Pharmacy Training and Entry-Level Career Opportunity at Dis-Chem Pharmacies
Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited is offering a Fixed-Term Dispensary Support opportunity at its Richards Bay store in KwaZulu-Natal. This role is specifically designed for entry-level candidates who wish to complete the Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant course and build a long-term career within the pharmaceutical and retail healthcare environment.
This opportunity provides structured, on-the-job learning in a professional dispensary setting. Successful candidates will be employed on a fixed-term contract as Dispensary Support until they are registered with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) as Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistants. Permanent employment will only be considered once the learner qualification has been successfully completed.
About the Role
The Dispensary Support role is a developmental position focused on training, compliance, and supervised exposure to the pharmaceutical dispensing environment. All duties are performed under the direct personal supervision of a registered pharmacist, in strict accordance with legal and professional standards.
The role equips learners with a strong foundation in dispensing principles, stock control, patient service, and pharmacy operations while promoting quality, accuracy, and ethical conduct.
Key Responsibilities
Dispensing and Pharmacy Support
The successful candidate will assist with the sale of Schedule 1 medicines or scheduled substances, as permitted under supervision. The role includes learning to accurately interpret prescriptions and act professionally and responsibly within the legal framework of the South African Pharmacy Council.
Medication Preparation and Accuracy
Under supervision, the Dispensary Support learner will assist with the compounding, manipulation, or preparation of non-sterile medicines or scheduled substances according to approved formulas and Standard Operating Procedures.
All medication picked, packed, and labelled must be checked and signed off by a pharmacist prior to release.
Stock Control and Dispensary Housekeeping
The role involves assisting with unpacking and merchandising of stock, maintaining cleanliness of dispensary and OTC shelves, monitoring medicine expiry dates, and ensuring correct shelf organisation for Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 medicines.
Low stock levels, out-of-stock items, and stock discrepancies must be reported to the Dispensary Manager.
Patient Support and Call Centre Assistance
The Dispensary Support learner will follow up with patients regarding script tracking reports, assist with patient service telephone calls, and support call centre scripts as required.
Health Promotion and Scheme Authorisations
The role includes providing basic health-related information to promote wellness and assisting with medical scheme authorisations for chronic medication, HIV and AIDS treatment, and oncology medication.
Receiving Dispensary Stock
Dispensary stock must be received strictly in accordance with company SOPs, ensuring correct handling, documentation, and storage.
Minimum Requirements
Essential Requirements
Candidates applying for this position must meet the following criteria:
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Grade 12 / Matric or Senior Certificate with:
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Pure Mathematics (minimum 50%)
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Life Science and/or Physical Science (minimum 50% average)
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Completion of a proficiency test approving eligibility to apply for SAPC registration as a Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant
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South African citizenship
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Clear criminal and credit record (MIE checks apply)
Key Competencies
Essential Competencies
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English and a second language – able to read, write, and speak
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Strong time management and ability to work under pressure
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High attention to detail and accuracy
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Good communication and listening skills
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Strong customer service focus
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Problem-solving ability
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Team player with professional conduct
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Trustworthy, honest, and accountable
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Basic computer and numerical skills
Advantageous Experience and Skills
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Retail FMCG or Dis-Chem front shop experience
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Knowledge of drug and family planning and complementary medicine
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Exposure to Unisolv, SAP, and E-Scripting systems
Remuneration and Benefits
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Market-related salary
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Structured training and workplace learning
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Opportunity for permanent employment upon successful qualification and SAPC registration
Employment Equity
Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited is an equal opportunity employer. The approved Employment Equity Plan and targets will be applied during the recruitment process in line with Dis-Chem’s Employment Equity and Transformation Strategy. Applications from People with Disabilities are actively encouraged.
Apply for Dispensary Support (Fixed Term)
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If you have not been contacted within two weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Closing Date: 16 February 2026
Applications can be submitted via the official recruitment platform below:
Apply for this position
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