Essential Functions
Job Description Instructions
Essential function is defined as "the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation." Factors to consider in determining if a function is essential include:
- Whether the reason the position exists is to perform that function
- The number of other employees available to perform the function or among whom the performance of the function can be distributed; and
- The degree of expertise or skill required to perform the function.
When writing an essential function, focus on what needs done, and the minimum requirements to perform the job. Do not include detailed processes that may need to change as a reasonable accommodation. List the job's essential duties in order of importance. Considerations when determining essential functions are:
- Percent of time performing a duty - If a duty is regularly expected to take a substantial amount of work time, the duty is essential
- Critical Duties - sometimes a duty may not take up a lot of time, but it has a substantial impact. This is an essential duty. For example, lobbying during the legislative session does not take up a large percent of total work time, but can be an essential duty
