplace training and learning framework that prepares you for recognized SAPC registration.
- Competitive Remuneration: Market-related salary during the contract period.
- Healthcare Career Growth: Long-term advancement potential to progress to Post-Basic Pharmacist Assistant or specialized dispensary roles within Dis-Chem.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12 / Matric or Senior Certificate.
- Minimum of 50% for Pure Mathematics (Essential).
- Minimum of 50% average with Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences (Essential).
- South African Citizenship with clear credit and criminal records (MIE checks required).
- Successful completion of the initial Dis-Chem proficiency test.
- Excellent command of English (read, write, speak) plus a second language.
- Basic computer literacy, numerical accuracy, and strong problem-solving skills.
Advantageous Criteria:
- Previous retail FMCG or Dis-Chem front shop experience with a proven performance record.
- Knowledge of complementary medicine, drug schedules, or family planning products.
- Experience with Unisolv, SAP, or E-Scripting systems.
Interview Questions to Prepare For
Candidates applying on applyretail.co.za should prepare to answer the following interview questions during the selection process:
- “Why do you want to pursue a career as a Pharmacist Assistant with Dis-Chem Pharmacies?”
- Tip: Share your passion for healthcare, interest in pharmaceutical science, and dedication to helping patients in your community.
- “How do you ensure 100% accuracy and attention to detail when picking and labeling medication under pressure?”
- Tip: Emphasize double-checking dosage forms and patient details, following SOPs step-by-step, and never rushing clinical checks.
- “How would you deal with a situation where a patient is anxious or confused about their prescription status?”
- Tip: Highlight active listening, clear communication, empathy, and involving the pharmacist when clinical advice is required.
- “How do you plan to balance your daily workplace duties with the study requirements for the Learner Basic course?”
- Tip: Discuss strong time management, dedication, organizational skills, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Career Advice for Applicants
To ensure your application stands out on applyretail.co.za:
- Highlight Academic Results Clearly: Ensure your Grade 12 marks—specifically Pure Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences—are clearly listed on your CV.
- Prepare for Proficiency Testing: Brush up on basic numerical, comprehension, and analytical skills to ensure success in the proficiency test.
- Verify Location: Ensure that traveling to Dis-Chem Platinum Park in Polokwane for retail dispensary hours is practical.
- Submit Complete Documents: Upload your updated CV, certified Matric certificate, ID copy, and reference letters to complete your application.
How to Apply & Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply:
- Click the “Apply Now” button below on applyretail.co.za.
- Upload your CV, Matric results/certificate, ID document, and contactable references.
- Complete the online screening form regarding your subject marks, background checks, and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Is this a permanent job from day one? No, candidates start on a Fixed-Term contract as Dispensary Support while completing training and SAPC registration. Permanent employment is offered upon qualifying as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant.
- What are the academic prerequisites? You must have passed Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics (50% or higher) and Life Sciences/Physical Sciences with at least a 50% overall average.
- What system experience is useful? Exposure to Unisolv, SAP, or E-Scripting systems is advantageous, though full training will be provided during employment.
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