If you plan to work in the USPS, you will have to undergo a drug screening test. This is a mandatory requirement for every USPS applicant, regardless of the position you are applying for.
In this article, we will overview the USPS drug screening processes, why they are a must, how they work and the consequences and remedies for not passing the drug test.
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What Is the USPS?
The USPS, or United State Postal Service, is an independent organisation related to the executive branch of the United States federal government.
They are responsible for providing postal services all over the US, including neighbouring states and Insular areas.
Does the USPS Drug Test?
Yes, they do. Before an applicant is hired in the USPS, they are asked if they are currently engaged in consuming illegal drugs, including the use of medicines made illegal under the US federal law, except the drugs prescribed to them by a physician.
If the applicant confirms that they use hard drugs, they become ineligible for hiring; otherwise, they will have to undergo a drug screening to prove that they are drug-free applicants.
However, any USPS employees –not applicants – who apply for either promotion, reassignment, or change to a lower level are not required to go through these drug-screening processes.
Although, employees who apply for a Postal Inspection Service position will be required to go through another drug screening test.
How Does the USPS Perform the Drug Screening Test?
After the interview and background checks, if the applicant is recommended for employment by the interviewer, the drug test becomes the next hurdle.
The USPS employs urine testing to check for the various medical state. Some of the things the urine test will uncover include;
- Methamphetamine( ecstasy, speed, meth)
- THC ( cannabinoids and marijuana)
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
- Opiates (like heroin, opium and morphine)
- Coke/Sugar level
- Phencyclidine (PCP, Angel Dust)
Although if an applicant stated that they’d been recommended by medical practitioners like a physician to use drugs like marijuana or opioids for legal, medical reasons – with evidence – this could affect the test result, mostly positively.
What Happens When an Applicant Fails the Test?
Although not passing the drug test is the last thing an applicant would want to hear, most the applicants do get negative results.
If an applicant fails the test, they are disqualified and considered ineligible for employment.
However, the USPS have a Last Chance Agreement policy. This is a second chance that allows a disqualified applicant to reapply for the drug test 90 days (or three months) later from the date of the initial test result.
In July of 2009, the United States Postal service published a new Drug and Alcohol Testing policy that will require the management to offer the Last Chance Agreement to applicants that fail the drug screening test for the first time.
Even though it took time to implement, the law finally went into effect on 31 December 2009.
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When Does an Ineligible USPS Applicant Do During This 90 Days Period?
When a disqualified applicant waits to reapply for three months, they will have to go through a rehabilitation program to help them stay drug-free.
Also, the applicant must stay away from anything called illegal drugs if they badly want the job.
FAQ About USPS Drug Screening
What Are the Requirement for Postal Service Workers?
Every employee in the postal service should have at least a
high school diploma and should be very fluent in English.
Interviewers also assess applicants for their social skills and attitudes.
If you are applying for a position as a mail carrier, you might need a driver’s license.
And sometimes you will be required to show how much load you can carry since you might lift loads in some cases.
Then you will be asked to take the drug test.
Does USPS Give Drug Tests to Part-Time Workers?
No, applicants who apply for part-time positions are not required to go through these drug-screening processes.
Does USPS Do Random Drug Testing?
The USPS does not conduct regular drug tests. They only give these drug tests to new applicants or already employed workers applying for positions like the Postal Inspection Service.
How Do You Know if You Have Passed the Background Check and Drug Test?
You could call them to know your result, but your result would be mailed to you. Heck, the mailing is their job.
What Are the Various Careers in the Us Postal Service Industry?
There are numerous opportunities in Postal Service. The most popular positions are;
- Postal Service Clerks
- Postal Service Mail Carriers
- Sorter, Proccessor and Processing Machine Operator
- Postal Inspector Service, etc.
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Conclusion
To keep our society safe and keep workers safe, the USPS has made sure that they do not hire applicants under the influence of illegal drugs.
So if you plan on having a career in the postal service, you might have to start avoiding illegal drugs. It might be fun today but can cost you your job tomorrow.
