Social Worker

Question

Job titles are changing throughout the organization and I don't believe that the new title takes into consideration my advanced education and responsibilities. I would like Human Resources to reconsider.  Ideas for next steps?

Ashley Black · Answer

Hello!  Perhaps you could reach out to your HR POC and ask what information/data they use to determine job titles. Is your goal to increase your compensation or is it simply ensuring your title reflects the work you do and your experience.  Another thing to consider is providing HR with examples of other organizations that use the title you're advocating for and their accompanying job descriptions. I realize this is requiring some additional work on your end but if it's something you're passionate about, it's worth it.

Nora Kased · Answer

Does the title change come with a salary increase? If so, think about how much the title matters in determining your value. If the title is really important to you, talk to your manager. They should be your advocate with HR and be best situated to give them a better understanding of your position and role within the organization.

Erica Oliveira · Answer

At some companies, there is an internal title that is aligned to the organization's career architecture which is usually pretty set, and a more flexible external title. In that instance, the title and level are driven by the scope of the role, whether you manage others, career track, etc., and it's aligned to a base salary range, and STI and LTI targets. You might not be able to influence changing the internal title, but externally,  you may be able to tailor it a bit more, and if your company has a system like Workday, you can sometimes display both in there so others can get a better sense of your role.

AlisonD · Answer

Everyone raised great points. May I ask why the title’s accuracy is so important? Is it because of your interactions with external people? Because you don’t garner the necessary respect internally? Or is it more of a self-worth issue? They’re all valid! As the other smart women said, I’d jot down how the title impacts your job performance and results — with examples (you can skip names of those involved if they’re privileged or you don’t want to “rat out” a colleague).

If you can show that by being an X vs an XYZ means explaining your role to each client for five minutes, it’s hard to disagree that your title should change!

Eve Koopmann Odar · Answer

It is also a good idea to understand the negative impacts on your ability to get work done if you do not have the appropriate title in an organization - think through those  and be able to articulate them if and when you speak with HR. Sometimes it is harder to influence and work with your colleagues if your title does not match the type of work your organization is trying to have you do. If this is the case, walk them (HR) through the scenario you might be in where someone evaluates you by your title and minimizes the role that you can play because of it. I dislike that this type of behavior happens in an organization, but it definitely does!

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you!

Joyce Wallace · Answer

Since your title is social worker, I suspect you may work in the government sector? If that's the case, getting HR to change the title may be akin to climbing Everest, especially since I would assume the change is broad and impacts many people. If you're in a unionized environment and many of your colleagues share your sentiment, I've seen union reps successfully negotiate a compromise job title. If none of the suggestions provided in these comments work, I would suggest you focus on how to present yourself on a resume despite your title. I'm sure a resume expert could help with this should you find yourself on the job market.

Social Worker

You're invited.

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