Question & Answer

Question: We have been instructed to provide a job description for tellers as it is one of the requirements for our financial institution under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Does anyone out there have a good job description for a teller? Or can you tell me what it has to contain?

Answer: Our personnel experts tell us the flap about ADA is almost "?much ado about nothing?" in that we are operating under the same rules that have been in existence since 1973. The biggest difference is now all businesses have to go under the same rules. And, of course, now our examiners are looking closer.

Your basic job description must list the essential functions of the teller's job-i.e. talking to customers, counting cash, wrapping coin, lifting money trays, prolonged standing, etc.

What you want to be careful of are those duties for which you could make reasonable accommodations. It might be possible for teller's duties to be handled by someone sitting. But security and audit procedures would not allow anyone to obtain the money tray or drawer out of the vault for anyone else. Changing the position of a teller's window to accommodate a seated teller may be too costly, and therefore not a "reasonable" accommodation.

If, after looking at the job description a person says he or she can do all but "____", can you make some accommodation so they can do the job? Is it a "reasonable" request?

One source we'd refer you to is the article titled "ADA & Employment" in BANKERS' HOTLINE, Vol. II, No. 9 which deals with interviewing and asking the wrong questions. Other information necessary is in a Resource Directory for the ADA, which is available from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You can reach them at (800) 950-1211.

And we'll ask our subscribers for you-will anyone who has a job description for a teller share it with our readers? We'd be glad to remove your financial institution's name and duplicate the job description for others like Shirley who could use the assistance. Fax it to us if you'd like-(215) 872-6231.

Copyright © 1992 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 3, No. 6, 11/92

Bankers' Hotline