Essential Job Functions

A job function is considered essential if it constitutes the job’s fundamental duties or if the job exists to perform that function.¹

A properly developed job description identifies the job’s physical and mental demands, the educational prerequisites and experience required. These predefined standards are often valuable when an employee requests accommodation or when defending against wrongful termination lawsuits.

Exclamation content: The essential functions component is the heart of the job description. Consider if employees in the position must perform the function and if removing that function would