Latest Jobs at Clicks Group

Job Purpose:

• To execute the recovery of outstanding accounts related to Private and Rebate debtors and report thereon in order to reduce loss of income on sales.

Job Objectives:

• To ensure that all data required is received on time and accurate.
• To process billings submitted by business stakeholders.
• To follow up on outstanding payments that is outside of normal terms.
• To account for and reconcile all transactions and records are within the payment term period.
• To analyze payments and queries and identify trends/patterns.
• To assist ad hoc on projects and clean ups as and when required.

Minimum requirements
Education and Experience:

• Matric (Grade 12) essential.
• Matric level Math’s and Accountancy (desirable).
• Intro to SAP (essential).
• Unisolv, Eezy Solutions (desirable).
• MS Office (Excel) essential.

Job related knowledge and skills:

• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to read and understand SAP and Unisolv transactions and postings.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, dealing with ongoing demands from both internal and external customers.

go to method of application »

Job Objectives:

• To efficiently execute all operational activities at the point of sale in a timely and efficient manner.
• To maintain high levels of accuracy when scanning merchandise and collecting payment for goods purchased, including actioning clubcard rewards.
• To ensure the safe handling of cash at all times.
• To proactively promote the Clicks' clubcard and to enroll new clubcard members in order to achieve the clubcard participation targets.
• To make customers aware of promotions in order to positively affect sales and to ensure customers "feel good and pay less".
• To deliver superior customer service by acting as a brand ambassador, being visible and offering a friendly and professional service.
• To efficiently execute and maintain all merchandising and general housekeeping duties according to store and visual merchandise standards.
• To support the Group’s vision to be the customer’s first choice health and beauty retailer by living and driving the company values.
• To maintain updated knowledge on products, ranges, promotions and events in order to provide the correct information to customers at all times.

Knowledge:

• Basic maths calculations
• Retail/FMCG background and understanding of merchandising and promotions principles
• Understanding of stock management procedures 
• Knowledge of customer service excellence

Skills:

• Planning and organising skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong customer orientation
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Numeracy skills

Competencies:

Essential:

• Relating and networking
• Following instructions and procedures
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations

Desirable:

• Working with people
• Persuading and Influencing
• Planning and Organising
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks

Minimum requirements

Experience:

• Desirable: experience in a customer facing role within a retail/FMCG store operations environment

Education:

• Essential: Grade 12
• Desirable: Maths 50% and English 50% at Grade 12 level

go to method of application »

Job Objectives:

• To efficiently execute all operational activities at the point of sale in a timely and efficient manner.
• To maintain high levels of accuracy when scanning merchandise and collecting payment for goods purchased, including actioning clubcard rewards.
• To ensure the safe handling of cash at all times.
• To proactively promote the Clicks' clubcard and to enroll new clubcard members in order to achieve the clubcard participation targets.
• To make customers aware of promotions in order to positively affect sales and to ensure customers "feel good and pay less".
• To deliver superior customer service by acting as a brand ambassador, being visible and offering a friendly and professional service.
• To efficiently execute and maintain all merchandising and general housekeeping duties according to store and visual merchandise standards.
• To support the Group’s vision to be the customer’s first choice health and beauty retailer by living and driving the company values.
• To maintain updated knowledge on products, ranges, promotions and events in order to provide the correct information to customers at all times.

Knowledge:

• Basic maths calculations
• Retail/FMCG background and understanding of merchandising and promotions principles
• Understanding of stock management procedures 
• Knowledge of customer service excellence

Skills:

• Planning and organising skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong customer orientation
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Numeracy skills

Competencies:

Essential:

• Relating and networking
• Following instructions and procedures
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations

Desirable:

• Working with people
• Persuading and Influencing
• Planning and Organising
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks

Minimum requirements

Experience:

• Desirable: experience in a customer facing role within a retail/FMCG store operations environment

Education:

• Essential: Grade 12
• Desirable: Maths 50% and English 50% at Grade 12 level

go to method of application »

