Post-Offer Employment Testing is a method by which healthcare professionals may screen new-hire candidates for the ability to perform the essential functions of a job while also screening for pre-existing medical conditions or injuries. This type of testing is preceded by a Physical Demands (Job) Analysis that identifies the physical demand components included in the job’s essential functions. Here are some fast facts about Post-Offer Employment Testing:

WHAT IS POST-OFFER EMPLOYMENT TESTING?

• A method to identify the physical demands included in a job’s essential functions:
  • This is accomplished via Physical Demands Analysis:
    • Done on the job site, this process observes and measures a job’s material handling and non-material handling requirements.
    • This data may then be used to design an employment test.
  • A method to screen new-hire candidates for pre-existing conditions:
    • The musculoskeletal screen involves an interview to identify the candidates past history of injuries and illnesses.
    • The screen also involves a head-to-toe screen of functional range of motion, joint integrity, posture, and strength.
  • A method to compare a new-hire candidate’s current functional status to the physical demands of the job.
    • The functional portion of the test involves assessment of lifting, pushing, pulling, mobility, climbing, balance, and any other physically challenging requirements of the job.

 WHY DO POST-OFFER EMPLOYMENT TESTING?

• Assist the employer in choosing appropriate candidates for a job.
  • By choosing candidate that are strong enough, mobile enough, and fit enough for the job.
• Assist the new-hire candidate in placement into a job that is safe relative to their current functional status.
  • By avoiding jobs that would cause the candidate to be injured.

 WHEN SHOULD POST-OFFER EMPLOYMENT TESTS BE DONE?

• After a conditional offer of hire and before the candidate begins a job:
  • An interview has been completed with all applicants.
  • The most qualified candidates have been chosen.
  • The candidates are offered the job contingent upon passing the post-offer test.

 WHO CAN PERFORM POST-OFFER EMPLOYMENT TESTING?

• OT’s/PT’s should perform the musculoskeletal screen.
• A trained assistant or aide can perform the rest of the test.

 WHERE CAN POST-OFFER EMPLOYMENT TESTING BE DONE?

• Traditional therapy clinic with the proper equipment:
  • Standard measurement equipment – i.e. inclinometers, goniometers, grip and pinch dynamometers, tape measure, examination table.
  • Functional activity:
    • Lifting (lift boxes, weights, lifting shelves)
    • Pushing/pulling (force gauge)
    • Job Simulation (adequate space to allow for skills testing – i.e. climbing, bulky material handling, heavy tool use)

 HOW IS POST-OFFER EMPLOYMENT TESTING DONE?

• Employer schedules the candidate for testing.
• Candidate is interviewed and vital signs assessed.
• Musculoskeletal screen is performed.
• Standardized lifting, pushing, pulling evaluation is performed.
• Job simulation is performed.
• Employer is informed of the test results (candidate met or did not meet one or more job criteria)

Learn more about our upcoming Physical Demands Analysis and Employment Testing Certification Workshop HERE.