Applying for a census job and they are asking about cancer

peaches1

Hi- I applied for a census job back in February. They called me up a few weeks ago, and interviewed me over the phone. I passed the interview, and they offered me a job, but first I had to be fingerprinted. I live in the Chicago area, and I got an email a week ago that I had to be fingerprinted within seven days of receiving the email. I clicked where you were supposed to find a location and make an appointment. I realized that there were only two locations to go to in the whole Chicago area, and the closest one was located at the Chicago/Oak Park boarder, and I live in Evanston. Then when I tried to make an appointment for this last Tuesday, it would only let me make one for Monday. When I started over again, it said that they could not perform that task and to please contact my administrator. I was finally able to make an appointment several hours later. It took me an hour to get there on Tuesday, and then late in the afternoon I got another email from them saying I passed the background check, and that I had to fill out some forms. When I tried to log in it would not let me. I finally figured out that it only worked in Google Chrome.

I filled out most of the forms tonight, but one concerned disabilities, and it mentioned many health related problems and asked me if I had them. One of them asked if I was suffering from depression or anxiety, and I am on antidepressants. Another one asked if I ever had or currently have cancer. Should I be truthful and tell them that I have a history of breast cancer or should I tell them no? Has anybody here ever worked for the census? I have to fill out all of the forms ASAP so I can be scheduled for training. I am going through one week of on site training and one week of online training in August, and if I pass that I will work for them for 20 hours a week for two months as an enumerator. They pay really well, and they are paying me $20 an hour just for the training. What so I do about the health questions? Thanks

AliceBastable

I hate that those questions come up. Ugh. But, especially for a government job, if you omit information and it's found out, it could bite you in the ass later on, like making you ineligible for any other government work in the future. Maybe see if there's some information online telling what the penalty would be for not disclosing that information.

Sjacobs146

what is the context of the question? Is it in a section where they are asking about your race, whether you're a veteran, etc? Is answering the question required? Having cancer is considered a disability, so they may be trying to get data about how many people with disabilities they are hiring

peaches1

Hi- It is under new employee data and then section B identification of disabilities. I just looked at it again, and it says that this is for statistical purposes only, and will not disqualify you from a job, and so it sounds like I should be truthful. I should have read it more carefully.

gb2115

I would be truthful on that or similar things. Honestly, if you were to not get hired for that, it's a place you probably don't want to work!!!

edwards750

I would be truthful too. Statistical reasons or not if they find out later you lied on your app it’s game over.

We are at the mercy of these apps because even if they claim we didn’t get hired because of age or health reasons we will never know if that’s really true

Diane

Micmel

i would also tell the truth. If you're hired on false pretenses and they become aware. It would disqualify you for any benefits and or disability coverages in the future If they offer it. Should you get sick in the future. Your medical records are only a click a way! Good luck to you. What a shame we have to worry about that from a possible employer after what we all have to go through...sigh!!