Job description

• To fully understand and to take ownership of own development towards completing the Trainee Manager programme ensuring self-readiness for sign off within 12 months. 
• To train and be found competent in all departments of the store and thereafter be able to assist the SM in such departments and in managing the store as required. 
• To attend all required classroom training sessions as per the TM programme and implement the learning's and/or skills within the store environment under the guidance of the SM. 
• To be a role model for staff presenting the image and behaviours of management to which the company aspires through its values 
• To ensure a high level of customer care through being visible and by proactively approaching customers at all tim

Minimum requirements
Job requirements

• In possession of a matric certificate (grade 12) with a pass in Maths
• Retail and/or management experience

Skills, Abilities and Job related Knowledge:

• Strong interpersonal and communications skills 
• Computer literacy and analysing skills 
• Planning and organising 
• Conflict management

Competencies 

• Leading and Deciding 
• Supporting and coordinating 
• Interacting and presenting 
• Analysing and interpreting 
• Creating and conceptualising 
• Organising and executing 
• Adapting and coping 
• Enterprising and performing

go to method of application »

Job Objectives:

• To efficiently direct and control all operational activities at the point of sale in a timely and efficient manner.
• To ensure the effective and safe management of stock and cash, minimising shrinkage and ensuring a high standard of general housekeeping and administration
• To ensure shop assistant / cashiers are trained, competent, motivated and directed to fulfill their duties whilst delivering service excellence at all times.
• To ensure sufficient staffing of the shop assistant / cashiers in line with the work schedule, company policies and labour legistation.
• To timeously and efficiently resolve all customer queries in line with the Company's policies.
• To drive the promotion of the Clicks clubcard in order to ensure the achievement of clubcard participation targets.
• To effectively manage stock by enforcing security measures, cash controls, returns policies and all other relevant administrative duties related to minimising stock losses and maximising security procedures at the point of sale.
• To deliver superior customer service by acting as a brand ambassador, being visible and offering a friendly and professional service.
• To support the Group’s vision to be the customer’s first choice health and beauty retailer by living and driving the company values.
• To maintain updated knowledge on products, ranges, promotions and events in order to provide the correct information to customers at all times.

Knowledge:

• Understanding and application of financial management principles
• Retail/FMCG background and understanding of merchandising and promotions principles
• Knowledge of stock, cost, risk and compliance management procedures 
• Knowledge of customer service excellence
• Knowledge of labour legislation and IR practices 
• Knowledge of competency based interviewing

Skills:

• Results and target driven
• Sound managerial skills
• Planning and organising skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong customer orientation
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Numeracy skills

Competencies:

Essential:

• Leading and Supervising
• Relating and Networking
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations

Desirable:

• Following instructions and procedures
• Working with people
• Analysing
• Planning and organising
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks

Minimum requirements

Education:

Essential:

• Grade 12
• Relevant Retail/Business Management qualification (External applicants)

Desirable:

• Maths 50% and English 50% at Grade 12 level

go to method of application »

Job Objectives:

• To efficiently execute all operational activities at the point of sale in a timely and efficient manner.
• To maintain high levels of accuracy when scanning merchandise and collecting payment for goods purchased, including actioning clubcard rewards.
• To ensure the safe handling of cash at all times.
• To proactively promote the Clicks' clubcard and to enroll new clubcard members in order to achieve the clubcard participation targets.
• To make customers aware of promotions in order to positively affect sales and to ensure customers "feel good and pay less".
• To deliver superior customer service by acting as a brand ambassador, being visible and offering a friendly and professional service.
• To efficiently execute and maintain all merchandising and general housekeeping duties according to store and visual merchandise standards.
• To support the Group’s vision to be the customer’s first choice health and beauty retailer by living and driving the company values.
• To maintain updated knowledge on products, ranges, promotions and events in order to provide the correct information to customers at all times.

