Topics
Essential job functions
Why have essential job functions?
It is important to have essential job duties specifically identified and written into job descriptions to:
- Develop appropriate interview questions..
- Determine whether a candidate can perform the essential tasks with or without reasonable accommodation.
- To have clear concise evidence to base employment decisions.
- Ensure compliance with the American disability Act (ADA).
Essential job functions should be identified prior to interviewing, before the medical examination and when a reasonable accommodation is being considered.
How do you assess what the essential tasks are?
To identify essential job functions, information about the specific job tasks must be gathered and analyzed. Determining the essential functions should be based;
- Will the employee actually perform the duties stated in the job description?
- Does the position exist to perform that function?
- What is the frequency with which a function is preformed, the amount of time spent on the function, and the consequences of if the function is not preformed
Why perform pre-placement post-offer examinations?
- To determine the suitability of employees for specific job duties.
- To establish baseline information.
- To ensure an employees' ability to perform the essential job tasks with or without reasonable accommodation.
When implementing pre-placement exams, there are many critical things employers should know. The ADA clearly outlines what is and what is not lawful in regard to pre-placement post-offer examinations such as, an offer of employment has been extended, the examination tests only for "essential job related abilities", etc.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to call 765-983-3149 ext.3149, or stewarb@reidhosp.com.
