Welcome New Employee!

Information
Welcome to the City of Portland! We are happy to have you as part of our exceptional team. At the City we believe a successful career is a journey, full of rich experiences and opportunities for professional growth.  This new employee website is designed to help you transition to your new position.
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Step 1: Pre-Employment

Your employment offer may be contingent on the approval of the items listed below.  Complete and deliver with other materials listed above if required (see your offer letter).  You must successfully pass the contingencies listed in your offer letter to be appointed to the position; failure to successfully pass the contingent areas will result in the withdrawal of this conditional offer.

Criminal History Check

Driving Record Check

For positions requiring a DMV record, at least a five-year minimum driving record that contains all driving entries and is court certified is required.  Abstracts are not acceptable.    

Prehire Evaluation Exam

Several job classifications at the City of Portland require a potential employee to successfully complete a Prehire Evaluation exam that includes a Preplacement Physical Examination (PPE) and sometimes an additional Physical Capacities Test (PCT) prior to beginning employment with the City. If job tasks require hearing or respiratory protection, additional exam components may be added to support this.

The PPE is a medical evaluation, much like other medical physicals, and must be performed to proceed with a PCT, if required. During the PCT, you will be asked to perform tasks that simulate activities you would do on the job. The tasks are designed to test a person’s physical strength, muscular endurance and/or coordination required for successful performance in a specific job classification. Passing the PCT demonstrates that the candidate possesses the minimum level of physical ability to perform the duties of position.

If the potential employee fails the Prehire Evaluation, the City’s conditional offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Before the Exam

Prior to scheduling your appointment:

  • Inform your hiring manager if you need ergonomic supports to complete the Prehire Evaluation.
  • Inform your hiring manager if you need an ADA, pregnancy, or religious accommodation to complete the Prehire Evaluation.
    • You do not need to disclose the nature of the accommodation, only that you need one. Note: Using an ergonomic support or an accommodation will not disqualify you from the Prehire Evaluation. However, you will still need to perform the physical tasks to the best of your ability.

Prior to your scheduled appointment:

  • Share any potential medical concerns about completing the Prehire Evaluation with your own medical provider.
  • Watch your email for details about your appointment date, time, and location.

Day of the Exam

Day of your scheduled appointment:

  • Arrive ready to demonstrate the physical strength and coordination required to do the work required for your job classification.
    • Avoid smoking prior to your exam.
    • Eat something light so you aren't hungry or overly full.
    • Do not consume any alcohol.
    • Avoid heavy lifting prior to the exam so your muscles are not tired.
  • Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing appropriate for moderate exertion elastic waist shorts or pants, loose T-shirt, work-out clothing).
  • Wear closed-toe, flat-soled athletic or walking shoes that provide good support and fit securely on your feet (no sandals or flip flops) Note: You will be turned away if you are not wearing adequate footwear and a new exam will need to be scheduled.
  • Bring your photo ID.
  • Bring eye glasses, if needed, as you will be reading instructions.
  • Reschedule your appointment if you have any current illness symptoms (such as a cold), or an injury which could affect your ability to perform the exam by contacting the Bureau of Human Resources (BHR) Prehire Evaluation scheduling team (see below).

At the testing location:

  • You will sign a waiver form releasing liability prior to testing.
  • If a PCT is required, you be given a list of possible tasks you will be asked to perform which simulate job tasks of the specific job classification for which you are being considered.
  • You must advise the examining physician of all conditions you have or suspect you might have at the time of your physical examination. 

During the Evaluation:

  • If the attending physician notices a medical concern during the PPE, you will be directed to follow up with your own care provider and then provide documentation to Providence. Once this is received, Providence will advise you on how to proceed with testing.
  • No PCT results will be shared with while you are at the exam. You will hear later from the City of Portland about next steps.

After the Exam

  • A copy of the candidate Prehire Evaluation results will be sent to the City of Portland. The City will contact you to let you know if you passed or failed. If you fail the exam, the City will withdraw its conditional offer of employment. You are welcome and encouraged to apply for other City of Portland positions or the same position in the future. [CD2] 
  • If you pass the exam, the City will work with you to identify a start date and move you forward in the hiring process.

Candidate Resources

Questions? Please contact the Bureau of Human Resources (BHR) Prehire Evaluation scheduling team via email at BHRPCT@portlandoregon.gov or via phone at (503) 823-3572.

Managers, please find additional information and resources at our internal Prehire Evaluations page found here: Recruitment & Hiring Forms | Portland Employees.


Step 2: Complete Required Forms

As an employee of the City of Portland you will be required and held accountable to model the City of Portland’s core values of Anti-Racism, Equity, Transparency, Communication, Collaboration, and Fiscal Responsibility as you perform your duties in this role.

SuccessFactors Onboarding

New hire paperwork will be delivered to your email address from SuccessFactors Onboarding.  This paperwork includes the following forms: W-4, I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, Direct Deposit Authorization, Protected Veterans, Gender, Race/Ethnicity Self-Identification, New Employee Information, ADA and Religious Accommodation.  

If you have not received the email (check spam/junk folder) or if you need assistance with your new hire paperwork, please contact your bureau representative. If you're unable to access the onboarding portal, you can print and complete the required forms linked below and return them to your new manager. 

When you report to work, federal law requires we verify your eligibility for employment. Please review the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form online below as there is a list that identifies the types of required identification you will need to provide. Please bring the appropriate identification with you on your first day of work. 

Required Forms 

Step 3: Access Additional Resources