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potential change of job duties?

I am interviewing for the director position of my massage program. The owner is interviewing me first before deciding she will open up the position to the public. I have the background to do the job and it would be an easier transition to just hire someone already there and that the other staff knows. I have been director of a college department before in my past and I hold two master degrees as well as lots of massage certifications. Her biggest concern is my health. I make no secret I have RA. This semester I battled a freak bout of cellulitis that put me in the hospital for 1 night. ( But the cellulitis was totally gone with a 10 period and I only missed three days.) I know from watching my current director that the owner is not an easy person to work for. How should I answer questions about my health? Am I legally obligated to answer them, or is that discrimination? I'm not 100% that I want the job, but I want to hear what's on the table before I make my decision.

Thanks friends!

Kelly

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Erica Olson on March 24, 2010 at 12:55pm

I'm not a lawyer, but I believe that she cannot ask about your health (discrimination, lawsuits, etc.), much less you being required to answer. I'd double check with a lawyer or the labor board in your state.

Permalink Reply by Kelly Grounds on March 24, 2010 at 1:41pm

Thanks, Erica. They asked some really odd questions in the interview, but none were related to health. The owner wanted to make sure I wasn't planning on moving any time soon!

Permalink Reply by Erica Olson on March 24, 2010 at 2:25pm

Hmmm. Not entirely sure that's 100% kosher either (you'd be astounded at what is/is not legally allowable in interviews), but sounds like it worked out just fine!

Kelly Grounds said:

Thanks, Erica. They asked some really odd questions in the interview, but none were related to health. The owner wanted to make sure I wasn't planning on moving any time soon!

Permalink Reply by Kelly Grounds on March 24, 2010 at 4:09pm

Well, it wasn't legal I'm sure--the owners seem to think they are above the law on a few issues. Do you have any advice where I can turn to and ask the legalities of things like student hours/credits, hourly employment wages, etc? I don't want any reprecussions if I choose to stay as an instructor rather than be the director.

Erica Olson said:

Hmmm. Not entirely sure that's 100% kosher either (you'd be astounded at what is/is not legally allowable in interviews), but sounds like it worked out just fine!

Kelly Grounds said:
Thanks, Erica. They asked some really odd questions in the interview, but none were related to health. The owner wanted to make sure I wasn't planning on moving any time soon!