I work as a Housekeeping aid for a non-profit organization.

Anonymous

February 23,2023 at 3:44AM UTC

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I work as a Housekeeping aid for a non-profit organization. I make a pay range along with my co- workers of ( 18.15 -23.00) My manager has decided that my co- workers and I will relieve lunch breaks for admin/ reception staff. We do not ( me and my co- workers ) have an issue sitting at the desk and engaging with residents as it is a requirement if our employment. However, it is an issue for me to answer the phones for admin./ reception and take messages as it is above my pay grade and not a requirement of my position

Also, I am not trained to work there and I feel answering incoming calls is above my scope of duties. I should also mention the we are required other" site specific duties as assigned. Myself and other in my own team( housekeeping) are ok as long as " site specific duties" align with our job responsibilities and job titles.

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AnonymousFebruary 23,2023 at 1:10PM UTC
You are absolutely correct that you are being asked to work outside your scope and pay grade. Your dilemma is what to do about it. You could do the minimum and hope for the best. However, this is an excellent opportunity for you to broaden your skill set. If you learn these skills and are good at it, you’d be the next logical candidate for an open position, if not at this organization then somewhere else down the road. Organizations truly do not usually intentionally set people up for failure and I don’t think they’d ask if they didn’t think you could do it. Be clear you are working above your pay grade because you see it as a career opportunity that you expect the organization to recognize in some manner if you are successful with your new duties. Be patient, recognition may take a while, and be aware if this is discontinued whatever recognition would likely also go away. One other consideration is can your regular work still get done? Good luck with this and I hope it goes well for you.
Michelle S.February 23,2023 at 3:50PM UTC
Do you want to be in the position you are forever? I’m just asking because listen to how other people answer the phone and learn how to do it. It’s easy and a cushy job, and if it makes more money, rock out at it and show them you’d be better there.
AnonymousFebruary 26,2023 at 1:48PM UTC
"Other duties as assigned by management" are standard responsibilities in all job descriptions. This is a legal loophole for people complaining that what they ask for is not part of "their job." As others have said, it is often done to see if someone is willing to put in extra effort and learn new things. If you ask for simple training on answering standard questions rather than taking a message, it shows you are willing to learn.
AnonymousFebruary 27,2023 at 3:16PM UTC
I had something similar happen in the past, and it was exhausting. If I wanted to be the front desk person, I would have applied for that job. Also, people were constantly asking for things I simply didn't know because I was only covering for an hour at a time a couple of days a week. Did Fed Ex come? I honestly don't know. Then they'd get annoyed. Also, it always irked me they only pulled women from other tasks to cover the desk. I think it is absurd, and if you cross train you deserve more money.