PTSD and requested for Info from potential employer

[GrowingSlowly]

Hi, 

im looking to see if anyone can offer any advice.

I have recently gone through a second round of applications for a job I’ve wanted for a long time. Long story short, preeployment medical was perfect except for my PTSD. They requested further info from my GP on whether she would see my fit for duty, she has signed off as we have had this controlled for 6 months on meds.

they have now sent me a new request for even more INFO!

They want to know when PTSD was diagnosed (fine) but they want to know WHY I have PTSD!!! 
 

Long story short, my stepfather raped me for 6 years and got me pregnant, a constant legal battle to put him away and a termination in another state. It is now 10 years later and as explained, the employer has been made aware by my GP that I am cleared.

How do I go about this? They want this info to come from my doctor too. Not from me?!

they also requested as to how long I’ve been on medication which the previous medical report already states?

is this ok for them to ask me why I have this condition? Is it relevant when my doctor has said in her medical opinion that she knows this condition would not affect my ability to work as a rail safety worker?

I need some serious clarification?

it’s seriously overwhelming when they want to dive so deep into all the reasoning behind this condition.

[Sophie_M]

Hi GrowingSlowly

Thank you for posting tonight and welcome to the forum. We're so very sorry to hear your story GrowingSlowly, but we want to acknowldege your strength, your reslience and the tenacity you express (and that is so apparent in your post). You're amazing.

You're correct in questioning their need to know your personal details in regards to disclosing your medical records/history and reason behind the PTSD - and even their need to ask. It's not something that is routinely asked by many employers as this goes against privacy laws, however some job roles do need to know certain details to assess your suitablity for the position (especially if it is a health and safety concern for the position in question). The only way for you to know if this position falls under this criteria is to ask them why and/or to contact Fair Work  and to discuss the matter with them. They'll guide you accurately.

It's important for you to feel safe as well, GrowingSlowly, and if disclosing this information does not make you feel safe (and if the job really does require disclosure of this information), then maybe you might like to consider whether this is the job for you. You get to choose - ultimately, it's up to you! 

If you're upset at anytime and wish to have a chat with one of our counsellors, GrowingSlowly, please don't hesitate to reach out for a chat on 1300 22 4636 (24/7), or via our online chat option anytime. Don't forget our friends over at 1800 Respect either. We're here for you!

Kind regards, 

Sophie M

[Petal22]

Hi GrowingSlowly,

Im so sorry for what happened to you.

Sophie M has given you some great advice.

GrowingSlowly please really try to think about if this job is really for you.

If this employer is asking for specific details then please really look into if they are allowed to be asking these questions…

You are important and so is your privacy.

[geoff]

Hello GrowingSlowly, there has been previous discussions on whether you should disclose any information on whether or not you have had any MI previously and the answers have been varied.

Once a person informs them that they have had any MI then they want to dot the i's and cross their t's for clarification, just in case this illness may affect them in the job that's been offered and need time off.

Although your doctor has given them a written letter explaining your present condition, they still need a letter addressed to the company explaining the same, rather than a general comment who could be given to anybody, but if your doctor has supported you then you shouldn't have much to worry about, it's only protocol.

Please let us know how you get on. 

Geoff.

Life Member.