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Policy 101

University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Post-Offer Pre-Employment
Policy #101

 

Scope/Purpose:
It is the policy of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside (“University”) that certain prospective employees submit to post-offer, pre-employment (POPE) testing to determine whether they possess the fitness to perform essential functions of the position. Only positions whose essential functions involve substantial physical requirements are included in this policy.

Definitions
Post Offer Pre-Employment (POPE) Test – A POPE test is an evaluation to determine if a prospective employee is physically and/or mentally able to perform the essential functions of a position, with or without accommodation. POPE testing may include a medical questionnaire, musculoskeletal exam and functional testing that directly relate to the essential functions of the position offered.

Prospective Employees – prospective employees include applicants for employment, active employees applying for a new position, rehired employees and employees of an UW Campus applying for transfer to University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

To Whom the Policy Applies
Prospective employees to positions detailed on the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Job Titles to Which POPE Policy Applies are subject to this policy. Contact Human Resources for specific details.

Condition Offer of Employment
The University may require POPE testing after making a conditional offer of employment to a prospective employee and before employment begins. An offer of employment is conditional on the results of the testing to the extent permissible under state and federal law.

Cost and Health Care Provider Selection
The University shall pay the cost of initial pre-employment testing which will be performed by the vendor designated by Blankenheim Services.

Privacy Rights
Privacy and confidentiality of all information obtained in the post offer-pre-employment testing process will be maintained in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

  1. ADA/Reasonable Accommodations
    1. All potential hires will be asked in an Informed Consent Checklist if they are able to perform all tasks within the Post-Offer Pre-Employment (POPE) before completing the screen.
    2. The University will determine the need for accommodation(s) in order to complete the screen. The definition of reasonable is defined by the rules of the ADA of 1990 as bookmarked below. i. http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/workta.htm
  2. Consent
    1. Each applicant will be asked to read and sign a consent for testing form at the testing facility.
       
  3. Refusal to Take the POPE
    1. If the applicant chooses not to participate in the POPE, the University may elect to not offer the applicant employment by the University.
       
  4. Late Appointment
    1. If an applicant shows up greater than 10 minutes late to an appointment, it is up to the examiner to determine if adequate time is available to complete the screen.
    2. The applicant will be asked to reschedule the appointment. If an applicant no-shows or cancels an appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice on the second attempt to schedule, they will not be offered a third appointment. Therefore, the conditional offer of employment will be withdrawn by the University.
    3. There is no fee for a cancel or no-show appointment to the University or the applicant.
       
  5. Medical Screening
    1. If during the subjective examination of the applicant, they disclose a medical restriction or physical contraindication to testing that in the examiner’s opinion would put the applicant at risk for testing, the examiner will not complete the test.
      1. The reason(s) for the test not being completed will be listed by the examiner.
      2. If medical intervention is suggested, the examiner will provide a written recommendation to the applicant.
      3. The University and the applicant will be informed of the decision and the reasons why the test requires medical clearance to complete.
      4. There are conditions where an applicant could later be re-tested upon clearance from a medical physician.
         
