Functional Physical Capacity Assessment (FPCA) Program

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

Collin County opted to review its hiring practices for both its Public Works and Facilities Maintenance departments in response to problems associated with post-offer, pre-placement candidates occasionally being unable to perform all of their assigned tasks as anticipated. As a result of this review, the Commissioners' Court created a committe to develop and impliment a program for functional physical capacity assessments (FPCA) for specific positions that required a more extensive measurement of an applicant's physical capabilities which would, in turn, enhance the exhisting recruitment, interview, selection, and standard medical screening processes. These assessments have provided the County with another means of screening their new post-offer, pre-placement candidates as well as reducing the potential for workplace injuries. Furthermore, a review of performance results of these assessments has revealed an overall successful completion rate of 96% since the program began. This feedback provided the County an opportunity to look into other areas where FPCAs would be helpful. To that end, in October 2010, the County requested another consultation from the same local occupational medicine therapy consultant in order to establish parameters for performing FPCAs with the County's detention officers and other law enforcement personnel. The project to expand the use of FPCAs is currently in progress.