Knowledge:

• Basic maths calculations
• Retail/FMCG background and understanding of merchandising and promotions principles
• Understanding of stock management procedures 
• Knowledge of customer service excellence

Skills:

• Planning and organising skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong customer orientation
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Numeracy skills

Competencies:

Essential:

• Relating and networking
• Following instructions and procedures
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations

Desirable:

• Working with people
• Persuading and Influencing
• Planning and Organising
• Coping with Pressures and Setback

Minimum requirements

Experience:

• Desirable: experience in a customer facing role within a retail/FMCG store operations environment

Education:

• Essential: Grade 12
• Desirable: Maths 50% and English 50% at Grade 12 level

go to method of application »

Job Purpose:

• To ensure that completed customer orders are correctly, accurately and timeously checked into the dispatch routes in order to meet stipulated dispatch and delivery cut off times in terms of UPD SOPs and to co-ordinate the interface with the Distribution Principal’s representative as it relates to operational implementation and queries. 

Objectives

• To complete daily load plan and distribute to all on time, thereby ensuring that orders are dispatched daily to comply with SLA
• To assist Key Account Managers with queries.
• To capture orders accurately when required to do so.
• To release pick up slips when authorized to do so by Key Account managers
• To forward client GRN’d stock reports, POD’s and copy invoices when requested and file.
• To arrange and follow up on special deliveries.
• To liaise with/ assist suppliers with stock take, investigate and provide feedback on variances.
• To coordinate the return of expired stock from clients on instruction from the Principal
• To liaise with stock control and credit returns in the event of a batch recall by manufactures.
• To assist distribution receiving with receiving disputes.
• Assist with CRM reports
• Assist with loading and offloading of trucks

Minimum requirements
Education and Knowledge

• Matric/Grade 12 or Abet level 4
• 1 years experience in Pharmaceutical Industry preferable
• Basic product knowledge 
• Warehousing and distribution industry knowledge

Personal Competencies

• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to work under pressure/time deadlines
• Honesty and intergrity
• Attention to detail
• Motivation, enthusiasm and commitment
• Flexibility and wiilingness to work overtime

go to method of application »

Job Objectives:

• To assess, prepare and pack prescriptions in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) principles and customer service standards.
• To advise customers on the appropriate use of medicine.
• To correctly file prescriptions according to SOP’s.
• To provide professional service and accurate information to customers, in line with scope of practice.
• To assist with the compounding, manipulation or preparation of non-sterile or scheduled substances according to a formula and SOP’s.
• To order medicine and scheduled substances up to and including Schedule 6, according to an instruction of the responsible pharmacist on duty.
• To maintain stock levels and check expiry dates according to SOP’s.
• To execute housekeeping and display merchandise according to SOP’s / Pharmacy Efficiency Principles.
• To execute pharmacy-related administration and reports as per scope of practice.
• To adhere to ethical, legislative and regulatory requirements of the SAPC.

Knowledge:

• Pharmaceutical legislation and regulatory requirements 
• Pharmacy efficiency principles or equivalent  
• Good pharmacy practice principles
• Stock management
• Basic understanding of medical aid regulations

Skills:

• Customer and service orientated
• Strong communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Administration skills 
• Numeracy skills

Competencies:

Essential:

• Following Instructions and Procedures
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations

Desirable:

• Relating and networking
• Adhering to Principles and Values
• Presenting and Communicating Information
• Planning and Organising
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks

Minimum requirements

Experience:

Essential:

• 1 year experience as a Pharmacist Administrator / Pharmacist Assistant
• Competent in dispensing patient prescriptions within scope of practice

Desirable:

• Experience in a retail pharmacy

Education:

• Essential: Further Education and Training Certificate Pharmacist Assistance
• Essential: Registration with SAPC

go to method of application »

Job Purpose:

• To support the Store Manager in ensuring the efficient operation of the store and service excellence by driving sales and building customer loyalty in order to meet sales, profit and compliance targets, leading to a competitive advantage for the brand.

