What are Fitness for Duty Assessments?
Fitness for duty (FFD) assessments are specialized examinations designed to determine an individual’s ability to perform their job safely and effectively. They can help ensure public and workplace safety, particularly in roles that have a direct impact on public safety or require high levels of mental and physical performance.
Who are Fitness for Duty Assessments for?
FFD assessments may be conducted for individuals who:
Serve in public safety-related roles (e.g., healthcare providers, law enforcement, airline pilots)
Are returning to work after an illness or injury
Show changes in job performance or psychological or behavioral changes
Work in industries requiring regular health assessments due to regulations
Are being considered for promotions to roles with more responsibilities
Psychologists may perform FFD assessments for individuals who are working with a professional organization to address concerns about mental health impacts on job performance.
What do Fitness for Duty Assessments Consist of?
Fitness for Duty assessments typically consist of a diagnostic interview and questionnaires to be completed by the client and a loved one. The psychologist may assess mental health as well as cognitive functions relevant to job performance.
As part of the assessment, the psychologist may review the essential functions of the job in question and examine records such as performance evaluations, incident reports, or previous medical records.
Once the assessment is complete, the psychologist will provide a comprehensive report including findings from the evaluation, analysis of the individual’s fitness for duty, and recommendations for return to work, treatment, accommodations, and/or other further actions.