Does Goodwill Drug Test?

In this article, we’ll go over the details of Goodwill’s drug testing policy and we’ll start with the big question which is—Does Goodwill drug test when you apply for a job?

Goodwill Industries is a nonprofit organization that has a mission focused on assisting individuals to overcome barriers to employment.

As a recipient of federal grant money, Goodwill Industries must adhere to a drug-free workplace policy and take steps to ensure that the policy is enforced.

Does Goodwill Drug Test Job Applicants in 2024?

Yes, when you apply for a job with Goodwill, you’ll need to pass a drug test.

Goodwill Industries has a drug and alcohol-free workplace policy and you’ll be asked to take a drug test after you’ve received a conditional offer of employment.

The drug test may be carried out right after your interview, or it may take place during your orientation. Different Goodwill locations have different procedures that they follow, so it’s impossible to say with any certainty exactly when the drug test will take place.

The best course of action is to make sure you’re drug-free when you make your application, and then continue to abstain from drug use so that you can be certain you’ll pass the drug test.

Depending on the needs of the location you’re applying at, you could be taken through the hiring process very quickly or you may need to wait several weeks before they’re ready to conduct your orientation.

Applicants who test positive for drugs will have their offer of employment withdrawn.

Does Goodwill Do Random Drug Tests?

Goodwill’s drug and alcohol policy states that you’re required to submit to a drug test as and when required by company policy and in compliance with the laws of your state.

Goodwill Industries in states that allow random drug testing include the provision for random drug testing in their workplace policies.

States that prohibit or restrict random drug testing include:

• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• California
• Minnesota
• Alaska
• Maine
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• New Jersey
• West Virginia

All employees, no matter the level of seniority, are required to submit a sample for testing if they are selected for a random drug test. Failure to agree to provide a sample is grounds for dismissal.

Are There Any Other Drug Tests?

As well as pre-employment and random drug tests, you’ll also be subject to drug testing at Goodwill if you appear to be under the influence of drugs at work, or if you’re involved in a workplace accident.

#1. Reasonable Cause Drug Testing

Testing if you appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol is known as reasonable cause drug testing. You’ll be at risk of this type of drug testing if your manager suspects that you are drunk or high while on company premises.

Reasons for suspicion include:

• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness and falling asleep
• Unsteady gait
• Smelling of drugs or alcohol
• Red eyes
• Irritability or aggressiveness
• Paranoia
• Deteriorating standards of personal hygiene.
• Emotional outbursts
• Unexplained or frequent absences

If the location uses saliva tests, you can be tested right away on site. If your location uses urine tests, you’ll be sent in a taxi to a sample collection facility or clinic.

They won’t allow you to drive yourself, and if you do leave in your car, they will call the police.

A positive test is grounds for termination but you could be directed to undergo a treatment or education program at your own expense, with the understanding that you can resume your employment once you’ve completed the program.

Goodwill wages aren’t high enough to make that option workable for the majority of employees though.

#2. Workplace Accident Drug Testing

If you’re involved in an accident or incident at work that results in injury to yourself or another person you may be required to take a drug test.

Again, policies in different locations vary but in general, if an injury requires off-site medical treatment or is the basis for a workers’ comp claim then you will need to take a drug test.

Accidents that result in damage to company property are also grounds for requiring a drug test.

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What Type Of Drug Test Does Goodwill Use?

Goodwill employees report that urine drug tests and saliva drug tests are in use at Goodwill.

Again, it’s impossible to tell you which type of drug test you’ll have to take because local Goodwills set their own policies.

However, most Goodwill employees sharing information about the drug testing procedures say that for pre-employment testing they had to give a urine sample.

A urine drug test can detect drugs for a longer period than a saliva drug test, so if you prepare to pass a urine test, you’ll definitely pass a saliva test if that test is given instead.

What Drugs Does Goodwill Test For?

At the very minimum, you’ll be tested for the drugs on a standard 5-panel drug test. In some locations, you could be tested for additional substances. Again, this difference comes down to the requirements set by individual Goodwill operations.

On a 5-panel drug test you’ll be tested for:

• Opioids
• Marijuana
• Amphetamines and methamphetamine
• Cocaine
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Opioids, cocaine, and amphetamines can be detected for up to 4 days since your last use of a substance.

Phencyclidine can be picked up in urine for up to 14 days, and marijuana can be found for up to 30 days with light use, and much longer with heavy or chronic use.

Drugs tested for on an extended screen are:

• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Methadone
• Oxycodone
• Propoxyphene

Benzodiazepines and barbiturates can be detected for up to 7 days on a urine test.

Methadone and propoxyphene have a 72-hour detection window, and oxycodone can be picked up for up to 4 days since last use.

Does Goodwill Drug Test For Marijuana In Legal States?

Goodwill currently adheres to federal law when it comes to marijuana use.

Even though marijuana is legal in some states for medical and/or recreational use, it remains a Schedule 1 controlled substance with no federally approved medical benefit.

Holding a doctor’s recommendation for marijuana is not sufficient protection should you test positive for marijuana on a drug screen.

It may seem ironic that a company with a mission to help people overcome barriers to employment places a huge barrier in the way of individuals who need to use medical marijuana.

But as a federal grant recipient, they’re going to favor sticking to federal regulations over your need for pain relief while you work.

Does Goodwill Drug Test For Court Ordered Community Service?

If you’ve been ordered to complete a period of community service, Goodwill is a good choice. The organization has excellent resources to help you improve your job prospects and you won’t need to take a drug test because you’re not an employee.

Community service requests will not be accepted for offenses involving armed robbery, robbery, theft, burglary, or sexual offences.

Summing Up

Even though Goodwill’s wages are on the lower end of the pay scale, they have a strict drug and alcohol use policy. This is because they’re required to maintain a drug-free workplace as a condition of receiving federal grant money.

You’ll be asked to pass a drug test during the hiring process after you’ve received a conditional offer of employment. Once you’re hired you could be required to take a random drug test if your state law allows it, and you’re also going to be subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing and post-accident drug testing.

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