Job Objectives:

• To ensure the achievement of the stores financial performance by driving and maximising sales through the execution of promotional activities and driving cross-selling, up-selling initiatives and superior customer service across the store team.
• To efficiently execute all operational activities of the store, including expenses, stock management, shrinkage, general housekeeping and administration.
• To successfully execute in-store visual merchandising, ensuring the in-store presentation and promotional standards are met and that the appearance of the store is in line with the brand image.
• To support the Store Manager in ensuring staff are motivated and directed to achieve their targets and performance goals and effectively managed in the absence of the store manager.
• To assist the Store Manager in maintaining the work schedule on a daily basis in line with the Group's labour policy and the relevant labour model in order to ensure each department is fully and appropriately staffed.
• To execute customer service initiatives in store that results in a great customer experience, drives customer loyalty and achieves club card participation targets.
• To attend to all administrative responsibilities in an efficient manner, including ensuring weekly time and attendance and employee records are complete and submitted to HR.
• To support the Group’s vision to be the customer’s first choice health and beauty retailer by living and driving the company values.

Minimum requirements

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Essential: Grade 12 (Maths 50% and English 50%)
• Essential: Relevant Retail/Business Management qualification (External applicants)
• Desirable: Degree in Relevant Retail/Business Management
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in an assistant store management role within a retail/FMCG store operations environment or successful completion the Clicks Trainee Store Management Programme
• Financial management experience (budgets, profit and loss statements, financial ratios, etc.)

Job Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Understanding and application of financial management principles
• Retail/FMCG background and understanding of merchandising and promotions principles
• Knowledge of stock, cost, risk and compliance management procedures
• Knowledge of customer service excellence
• Knowledge of labour legislation and IR practices
• Knowledge of people management
• Knowledge of competency based interviewing
• Numeracy skills
• Results and target driven
• Planning and organising skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong customer orientation
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy

Essential Competencies

• Following instructions and procedures
• Planning and Organising
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
• Working with people
• Analysing
• Leading and Supervising
• Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks

go to method of application »

Job Objectives:

• To efficiently direct and control all operational activities at the point of sale in a timely and efficient manner.
• To ensure the effective and safe management of stock and cash, minimising shrinkage and ensuring a high standard of general housekeeping and administration
• To ensure shop assistant / cashiers are trained, competent, motivated and directed to fulfill their duties whilst delivering service excellence at all times.
• To ensure sufficient staffing of the shop assistant / cashiers in line with the work schedule, company policies and labour legistation.
• To timeously and efficiently resolve all customer queries in line with the Company's policies.
• To drive the promotion of the Clicks clubcard in order to ensure the achievement of clubcard participation targets.
• To effectively manage stock by enforcing security measures, cash controls, returns policies and all other relevant administrative duties related to minimising stock losses and maximising security procedures at the point of sale.
• To deliver superior customer service by acting as a brand ambassador, being visible and offering a friendly and professional service.
• To support the Group’s vision to be the customer’s first choice health and beauty retailer by living and driving the company values.
• To maintain updated knowledge on products, ranges, promotions and events in order to provide the correct information to customers at all times.

Knowledge:

• Understanding and application of financial management principles
• Retail/FMCG background and understanding of merchandising and promotions principles
• Knowledge of stock, cost, risk and compliance management procedures 
• Knowledge of customer service excellence
• Knowledge of labour legislation and IR practices 
• Knowledge of competency based interviewing

Skills:

• Results and target driven
• Sound managerial skills
• Planning and organising skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong customer orientation
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Numeracy skills

Competencies:

Essential:

• Leading and Supervising
• Relating and Networking
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations

Desirable:

• Following instructions and procedures
• Working with people
• Analysing
• Planning and organising
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks

Minimum requirements

Education:

Essential:

• Grade 12
• Relevant Retail/Business Management qualification (External applicants)

Desirable:

• Maths 50% and English 50% at Grade 12 level

go to method of application »

Job Objectives:

