Should employers acknowledge in the job description anything that can effect applicants with PTSD issues?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:27:35 -0500

I'm currently a Mil-Tech in the Reserves working on an Army base. Its a great job but what I wasn't made aware of was that my building is relatively close to an artillery range. So close that on some days my building literally rattles and the noise can be unbearable. Should the DoD have made a point to acknowledge this fact in the job posting? Especially since PTSD is a major issue with veterans.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Feb 18 at 2016 12:33 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:33:11 -0500

I think the question should be if a veterans deals with PTSD should they bring it to the attention of future employers. Many want know we actually have PTSD unless we mention it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 12:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:33:55 -0500

I don't know. That would require foresight and proactive, preventive planning. I just don't see the DOD doing that. Kind of the "reason why we have safety briefs" after the fact.

Response by Vikki Nicometo made Feb 18 at 2016 12:37 PM

Vikki Nicometo — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:37:48 -0500

Interesting question. Employers can't legally ask if you have PTSD. So stating something like that in the job posting, is probably a good idea.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 12:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:45:35 -0500

I don't think they can legally ask you. Good news is you got the job. I hope you can get use to the artillery range and that it helps you to deal with your PTSD. Turn struggle into strength.

Response by Sgt Tammy Wallace made Feb 18 at 2016 12:54 PM

Sgt Tammy Wallace — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:54:11 -0500

yes...I believe the DoD should have posted within the job description that this post is very close to an artillery range, and that way, applicants with PTSD can decide if they want to apply for the job or not or at least be made aware of what they may have to deal with if they were to get the position...to me, it's no different than making the applicant aware that they may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time or lift objects weighing over 50 lbs...those requierments weren't always listed in job descriptions but now they are, so I believe maybe employers, especially those that hire mostly veterans, need to be sensitive to the fact that they will have people with PTSD applying for their jobs and that there may be situations that could possibly trigger their disability....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 12:58 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:58:05 -0500

I understand they cannot legally ask you about your condition but I just think they should mention the issue in the job description. I have been deployed multiple times and consider myself to be well adjusted. But I do have my issues and sometimes the fight or flight feeling kicks in and it can really make the day very difficult. I have spoken to my employer and expressed my discomfort and asked them that in the future when they are holding interviews to at least mention the fact that there is a range nearby so its not a surprise to an unsuspecting employee.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 18 at 2016 1:20 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 13:20:42 -0500

If I read the groups right, you're a Civil Servant. If so, the path forward would be diagnosis by a qualified health care provider who would stipulate the medical aspects that need an accommodation under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). HR has the forms and guidance for that. It's important that the health care provider also stipulate aspects of the work environment that aggravate the medical condition. Then you take it over to the HR office to request reasonable accommodation. The Government is obligated to provide one if it exists in the position you perform. If it doesn't exist, then there's a list of alternative actions. If none can be met, then the employee can be terminated. I've only heard of the latter happening in more extreme medical cases, i.e. an electrician was going blind and refused all offers. As a prior senior GS, I had to deal with a number of accommodations. It's a routine process. If you have a bargaining unit, my experience is they can be a mixed bag in being helpful to you or looking to be more helpful to themselves. Keep that in mind if you feel the administrative route is going into the dumpster.

Response by SFC Adam Potter made Feb 18 at 2016 1:22 PM

SFC Adam Potter — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 13:22:13 -0500

A reasonable person could assume working on a military installation you will hear artillery detonations, and other explosions if that is part of the mission of that installation. As an applicant you would have a level of responsibility to research where the job is, and if you have a disability that falls under the ADA, do you need any reasonable accommodations from your employer. If the accommodation request would be a hardship to the employer, or unreasonable, they would not have to grant your request.

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 18 at 2016 3:13 PM

SPC David S. — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 15:13:19 -0500

If anything the work environment conditions should be included with the job description. As to mentioning triggers for PTSD I don't think so. It would be up to the individual as PTSD is manifested uniquely to each individual. Overtime you may find that you become accustomed to it. I was attached to artillery and armour and while it took some time you could send one now 10' feet from me and I doubt I'd blink. As you have the job and while I know it may be stressful hang in there and see it how it goes. However if its just to much I'd say its not worth the anxiety and stress and might be best to see if there is a better fit. Hope it works out.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Feb 18 at 2016 3:25 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 15:25:56 -0500

It is a individual choice of disclosing if you have PTSD or not. The employer cannot ask you about disability, it is against the law. However, if you let your supervisor know, and he/she is educated on PTSD. He or She can make reasonable accommodations for you at work, along with the ADA-Americans Disabilities Act. So, you can be productive in the workforce and helping yourself in your recovery. By doing this, it makes all the different in the world.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 10:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 22:28:16 -0500

Now that you have the job and are in the MIL-Tech system is the a chance of transferring to a location away from the range so you can distance yourself? Just a thought.

Response by SFC Carlos Gamino made Feb 19 at 2016 3:34 AM

SFC Carlos Gamino — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 03:34:36 -0500

On the positive side, you already know that there is an artillery range, you also know that there is no danger in your building caused by the artillery. At some point you will be able to deal with reality. I understand that we have our days, moments throughout the day but we must remember that we are living a present time.