Pharmacy Assistant (Post Basic)

PURPOSE OF POSITION

• To support the delivery of safe and effective pharmaceutical services by assisting with dispensing, stock control, and pharmacy operations under the direct personal supervision of a pharmacist, in accordance with the South African Pharmacy Council SAPC scope of practice and Good Pharmacy Practice GPP standards.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

The following duties are performed under the direct personal supervision of a pharmacist:

• Dispensing: the reading and preparation of a prescription, the selection, manipulation or compounding of the medicine, the labelling and supply of the medicine following the interpretation and evaluation of the prescription by a pharmacist.
• The distribution and control of stock of Schedule 1 to Schedule 4 medicines.
• Assist with the compounding, manipulation or preparation of a non-sterile medicine or scheduled substance according to a formula and standard operating procedures approved by the responsible pharmacist.
• Billing of medication on prescription charts.
• Ordering of stock from wholesalers/suppliers.
• Receive stock, unpack, check expiry dates, and pack shelves.
• Perform returns to suppliers when necessary.
• Monitor and control stock levels on an allocated shelf.
• Reconciling invoices.
• Prepare retail prescriptions and the sale of Schedule 1 and 2 medicines.
• The provision of information to individuals to promote health.
• The provision of instructions regarding the correct use of medicine supplied.
• Ordering of TPN.
• Check and record room and fridge temperatures.
• Replenishment of the emergency cupboard.
• Processing patient credits.
• Ensure daily items are received and sent to the relevant wards.
• Replenishment of ward stock.
• Assist in maintaining the overall cleanliness of the dispensary.
• Participate in stock takes and variance investigations with explanations on the areas you manage.
• Ensure no expired stock is on your allocated shelves.
• Compile an excess, short dated and expired stock list, stock valuation management.
• Assist with Hospital stock control.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Matric Grade 12
• Must be registered with South African Pharmacy Council as a Post basic Pharmacist Assistant.
• Computer literacy.
• Must have a minimum of 1-2 years' retail and hospital experience.
• Private hospital experience will be advantageous.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Able to function independently and within a team.
• Must be prepared to do shiftwork.
• The ideal person will have a willingness to assume job ownership, work independently and apply principles of continuous improvement.

SKILLS

• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret prescriptions.
• Knowledge of Schedule 1–4 medicine handling requirements.
• Pharmacy administration and accurate record keeping.
• Medication billing and pharmacy management systems.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Customer service and patient care skills.
• Ability to work effectively under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.
• Time management and organisational skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Knowledge of Hospital stock control.