• To efficiently execute all operational activities at the point of sale in a timely and efficient manner.
• To maintain high levels of accuracy when scanning merchandise and collecting payment for goods purchased, including actioning clubcard rewards.
• To ensure the safe handling of cash at all times.
• To proactively promote the Clicks' clubcard and to enroll new clubcard members in order to achieve the clubcard participation targets.
• To make customers aware of promotions in order to positively affect sales and to ensure customers "feel good and pay less".
• To deliver superior customer service by acting as a brand ambassador, being visible and offering a friendly and professional service.
• To efficiently execute and maintain all merchandising and general housekeeping duties according to store and visual merchandise standards.
• To support the Group’s vision to be the customer’s first choice health and beauty retailer by living and driving the company values.
• To maintain updated knowledge on products, ranges, promotions and events in order to provide the correct information to customers at all times.

Knowledge:

• Basic maths calculations
• Retail/FMCG background and understanding of merchandising and promotions principles
• Understanding of stock management procedures 
• Knowledge of customer service excellence

Skills:

• Planning and organising skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong customer orientation
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Numeracy skills

Competencies:

Essential:

• Relating and networking
• Following instructions and procedures
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations

Desirable:

• Working with people
• Persuading and Influencing
• Planning and Organising
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks

Minimum requirements

Experience:

• Desirable: experience in a customer facing role within a retail/FMCG store operations environment

Education:

• Essential: Grade 12
• Desirable: Maths 50% and English 50% at Grade 12 level

go to method of application »

Job Objectives:

Responsibilities

•  Interact with customers in a professional manner and with strict confidentiality within SOP and agreed timelines
•  Administration of scripts and or any other claiming/capturing related procedure
•  Accurate and complete handling of all profiles worked on
•  Interact with health care professionals where needed
•  Problem solving and follow up of queries

Duties

•  Interact with customers via telephone or other means regarding medication and Healthcare Services
•  Accurate capturing of scripts received at the Central Pharmacy centre
•  Handling of queries regarding prescriptions
•  Patient Profile management
•  Assist with Chronic authorizations
•  Liaison with all other departments
•  Ad hoc requirements as per operational requirements

Knowledge:

•  Product knowledge (including OTC)
•  SAPC and relevant legal knowledge
•  Sound knowledge of the chronic authorization process and procedures
•  Customer service orientated
•  Ethical working practice and compliance

Skills:

•  Computer literacy (MS Office)
•  Customer service orientated
•  Team Player
•  Integrity
•  Accuracy and attention to detail
•  Computer literacy (MS Office)
•  Must be bilingual (with English being one of the requirements
•  Must be able to work with patients and be adaptable to assist with various departmental duties
•  Be able to use initiative in order to provide patient satisfaction
•  Effective time management skills
•  Adaptability
•  Positive attitude
•  Be able to work under pressure

Competencies:
Essential

•  Adhering to Principles and Values
•  Working with People
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations

Minimum requirements

• Experience: Minimum 1 year in the role of Pharmacist Assistant Post Basic

Education: 

• Further Education and Training Certificate Pharmacist Assistance (Essential)

go to method of application »

Job Objectives:

• To efficiently direct and control all operational activities at the point of sale in a timely and efficient manner.
• To ensure the effective and safe management of stock and cash, minimising shrinkage and ensuring a high standard of general housekeeping and administration
• To ensure shop assistant / cashiers are trained, competent, motivated and directed to fulfill their duties whilst delivering service excellence at all times.
• To ensure sufficient staffing of the shop assistant / cashiers in line with the work schedule, company policies and labour legistation.
• To timeously and efficiently resolve all customer queries in line with the Company's policies.
• To drive the promotion of the Clicks clubcard in order to ensure the achievement of clubcard participation targets.
• To effectively manage stock by enforcing security measures, cash controls, returns policies and all other relevant administrative duties related to minimising stock losses and maximising security procedures at the point of sale.
• To deliver superior customer service by acting as a brand ambassador, being visible and offering a friendly and professional service.
• To support the Group’s vision to be the customer’s first choice health and beauty retailer by living and driving the company values.
• To maintain updated knowledge on products, ranges, promotions and events in order to provide the correct information to customers at all times.

