Job Description

Role: Part-Time Pharmacy Assistant

Organization: Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix (Locally Owned & Operated)

Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada

As a Pharmacy Assistant, you are the operational engine of the dispensary. You will support the Pharmacist in technical dispensing functions, maintain precise patient records, and provide high-quality service to the community. This role requires open availability to accommodate the varied hours of a retail pharmacy.

Primary Task Accountabilities

Customer Service & Front-End Support

Intake: Greet customers promptly and accurately collect prescription information and insurance details.
Expectation Management: Provide realistic wait times and manage the customer flow according to the daily assignment schedule.
Dispensary POS: Process payments for prescriptions and related healthcare items while maintaining strict register controls.
Consultation Triaging: Identify when a patient requires clinical advice and ensure they are referred to the Pharmacist.

Technical Dispensing & Workflow

Preparation: Select, count, measure, and package medications according to company and provincial standards.
Data Management: Execute data entry for new prescriptions and manage the processing of refill requests within the pharmacy software.
Labeling: Ensure all prescriptions are labeled correctly with the appropriate instructions and warnings.

Administration & Inventory

Billing: Adjudicate third-party insurance claims online and manage manual billing for specific accounts.
Order Management: Prepare and submit orders to replenish stock (excluding narcotics and controlled substances).
Communication: Handle professional phone and fax correspondence, referring clinical calls to the Pharmacist.
Records: Maintain accurate filing of all pharmacy documentation in accordance with privacy laws and Standards of Practice.

Job Data Table

Category	Details
Company Name	Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix
Location	Edmonton, AB, Canada
Job Type	Part-time (Open Availability Required)
Salaries (Est.)	$18.60 – $23.50 per hour (Based on experience)
Education	High School Diploma (Credentialed Assistant Diploma preferred)
Experience	Pharmacy experience preferred; Retail background valued
Benefits	Employee Purchase Discount, Weekly Pay (at some sites), Flexible Scheduling

Skills & Competency Table

Skill / Competency	Level	Description
Attention to Detail	Expert	Crucial for medication accuracy and data entry.
Multitasking	High	Balancing phone calls, walk-ins, and filling tasks.
Third-Party Billing	Intermediate	Knowledge of adjudication and manual accounts.
Pharmacy Software	Intermediate	Proficiency in systems (e.g., Kroll or Healthwatch).
Privacy Compliance	Expert	Strict adherence to HIPAA/Provincial privacy laws.

Job Summary

This is a technical retail role that bridges high-stakes healthcare with customer service. You will assist in the physical preparation of medications while managing the administrative burden of insurance billing and patient records. Success requires a “zero-error” mindset and the ability to remain calm in a fast-paced environment.

FAQs

What does “open availability” mean? You must be available to work various shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as retail pharmacies often have extended hours.
Can I apply without a Pharmacy Assistant Diploma? Yes, it is “preferred” but not “required.” On-the-job training is provided, though previous experience gives you a significant edge.
Will I be giving medical advice? No. All clinical inquiries and patient counseling must be legally referred to the Pharmacist.
Is there a discount? Yes, Shoppers Drug Mart offers a competitive associate purchase discount program.
What is the “Associate-Owner” model? Each store is locally owned. While you have national brand support, your direct employer is the local pharmacist who owns that specific franchise.

Expert Analysis

Shoppers Drug Mart’s “Blue Culture” emphasizes ownership and care. For an assistant, this means the environment is highly structured and metric-driven (script counts, wait times). Candidates coming from high-volume retail or fast-paced administrative roles often transition well here because they possess the necessary “sense of urgency” without sacrificing accuracy.

Location & Logistics Guide

Edmonton locations vary from quiet suburban sites to high-traffic 24-hour urban centers. Open availability is critical because scheduling is often dictated by “script volume” peaks. Ensure you have reliable transportation, as shifts may end late at night after public transit frequency has decreased.

City Wikipedia URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton

Career Path

The natural progression from this role is becoming a Senior Pharmacy Assistant or pursuing the education required to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT), which involves higher responsibility and pay. Many assistants also move into Pharmacy Management or Front-Store Management roles within the Loblaw/Shoppers network.

To apply for Company Website www.ziprecruiter.com.

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