Accommodations?

I have a prospective new job, I'll be finding out in the next few days if I get to be a part-time courier at a law firm. I am wondering when to ask about accommodations, what counts as an accommodation, and if they can refuse me the job because of accommodations?

Namely, I very occasionally unexpectedly need time off because of my mental state, and I need to not be punished for taking of days for self-care when it is vital. This is the accommodation I'm looking for. I recently signed up and was approved for Workability thru the dept of rehab, and they're supposed to be helping me, but I've been unable to get them to schedule an appointment with me which is crazy frustrating.

I don't know anything about the dept of rehabilitation but I have been declared disabled by social security since I was 21. I am 33 now. I haven't ever had to call in depressed, but I have had to ask for extra time to get tasks done, especially at my last job, which was a large home improvement store. Large amounts of people can get to me, as well as a lot of noise. As far as I know, at least in my situation, they have to give reasonable accommodation for the condition by law (ADA if you want to try to read it).

One main issue I had there was one day they were testing the fire alarm. 4 times during my shift. I had to step outside each time. I explained the situation to my dept head, and while annoyed, she didn't say no.

Idk if that helps, but that's what I know.

I wouldn't have to call in depressed, its the mixed states that do it for me, its dangerous for me to be driving during them because statistically its the highest chance of suicide and suicide by car is way too easy.

Ah ok. I would think that would be more likely of being accommodated than the calling in depressed example. That is legitimately a danger to your safety, not just an inability to work.

P.S. Now, as I was typing this one, that analogy (calling in depressed) seemed a little rude... I know the difficulty of trying to work when my motivation is at its lowest, when I'm depressed. I have had times when I did call in, but I lied about why, cuz I felt like they would judge me. I can still get some stuff done, especially if I can get some task away from people, but the want is often just not there. Because of this, I have had a difficult time working longer than a year for a while.

FYI, I didn't take offense to "calling in depressed" because sometimes that's what I have to do, but I just call in sick.

First question is, do you accrue sick time? If so, I would say you need to use that. If not, are you eligible for FMLA, because then I would say you need to use that for when you need to call in sick. Being unable to work because of a mixed state is the same as needing to call in sick, and I wouldn't treat it as anything different. My mental illness is considered a disability, and it is on file with my HR office (because of my service dog) and sometimes I use my accrued sick leave because I need a sick day for my mental health.

I would start by seeing what kind of accommodations you get out of the job without having to request special accommodations, then if that is insufficient, discuss with your employer your situation and see together what kind of accommodations they can offer. I would urge you to remember that they aren't required to provide all or any kind of accommodation, it has to work for both you and them. If it puts undue hardship on them or substantially changes the nature of what you'll be doing, then they can deny the request for accommodation. I would check out the ADA website or this website https://askjan.org/EeGuide/IIRequest.htm which helps explain how the ADA works.

Good luck,
seesaw

Thanks, I just didn't want to upset someone if it did sound that way, once I realized. My brain isn't entirely functioning right now... been sick, since xmas technically, have not gotten a handle on it.

-Disability accommodation is if you need a change in regular hours, reduced regular hours, change in shift, or if other items are needed to get your job done. They do not have to accommodate this if they do not deem it "reasonable".
-Family Medical Leave would need to be on file if you have to take time off for appointments, treatments, or sick days and is paid if you have sick leave or unpaid if you do not to protected your job.

It is best to file once you have the job and need the accommodation or leave. In both cases you need documentation from a provider. Once you are hired, check with your policies, human resources, or contact an attorney about each on how to file for what you need.

I hope you get the position you want. Good luck!

I do accrue sick time, but only 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, so I'd only get one sick day every 2 months, which may not be enough, and the stress of knowing I only had that one day would negatively affect my ability to recover. Thanks for the information, I'll have to see what I can do.