[HumanSer] Questions about Driver's License as a Minimum Requirement for Employment

Wed Nov 4 15:23:46 UTC 2020

I am sorry but not surprised. There are so many ways to even leave the opportunity for a HIPPA violation that they are terrified of lawsuits/government fines . In a nursing facility you can be fired for accidentally taking a work cell phone or schedule with patient first names on it. Seen it happen.

Ericka J. Nelson
"

> On Nov 4, 2020, at 9:05 AM, Sarah Meyer via HumanSer <humanser at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Well, after proposing the various accommodations and options
> discussed, here is the response I received this morning:
> 
> "Great to hear back, thank you for your ideas. Due to HIPPA, client
> confidentiality and compliance needs, another individual could not
> drive you and clients to different locations. Drivers would have to go
> through all of the required background checks like FBI, CPS, local,
> sex offender, etc., in order to be around our clients and this would
> not be a feasible solution due to the different drivers you could get
> on each occasion.
> 
> Utilizing taxis to take clients home is also not a workable solution
> as we would run into client safety issues as well as the issue
> mentioned above. Transporting clients is a minimum requirement of this
> role and we do not have any workarounds for this that meet HIPPA,
> client confidentiality, compliance and safety needs.
> 
> Unfortunately due to the need to be able to drive and transport
> clients being a minimum requirement and essential function of our
> School Based Therapist roles, we do not see you as being eligible for
> this role at this time.
> 
> I am happy to recommend you for office-based roles and will check with
> my team to see what other openings we may have at this time. I will
> also reach out to Stephanie and let her know that unfortunately you do
> not meet the minimum requirements of her role at this time."
> 
> I responded and asked if they would consider me if I had a consistent
> driver who could pass all of the background checks. In all honesty, I
> do understand where they are coming from in terms of HIPAA,
> confidentiality concerns, etc., and I do think an office-based
> position would be more feasible/practical. It is still disappointing
> to be ineligible for something I have no control over when I'm
> qualified in every other way. It sucks, but I also get it.
> 
> Sarah
> 
> 
> 
>> On 11/3/20, Ericka via HumanSer <humanser at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> JD, i am confused about your comment about showing hoe tech works during an
>> interview.  Most jobs require computer skills. Most employers are concerned
>> about whether they beed to hire someone to do the reading and computer
>> skills for the job. Most don’t even know about VoiceOver pn an iPhone.
>> There are so few jovs that don’t have computer use as an essential skills of
>> jobs. There isn’t one job in a nursing home that doesn’t have tech as part
>> of their job duties. I learned that this year.
>> 
>> Not having tech skills has always bitten me in the butt.
>> 
>> Ericka Nelson
>> 
>>> On Nov 2, 2020, at 10:24 AM, JD Townsend via HumanSer
>>> <humanser at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hello Sarah,
>>> 
>>> Sad that employers continue to use the driver license "requirement" to
>>> eliminate blind applicants.
>>> 
>>> I have answered the question by saying that I arrived at the appointment
>>> independently and would be able to meet any travel requirements.
>>> 
>>> When the item comes up in an application form I have left the answer
>>> unanswered as driving was not a part of the job description.
>>> 
>>> I never "disclosed" that I am blind, however my dog guide or white cane
>>> usually informs the interviewer.  Most often they don't know what to do
>>> with
>>> a blind applicant, but that is their problem.  As long as you have the
>>> self-confidence and ability to present yourself as able, you will do well.
>>> 
>>> Job applicants who feel they must prove that they are able by bringing in
>>> tech equipment or disclosing prior to the interview, tend to do more
>>> poorly
>>> in obtaining employment.  The employer wants an employee who can be
>>> consistently on time and do a satisfactory job while being a part of a
>>> team.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Congratulations on your graduation and best of luck on your job search.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> JD Townsend, LCSW
>>> Helping the light dependent to see
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: HumanSer <humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Sarah Meyer via
>>> HumanSer
>>> Sent: Sunday, November 1, 2020 12:49 PM
>>> To: humanser at nfbnet.org
>>> Cc: Sarah Meyer <sarah.meyer55 at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: [HumanSer] Questions about Driver's License as a Minimum
>>> Requirement for Employment
>>> 
>>> Greetings all,
>>> I hope you are all well and staying healthy. I am writing because I am
>>> beginning my job search since I am graduating with my Master's in Clinical
>>> Mental Health Counseling this December and have come across my first
>>> barrier
>>> through my first interview.
>>> 
>>> I interviewed for a position as a school-based therapist through a
>>> community
>>> mental health agency the other day. The interview went well but I received
>>> an email a few hours later from the person in HR with whom I have been in
>>> contact stating that while the supervisor said the interview was positive
>>> and productive, I disclosed that I am blind, and she wanted to clarify if
>>> I
>>> would still be able to drive and transport clients and if I had a driver's
>>> license and auto insurance.
>>> She said these were minimum requirements for the job. I should note that I
>>> never filled out an application for this position; the career coach from
>>> the
>>> Ball State University Career Center with whom I have been working
>>> connected
>>> me with this person from HR at a community mental health agency so I
>>> reached
>>> out with my CV and was soon contacted thereafter with an offer of an
>>> interview. I responded to the email inquiring about my ability to
>>> transport
>>> clients and verified that I am blind and do not drive but asked if
>>> transporting clients was an essential function of the job. My
>>> understanding
>>> is that most of the year, I would be meeting with students and families in
>>> an office at the high school or virtually, except in the summer and other
>>> breaks when they transition to a community-based approach. Therapists will
>>> pick up students and bring them to the school, meet with them in the
>>> community, or go to their homes. Additionally, if students meet with the
>>> therapist after the schoolday ends, therapists will drive them home. The
>>> supervisor said that when she was in this position, they sometimes made
>>> arrangements with parents for transportation, but this was not always
>>> reliable and she preferred to drive students herself as this allowed her
>>> to
>>> maintain the most control over her schedule.
>>> 
>>> I am wondering if anyone on this list has done school-based therapy or
>>> community-based therapy that typically involves transporting clients as a
>>> part of the job, and if so, how you navigated this situation. I am curious
>>> if folks still apply for jobs where a driver's license is required. I am
>>> also curious if people have suggestions on how to proceed with this
>>> potential employer. I thought about the possible option of hiring a
>>> driver,
>>> but would this be acceptable to an employer if they are concerned about
>>> confidentiality and other liability concerns?
>>> 
>>> I look forward to hearing back from you at your earliest convenience.
>>> 
>>> Best wishes,
>>> 
>>> Sarah
>>> 
>>> --
>>> Sarah K. Meyer
>>> Graduate Student, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Ball State University
>>> Pronouns: she/her/hers. See
>>> www.mypronouns.org
>>> sarah.meyer55 at gmail.com
>>> (317)402-6632
>>> 
>>> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
>>> characteristic that defines you or your future. You can live the life you
>>> want; blindness is not what holds you back. Together with love, hope, and
>>> determination, we transform dreams into reality.
>>> 
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>>> 
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> 
> 
> -- 
> Sarah K. Meyer
> Graduate Student, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
> Ball State University
> Pronouns: she/her/hers. See
> www.mypronouns.org
> sarah.meyer55 at gmail.com
> (317)402-6632
> 
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
> characteristic that defines you or your future. You can live the life
> you want; blindness is not what holds you back. Together with love,
> hope, and determination, we transform dreams into reality.
> 
> _______________________________________________
> HumanSer mailing list
> HumanSer at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/humanser_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for HumanSer:
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