Qualified Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant – Clicks Olivedale: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to the Pharmaceutical Sector
The pharmaceutical industry plays a critical role in the health sector by ensuring that medications are safely distributed, dispensed, and administered. Pharmacist assistants, particularly those with a post-basic qualification, are indispensable in maintaining these functions. The role of a qualified post-basic pharmacist assistant is multifaceted and vital for ensuring that patients receive the proper medications and advice for their well-being.
In the context of South Africa, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) set the standards and regulations that govern the profession. These guidelines ensure that individuals involved in the dispensing and management of medications have the necessary qualifications and adhere to ethical and professional standards. One prominent role within this sector is the Qualified Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant, such as the position available at Clicks Olivedale in Johannesburg.
This position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where precision, care, and a strong understanding of pharmaceutical practices are essential. The role requires individuals to contribute to a high standard of customer service, efficient administration, accurate compounding, and dispensing of medications while maintaining a safe, well-organized work environment.
Position Overview: Qualified Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant at Clicks Olivedale
Location and Job Setting
The job is located at Clicks Olivedale in Johannesburg, one of the key pharmacies in the area. This role forms an essential part of Clicks’ operations, a leading retailer and pharmaceutical service provider in South Africa. The Clicks Group is well-known for its commitment to quality healthcare services, and this particular role will involve working alongside qualified pharmacists to ensure the smooth running of the dispensary.
Job Summary and Duties
The position of Qualified Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, all aimed at providing effective pharmaceutical care and ensuring that the dispensary operates smoothly. The role covers various duties such as customer service, medication dispensation, stock control, and general health advice. The pharmacist assistant will work under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist but will also take on substantial responsibility in the daily running of the dispensary.
Primary Responsibilities
- Customer Service and Care: One of the most crucial aspects of the role is ensuring high standards of customer service. The pharmacist assistant must engage with customers, assist them with their medication needs, provide general health advice, and ensure that they leave the pharmacy with the proper understanding of how to use their prescriptions.
- Stock Control and Administration: Efficient stock management is a critical aspect of the role. This includes keeping track of stock levels, performing regular stock audits, repacking medications, and ensuring that the dispensary remains well-stocked with both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Proper administration also includes ensuring that all records are accurately maintained and updated.
- Accurate Compounding and Dispensing: The role requires proficiency in compounding medications according to the prescriptions provided by doctors or healthcare professionals. The post-basic pharmacist assistant must have the knowledge and skill to correctly measure, mix, and prepare medications to meet the needs of patients.
- General Health Advice: In addition to dispensing medications, the pharmacist assistant is expected to provide general health advice to customers. This includes discussing over-the-counter medications, offering advice on lifestyle changes, and addressing minor health issues that customers may experience.
- Housekeeping and Display: Maintaining a clean and organized workspace is crucial in a pharmaceutical setting. The post-basic pharmacist assistant ensures that the dispensary is neat and well-maintained, with medications correctly stored and displayed for easy access by customers and staff.
- Ad-hoc Requirements: The position may also require the pharmacist assistant to perform additional duties based on the operational needs of the dispensary. This could involve anything from administrative tasks to assisting with training new staff or helping during peak business hours.
Qualifications and Experience Required
Educational Background:
The position requires a matriculation certificate with a strong foundation in mathematics, which is essential for performing accurate dosage calculations and handling stock-related tasks. Additionally, the candidate must have completed the necessary training to become a qualified post-basic pharmacist assistant as stipulated by the SAPC.
The required qualification for this role includes either the completion of a post-basic qualification in Pharmacy Assistance or being a registered learner basic pharmacist assistant currently undergoing training.
Relevant Experience:
While specific years of experience are not always mandatory, prior experience in a pharmacy or healthcare environment is often beneficial. Understanding the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of a pharmacy is critical, as is experience in customer service and working with healthcare professionals.
Skills and Competencies Required
The role of a pharmacist assistant requires a blend of technical skills, interpersonal attributes, and a strong commitment to following ethical and legal practices. Below are some key skills and competencies that are essential for success in this position:
- Product Knowledge: The pharmacist assistant must have thorough knowledge of the pharmaceutical products available in the health and over-the-counter (OTC) sections. This allows them to advise customers on the appropriate medications and remedies for their conditions.
- SAPC and Legal Knowledge: Familiarity with the legal requirements and guidelines set by the SAPC is crucial. This includes understanding how to handle controlled substances, maintaining accurate records, and adhering to health and safety standards.
- Customer-Oriented Approach: A strong focus on customer service is key. The pharmacist assistant must be able to communicate clearly with customers, addressing their questions, concerns, and providing them with appropriate health guidance.
- Teamwork: Working effectively as part of a team is critical. The pharmacist assistant must be able to collaborate with pharmacists, other pharmacy assistants, and other staff to ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently.
- Integrity and Ethical Practice: The role demands an individual with a high level of integrity, as it involves handling sensitive health information and medications. Ethical practice and strict compliance with all regulatory guidelines are essential.
- Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Precision is crucial in the role of a pharmacist assistant. Whether dispensing medication, managing stock, or providing health advice, attention to detail ensures that tasks are completed accurately and in accordance with professional standards.
- Basic Calculations: The ability to perform basic mathematical calculations is essential for determining medication dosages, especially when preparing compounded medications.
- IT and Business Operating Systems: Familiarity with pharmacy management systems and business operating software, such as MS Office and SAP, is beneficial for carrying out administrative tasks and maintaining accurate records.
- Organizational Skills: The ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks is important for ensuring that the dispensary runs smoothly and that all tasks are completed on time.
Working Environment and Team Dynamics
The Clicks Olivedale pharmacy offers a collaborative working environment where the pharmacist assistant plays a key role in supporting the pharmacist and the rest of the team. The work atmosphere is fast-paced, requiring individuals to be adaptable, organized, and efficient in managing their workload. While working in a team, the pharmacist assistant is expected to take responsibility for certain tasks and ensure that they contribute to the overall success of the dispensary.
Employment Equity and Opportunities for Growth
Clicks is committed to the principles of employment equity, and this role provides a fantastic opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for the position. This commitment to inclusivity helps ensure a dynamic, multi-faceted workforce.
Moreover, working in a well-established organization like Clicks provides ample opportunities for professional growth.