  6. Re-Testing Guidelines
    1. An applicant is eligible for re-testing for the following reasons:
      1. Medical restriction(s)/Physical Contraindication that has been reviewed by a physician and a release form completed and returned to Blankenheim Services
      2. Non-musculoskeletal Condition that prevents an applicant from taking a test (i.e., cut finger, infection, etc.)
      3. Blood pressure or heart rate that exceeds testing guidelines
    2. If an applicant is to be given a re-test for the above reasons, the protocol is as follows:
      1. Applicant is given a Request for Medical Clearance and Release Form
      2. Applicant takes a copy of the POPE to be reviewed by the physician to assist with determining if the POPE is safe to be administered
      3. Applicant has the form reviewed by his/her physician and returns the form signed to Blankenheim Services
      4. The University will make the determination with consultation from Blankenheim Services if the applicant is appropriate for a re-test
      5. The applicant will be notified by the University if they are to call the office of the vendor designated by Blankenheim Services for a re-test or if they are not approved for a re-test
    3. An applicant will not be re-tested due to a failure on any portion of the functional job testing. If an applicant fails any portion of the POPE, the University will determine if the applicant meets the minimum physical qualifications of the position. The conditional offer of employment may be withdrawn. A second opportunity to take the test will not be provided to the applicant.
  7. Blood Pressure Guidelines
    1. An applicant is provided an explanation of the POPE upon entering the examining room. After the explanation of the POPE procedures, the applicant’s blood pressure is taken in the left arm with the appropriate blood pressure cuff. The blood pressure is recorded on the examination sheet. If the blood pressure is 159/99 or less, the test is completed and no further blood pressure readings are taken. If the applicant’s blood pressure exceeds 159/99, the remainder of the subjective portion is taken and the blood pressure is taken for a second time after 5 minutes. If the blood pressure remains elevated greater than 159/99, the applicant is asked to rest and BP is retaken for a third time after an additional 5 minutes’ rest. If the blood pressure remains elevated, the POPE is stopped. If at any of the second or third blood pressure readings the applicant’s blood pressure is less than 160/100, the test is administered.
      1. If the applicant’s blood pressure is elevated, the applicant is provided the Request for Medical Clearance and Release Form by the vendor designated by Blankenheim Services. The applicant has the right to take the form to their physician for review. The physician must medically clear the applicant for a re-test. The form must be signed and returned to the vendor designated by Blankenheim Services or a second re-test will not be administered.
      2. The applicant will schedule a re-test within 1 week or as approved by the University.
      3. The University will be notified medical clearance is required and the applicant’s plan of action.
      4. The same protocol for blood pressure examination is followed at the re-test by the examiner. If the applicant has three blood pressure readings greater then 159/99 as per the same protocol listed in (7.), the applicant has failed the POPE and the offer of conditional employment is withdrawn. The applicant will not be offered a third re-test.
      5. The applicant will be informed of their failure and will be asked to contact their Human Resources representative at the University.
  8. Heart Rate Guidelines
    1. An applicant is provided an explanation of the POPE upon entering the examining room. After the explanation of the POPE procedures and the blood pressure taken, the applicant’s heart rate will be taken using a Polar Heart Rate Monitor. The American College of Sports Medicine’s heart rate guideline for upper limits of exercises will be utilized for safety during testing.
      220-age x 90% = safe maximum heart rate
      1. If the applicant’s heart rate exceeds this maximum at baseline during the subjective portion of the POPE, the heart rate will be re-tested before the functional portion of the POPE. If the applicant’s heart rate exceeds the safe maximum at this second reading they will not take the POPE.
      2. The applicant will be given the Request for Medical Clearance and Release Form and be asked to follow the same protocol as listed above for an elevated blood pressure (7.)
      3. If an applicant has an elevated heart rate at the re-test the offer of conditional employment is withdrawn. The applicant will not be offered a third re-test.
      4. The applicant will be informed of their failure and will be asked to contact their Human Resources representative at the University.
    2. Heart rate will be monitored during testing. If the applicant’s heart rate exceeds the safe maximum heart rate as listed above (i), the applicant will be asked to rest and their heart rate will be monitored. If the heart rate returns to within safe limits as listed above (i), the applicant will then perform that specific skill/portion of the test from the beginning again and continue on with the remaining skills of the POPE. If the applicant’s heart rate does not return to less than the safe maximum within two minutes or if the applicant shows signs of shortness of breath, loss of control of weight being lifted, loss of balance, etc., the POPE will be stopped.
