1	Essential Functions John Patrick Evans, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor – Corporate Consultant Washington State Department Social and Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation EvansJP@dshs.wa.gov 2003
2	Essential Functions The term “essential functions” means the fundamental job duties of the employment position the employee holds or desires. The term does not include “marginal” functions of the position.
3	Essential Functions While the ADA does not tell employers what jobs to have or how to define them, it does mandate that for an individual with a disability, the person’s ability to do the job be measured by analyzing the essential job functions.
4	Essential Functions Essential vs Marginal Functions All jobs have essential and marginal functions. Personnel decisions must be based on the performance of essential job functions. Personnel decisions should not be based on the person’s inability to do a marginal function.
5	Essential Functions Identifying Essential Functions Is Crucial To: Development of accurate and objective job descriptions. Developing appropriate interview questions. Determining whether a candidate or employee can perform each function, and with what degree of competence. Determining whether or not, and to what extent, specific job accommodations can be made for a particular individual.
6	Essential Functions Essential Functions tend to be: Critical Necessary Fundamental Integral Crucial Imperative Indispensable
7	Essential Functions Marginal Functions tend to be: Minimal Borderline Passable Extra Incidental Peripheral Accessory
8	Essential Functions An “Essential Function Analysis” focuses on the job tasks or duties actually being performed by the employee whereas a “Job Analysis” focuses on the site, environment, equipment or tools the employee uses to accomplish the tasks or duties.
9	Essential Functions In identifying an essential function the employer should focus on the purpose of the function and the result to be accomplished, rather than the manner in which the function presently is performed.
10	Essential Functions The Essential Function Analysis may contain information on the manner in which a job currently is performed, but should not conclude that ability to perform the job in that manner is an essential function, unless there is no other way to perform the function without causing undue hardship.
11	Essential Functions An Essential Function Analysis should identify specific tasks and major responsibilities. What are the tasks you will hold the employee responsible for? What does the employee actually do to carry out the tasks?
12	Essential Function The Essential Function Analysis should help to: Determine if employee in the position is actually required to perform the function consistently. Determine whether removing the function would fundamentally alter the nature of the position.
13	Essential Function Concentrate on only those tasks that will carry out key responsibilities. Do not include tasks which would be helpful, but not essential, if the employee could carry out. Do not include tasks which the employee has done once and will never do again. Do not include a “wish list” of future tasks.
14	Essential Functions Criteria Used As Evidence of Essential Functions: Employers judgment when it is possible to substantiate the reasons for making a function essential to the job. Essential functions identified in advance and whereas the employee is actually performing the function.
15	Essential Functions Criteria Used As Evidence of Essential Functions: The work experience of incumbents in similar jobs The work experience of past employees in the job Information included in the job description when prepared prior to advertising or interviewing
16	Essential Functions Criteria Used As Evidence of Essential Functions: The amount of time spent performing the function The consequences of not requiring a person in a position to perform a function Terms of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) Nature of work operation and organizational structure
17	Essential Functions Changing Essential Job Functions Employer’s are not limited in their ability to establish or change the nature or functions of a position. The ADA requires that, for an individual with a disability, qualifications for a job be evaluated in relation to the positions present essential job functions.
18	Essential Functions Changing Essential Job Functions When a position is first established. While the position is vacant. “Collaboratively” during the employees Annual Evaluation. Periodically by updating employee’s job description.