State governments employ a wide range of positions in various departments including public health, law enforcement, administration, etc. Many state government employees have huge responsibilities as they are responsible for handling taxpayer money and sensitive information and making decisions that are in the best interest of the public.

State agencies need to ensure they’re hiring qualified, trustworthy candidates that don’t have substance abuse problems including alcoholism or illegal drug use. That’s where Barada Associates comes in. Founded in 1979, we were one of the nation’s first employment screening companies and are now trusted by hundreds of companies and government agencies across the country. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Requirements for pre-employment drug testing for state government job candidates can vary greatly depending on the state, the position, and the job requirements. However, many states require state government employees and state contractors to be administered drug tests as a condition of employment to help ensure they can handle their responsibilities effectively and safely and are not under the influence.

Some states may require drug testing for all state employees, while others require it only for safety-sensitive positions such as driving or operating heavy machinery. Kansas and California, for example, require applicants for safety-sensitive positions in state government to receive a drug test after a job offer has been made. Meanwhile, Nevada requires drug testing for state agency employees who are involved in public safety such as police officers and 911 dispatchers.

It’s important for human resource departments and administration teams at the state level to closely follow regulations in their state to ensure the hiring of safe and reliable candidates who don’t currently use drugs or have a history of drug abuse.

Barada Associates has partnered with the leading national laboratories in the country to facilitate drug testing for candidates for state government positions, including LabCorp and Quest. We can process and provide instant-read test results for the following drugs tests:

• Five-panel analysis
• Ten-panel analysis
• Hair testing
• Breathalyzer

A standard drug test screens for substances including THC (marijuana), cocaine (crack), methamphetamine (ecstasy), amphetamine, opiates (morphine), PCP, methadone, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants. Additional drugs can be searched for upon request.

We recommend drug testing applicants as a condition for employment for all positions, both in the private and public sectors. But it’s especially important to consider drug testing state government candidates whether it’s a requirement or not. The public must trust that those employed with state agencies are properly handling funds, performing their jobs safely, and making sound decisions regarding state policies and laws.

Some of the other benefits of conducting pre-employment drugs tests include:

Ensuring Safety

Employees who are under the influence of drugs are a risk to other employees, customers, and society in general. Employees with drugs in their system are more prone to violence or incidents that lead to injuries or fatalities at the workplace.

Productivity

Employees who use drugs are far less productive. They typically have a poor record of job performance and are more likely to be absent from work. All of these factors can lead to increased turnover which costs state government agencies more money to devote to the hiring process.

Preventing Fraud and Theft

Drug use increases the likelihood of fraud and theft. Drug addicts who are responsible for handling sensitive information or money or more likely to steal.

Finding the Most Qualified Candidates

Drug testing all applicants ensures everyone is treated fairly and equally in the hiring process. It also assists hiring managers in finding the most reliable and qualified candidates.