ptsd Ptsd & Federal Employment

[FedHopeful]

Hello All,

I'm a service connected Marine (70% for PTSD & Tinnitus) and applied to a federal position back in Nov of 2013. I was hired under a special hiring authority for Veterans who are 30% or more Service Connected. I'm still in the process with this agency (DHS) and whenever I call to check on my status they continue to tell me that I am still pending a medical clearance. Its been over 18 months and I have seen those without disabilities get aboard the agency quicker than I have. I haven't been disqualified but I haven't moved on in the process either, is this discrimination? Also am I correct to assume that I cannot be disqualified for PTSD under ADA Title 1?

Thanks in advance

[Chuck75]

"You cannot be disqualified for PTSD". (For general government employment, true.)

Specific positions are a different story, usually related to required security clearance levels,

and or background checks.

In some cases, just consulting a mental health professional can

cause problems and serious delay.

http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF86.pdf

I believe section 21 is the one that opens the can of worms.

Disqualification and/or revocation is based upon a number of things,

including subjective judgment of the evaluators.

A government employee that I worked with, and knew socially had clearance renewal problems a couple of years ago,

due to answering yes to "have you consulted with" a mental health professional?. All sorts of additional paperwork

had to be generated.

Edited May 29, 2015 by Chuck75

[CHerv08]

You have to be more specific - what type of job your applying for, how did you fill out your SF 86 when it asked about those condition? Marking that you have been seen for treatment is not a disqualifier. My recommendation would be to send a formal inquiry though the HR specialist that offered you the job on what the status is of your medical. They' should be able to give you an answer if not than I think you need to move it up through their chain.

That being said - to simply answer your question no you cannot be discriminated on the basis of having PTSD.

There are provisions for certain positions Police, Fire ext. that will require more paperwork during the security process it it were a "concern" but not medical.

[FedHopeful]

Thanks for the quick replys. I forgot to mention that I have already cleared the background process. When filling out the SF86 for question 21 I marked "No" because it's strictly military related. The position that I am in the process for is the Federal Protective Service, they are 0080 Security Specialist with Law Enforcement Authority.

I do have points of contacts but beyond them telling me that I am pending medical clearance, I can't get anything else out of them and that's where it gets frustrating. When I do call my POC he states the file is being reviewed or tells me that he'll check on the status and will call me when he does (never does return calls). This has been going on for over a year now. I've cleared security and drug screening 6 months from the date I was hired.

I'm reaching my limit with how unprofessionally I'm being treated. I've seen others without disabilities get hired on within 6 months. My life has been on hold for the past 18 months because I am waiting for an answer from this agency. At this point I do not know how to proceed and am reaching out to anyone that can help.

[Chuck75]

"pending medical clearance"

Playing Devil's Advocate - - that may be a euphemism for something not obvious, such as a mental professional's opinion.

[georgiapapa]

Chuck is correct. All candidates with a history of mental disorders are reviewed on a case by case basis. It will depend on the opinion of the mental health examiner as to whether they think your mental disorder might impair your judgment or cognitive functions, or may interfere with the essential job functions of the position for which you have applied. Of course, any position requiring the carrying of a firearm and/or responsibility for the safety of others requires more scrutiny. This would include all federal law enforcement positions.

Keep in mind federal law enforcement agencies usually have a lot more applicants than positions so they are very selective. I worked with the U.S. Marshals Service which is part of the Department of Justice. At one point in my career, I was part of a three person team traveling around the country interviewing Deputy Marshal candidates. We would interview about eight candidates a day and usually voted out more candidates than we voted in. If we had candidates with a history of physical, mental or other problems that could pose a problem in the future, we usually voted them out. When considering the Deputy Marshal candidates, I would always ask myself, "Would I feel uncomfortable having this person with me on the job in a life threatening situation?" If the answer to my question was yes, I voted for the candidate not to be hired. Of course, I retired from the U.S. Marshals in 2004 so hiring policies may have changed,

Good luck to you.

GP

[CHerv08]

You need to file a congressional inquiry through your congressman. Explaing the time tabke and everything you have done to resolve the issue and the delays you habe been expierencing. There are time tables for bringing someone onboard.

I think you are falling through the cracks

hust just my opinion