Employment

[mj09]

I have an interview tomorrow for a part time receptionist position at a Personal Care Home.  I want to know how to go about asking if I will have to handle any lab work or blood/urine samples.  If I would have to, I can't accept the position if offered.  I just don't know how to ask those questions specifically without sounding like an idiot.  Any suggestions?  

[mj09]

I don't think it will entail handling blood or urine samples either, but my ocd mind has me worried sick about it.  I am looking into therapy as we speak.  There aren't many options for me especially not having health insurance.  I have yet to be diagnosed.  I am scared to death to get help because I am afraid that it either won't work and I am afraid they might want be to be exposed to blood.  Anxiety attacks, depression, ocd, and alcoholism run in my family.  Things have gotten worse for me since being laid off last year.  I have some decisions to make with the limited employment options that have been presented to me.  One might actually mess up the little UC that I am still able to receive. I can't turn my mind off.  I can't quit crying.  I am an insomniac and that has gotten worse.  All of my symptoms have become worse over the years and have come to a head this past year.  I don't trust my thoughts or emotions.  I just think I can't make a right decision.  I am just feeling so helpless and don't know where to turn.  I appreciate your response.  It means a lot.  

[ILADVOCATE]

Under the Americans with Disabilities you can be offered a reasonable accomodation if it will not affect the essential function of the job. Ask what the position entails. If not handling the blood/urine specimens would not affect the work then you are fine. Truthfully I do not believe a receptionist would have to do that so if its not part of the job you won't have to even discuss it but if you change positions within the agency just don't apply for a job that would require that work. If you do need a reasonable accomodation you will only have to disclose it to your supervisor and a psychiatrist's letter would probably be needed. But you might not have that problem to begin with.