Knowledge:

• Understanding and application of financial management principles
• Retail/FMCG background and understanding of merchandising and promotions principles
• Knowledge of stock, cost, risk and compliance management procedures 
• Knowledge of customer service excellence
• Knowledge of labour legislation and IR practices 
• Knowledge of competency based interviewing

Skills:

• Results and target driven
• Sound managerial skills
• Planning and organising skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong customer orientation
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Numeracy skills

Competencies:

Essential:

• Leading and Supervising
• Relating and Networking
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations

Desirable:

• Following instructions and procedures
• Working with people
• Analysing
• Planning and organising
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks

Minimum requirements

Education:

Essential:

• Grade 12
• Relevant Retail/Business Management qualification (External applicants)

Desirable:

• Maths 50% and English 50% at Grade 12 level

go to method of application »

Job Objectives:

• To efficiently execute all operational activities at the point of sale in a timely and efficient manner.
• To maintain high levels of accuracy when scanning merchandise and collecting payment for goods purchased, including actioning clubcard rewards.
• To ensure the safe handling of cash at all times.
• To proactively promote the Clicks' clubcard and to enroll new clubcard members in order to achieve the clubcard participation targets.
• To make customers aware of promotions in order to positively affect sales and to ensure customers "feel good and pay less".
• To deliver superior customer service by acting as a brand ambassador, being visible and offering a friendly and professional service.
• To efficiently execute and maintain all merchandising and general housekeeping duties according to store and visual merchandise standards.
• To support the Group’s vision to be the customer’s first choice health and beauty retailer by living and driving the company values.
• To maintain updated knowledge on products, ranges, promotions and events in order to provide the correct information to customers at all times.

Knowledge:

• Basic maths calculations
• Retail/FMCG background and understanding of merchandising and promotions principles
• Understanding of stock management procedures 
• Knowledge of customer service excellence

Skills:

• Planning and organising skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong customer orientation
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Numeracy skills

Competencies:

Essential:

• Relating and networking
• Following instructions and procedures
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations

Desirable:

• Working with people
• Persuading and Influencing
• Planning and Organising
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks

Minimum requirements

Experience:

• Desirable: experience in a customer facing role within a retail/FMCG store operations environment

Education:

• Essential: Grade 12
• Desirable: Maths 50% and English 50% at Grade 12 level

go to method of application »

Job Objectives:

Responsibilities

•  Interact with customers in a professional manner and with strict confidentiality within SOP and agreed timelines
•  Administration of scripts and or any other claiming/capturing related procedure
•  Accurate and complete handling of all profiles worked on
•  Interact with health care professionals where needed
•  Problem solving and follow up of queries

Duties

•  Interact with customers via telephone or other means regarding medication and Healthcare Services
•  Accurate capturing of scripts received at the Central Pharmacy centre
•  Handling of queries regarding prescriptions
•  Patient Profile management
•  Assist with Chronic authorizations
•  Liaison with all other departments
•  Ad hoc requirements as per operational requirements

Knowledge:

•  Product knowledge (including OTC)
•  SAPC and relevant legal knowledge
•  Sound knowledge of the chronic authorization process and procedures
•  Customer service orientated
•  Ethical working practice and compliance

Skills:

•  Computer literacy (MS Office)
•  Customer service orientated
•  Team Player
•  Integrity
•  Accuracy and attention to detail
•  Computer literacy (MS Office)
•  Must be bilingual (with English being one of the requirements
•  Must be able to work with patients and be adaptable to assist with various departmental duties
•  Be able to use initiative in order to provide patient satisfaction
•  Effective time management skills
•  Adaptability
•  Positive attitude
•  Be able to work under pressure

Competencies:
Essential

•  Adhering to Principles and Values
•  Working with People
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations

Minimum requirements

• Experience: Minimum 1 year in the role of Pharmacist Assistant Post Basic

Education: 

• Further Education and Training Certificate Pharmacist Assistance (Essential)