Are you a qualified pharmacist looking for a rewarding career opportunity in the health care sector? The City of Cape Town’s Directorate of Community Services and Health is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated pharmacist to join their team. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about healthcare and wish to make a meaningful impact in their community. The position offers a competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work in a dynamic healthcare environment.
In this article, we will provide detailed information about the role, including the key responsibilities, the requirements to qualify, and how to apply.
Position Overview: Pharmacist
- Job Title: Pharmacist
- Department: City of Cape town Health
- Directorate: Community Services and Health
- Reference Number: HS 42/24 Ext
- Closing Date: 28 October 2024
- Salary: R551 879 per annum (T13 scale)
Key Responsibilities
As a pharmacist in the Directorate of Community Services and Health, you will be responsible for various critical tasks to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the pharmacy. Below are the key performance areas:
1. Ensuring Legal Compliance
The pharmacist must ensure that the pharmacy complies with all legal requirements as set out in the Pharmacy Act. This includes ensuring that all pharmaceutical activities are in line with national legislation and municipal guidelines.
2. Pharmacy Management
Managing the daily operations of the pharmacy within a community health or clinic setting will be a core responsibility. This includes:
- Acquisition, ordering, storage, and supply of medication: Both acute and chronic medications, as well as other pharmaceutical products, must be handled efficiently.
- Stock management and control: Ensuring that stock levels are adequate, monitoring for expiration dates, and safeguarding the security and integrity of all medical products.
- Drug Management Policies and Procedures: Implementing these policies to streamline pharmacy operations.
- Supervision of Pharmacist Assistants: Overseeing their daily tasks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and guiding their professional development.
3. Budget Management and Reporting
The pharmacist will monitor pharmaceutical usage and expenditure and report budgetary trends to the Clinic Manager. This includes ensuring that the pharmacy remains cost-effective without compromising on service quality. The pharmacist will also be required to inform the Clinic Manager of any locum requirements.
4. Support and Advisory Role
Another vital part of the job is supporting and advising other medical staff on medication use. This includes:
- Providing guidance on rational prescribing practices.
- Offering advice on how to use medication effectively.
- Assisting in managing the pharmacy’s budget to ensure cost-efficiency while maintaining quality patient care.
5. Development and Training of Pharmacist Assistants
Training and developing the Pharmacist Assistants is a crucial responsibility. The pharmacist must ensure that the assistants are adequately trained, legally compliant, and capable of handling their tasks.
6. Administrative Responsibilities
To ensure that the pharmacy is run efficiently, the pharmacist will also have to handle various administrative duties, including:
- Documentation of pharmaceutical activities.
- Ensuring compliance with internal and external audits.
- Registering as a responsible pharmacist, if applicable.
Qualification Requirements
To be considered for this role, you will need to meet the following criteria:
Educational Requirements:
- Diploma in Pharmacy or Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from a recognized institution.
- Current registration with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) as a pharmacist.
Experience:
- At least three years of professional experience in a primary health care environment or a similar setting is preferred. The role requires someone who is well-versed in the Essential Drugs List (EDL) and current pharmaceutical practices.
Key Competencies:
- Sound knowledge of current medicines and pharmaceutical regulations.
- Strong interpersonal and administrative skills for managing the pharmacy effectively and communicating with the team.
- A high level of attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and safety of pharmaceutical practices.
- A strong sense of integrity to handle confidential information and maintain ethical standards in the pharmacy.
Other Requirements:
- A valid Code 8 driver’s license.
How to Apply
To apply for this exciting opportunity, follow the steps below:
- External Candidates:
- Submit your application online by visiting the official City of Cape Town careers portal at www.capetown.gov.za/careers.
- Internal Staff:
- Apply via the SAP Portal.
Please ensure that certified copies of your qualifications are available upon request.
Note: Applicants who do not receive notification of their appointment within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
Tip: Building a Winning CV: Tips for Success in South African Government Jobs
This position is perfect for pharmacists who are passionate about working in public health care and wish to play an important role in improving the lives of people in their community. By joining the Directorate of Community Services and Health, you will be part of a team dedicated to delivering high-quality pharmaceutical services. You will also have the opportunity to develop your skills further while making a positive impact in the health sector.