      1. The applicant will be provided the Request for Medical Clearance and Release Form and a blank copy of the POPE by the vendor designated by Blankenheim Services to be reviewed and signed by their physician.
      2. If the applicant receives medical clearance for a re-test, the applicant will contact the vendor designated by Blankenheim Services to set up a re-test of the entire POPE.
      3. If the applicant’s heart rate exceeds the safe maximum a second time during testing, the applicant fails the POPE and the offer of conditional
      4. employment is withdrawn. The applicant will not be offered a third re-test.
    3. The applicant will be informed of their failure and referred to their Human Resources contact at the University for further instruction.
  9. Testing Protocol
    1. An applicant will perform all tests within the POPE for the position of application.
    2. The examiner will demonstrate each test in the POPE to the applicant.
    3. The examiner will provide feedback on correct technique expected during the work task test.
    4. The applicant will then be asked to complete the test item.
      1. If an applicant demonstrates unsafe body mechanics or is not in full control of the weight during the test, the examiner will provide feedback on the deficiency(s) noted.
      2. The applicant will have one additional opportunity to complete the test.
      3. If the applicant fails to control the weight or is determined to be unsafe by the examiner on this second attempt, the test is marked as “fail”. The reason for failure will be written on the POPE examination form.
  10. Appeal Process/Grievance Process
    1. Any concerns in the testing process/protocol/outcome expressed by the applicant will be written on the POPE examination summary section.
    2. If the applicant wishes further consultation regarding their concern, they will be provided a contact at the University Human Resources department for review of their concern.
  11. Hiring Decision
    1. Blankenheim Services will provide a POPE results summary to the University Human Resources department within 24 hours of completion of a POPE.
    2. The University Human Resources determines if an applicant is to be employed at the University. Blankenheim Services does not have to be involved in employment decisions made by the University.
    3. Each applicant will be asked to sign an indemnification statement reviewing and holding harmless Blankenheim Services from the employment decision made by the University.
  12. Use of Previous POPE for the Same Applicant
    1. If the same applicant is applying for a new position at the University, the findings from a previous POPE are considered current for up to 12 months after the test date.
    2. Therefore, a “pass” on a similar test item(s) can be carried over to a new POPE preventing the need for a re-test to be completed on an identical test item.
    3. Any tests not duplicated from the old position will need to be completed as would be expected in an applicant that had not previously taken a POPE for a previous job title.
  13. POPE Test Procedures
    Upon offer acceptance by candidate and successful completion of Criminal Background Check, Human Resources will complete the Post Offer Pre-Employment Test Scheduling Form and email to scheduling@blankenheimservices.com. Candidates for student employment do not undergo a formal recruitment and offer process; In these cases, Human Resources will complete and email Post Offer Pre-Employment Test Scheduling Form for student candidates at the point a Criminal Background Check successfully completes.
    1. Upon receipt of the POPE Test Scheduling Form, Blankenheim Services will contact the vendor designated by Blankenheim Services to schedule an appointment within 24-72 hours.
    2. Blankenheim Services will notify both the candidate and Human Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside of the date and time of the appointment.
    3. Blankenheim Services will provide a POPE Results Summary to the University Human Resources department within 24 hours of completion of a POPE.
    4. Blankenheim Services will provide a POPE Results Summary to the University Human Resources department within 24 hours of completion of POPE testing.
    5. See section 11. Hiring Decision for outcomes from POPE Results Summary.
    6. Candidates/student candidates with a POPE testing Pass result will be hired. Candidates or student candidates with a Functional Stop (i.e., unable to complete functional test and not presenting with a medical condition and/or disability) will be contacted by Human Resources. Candidates or student candidates with an Administrative Stop will be provided with information about next steps by Blankenheim Services.
    7. Human Resources will store POPE Results Summary with the candidate’s recruitment file or with the student’s Hire Checklist.
  14. POPE Invoicing Process
    Blankenheim Services will send a monthly report and invoice for the POPE Testing performed.
    1. Human Resources will review the report and invoice to verify the charges.
    2. Human Resources will create a Purchase Authorization form for the charges. Ensure to include the department for each POPE charge.
    3. Purchase Authorization Form is sent to department heads for signature and forwarded to Business Services for processing.

Related Documents

In addition to this policy, pertinent information may be found in additional documents, including:

 

*Revised: Fall 2022

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