In June 2019 I was hired for a position with the State.
I started working at a location as a counselor. At the time that I was hired, there was another type of position, service representative, that had more responsibilities compared to counselors. Service representatives also are paid a much higher salary. In November 2019 I was informed that the state was doing away with service representatives. I was informed all service representatives and counselors would now be known just as counselors. I was informed that we all would now have the same job responsibilities. No pay raise was provided, and I started handling all the responsibilities of an counselor and the responsibilities of a service representative. The state employees working as counselors were literally told one day that we now handle the same responsibilities as service representatives, I started seeing customers with these new duties with no training at all. I had no training or experience in these new services I was providing to the public.
January 2020 I had the opportunity to transfer to a location closer to my home Both the old location where I worked and this new location are managed by a contractor nonprofit. At the old location where I worked, there are multiple state employees. At the new location, I am the only state employee. Everyone else in the office works for the contractor including all management. I transferred to the new location hoping to receive training on all these new services I was providing. I still have not received the necessary training and after voicing multiple times how stressful it is to conduct these services without training, I was finally enrolled in some training. However, the training does not start until March/April 2021. I am still seeing customers in which I have not been trained in the services being provided. It is very upsetting to me and very stressful to not know exactly what I am to be doing. The managers are constantly telling me how I do everything wrong, I have the emails and conversations documented. These services I am providing are very serious, financial aid and government assistance for example. It isn't something I should be doing without special training.
I am treated extremely different as the only state employee in the office. My contractor co-workers receive much better treatment from the managers. I have been mobbed by management and there has not been a day that goes by that I don't cry because of the frustration as well as the disrespect I constantly receive. I am dedicated to serving my community, the office has been dedicated to harassing and degrading me. I have been making note of every hostile thing they have put me through.
The office I work out of only has counselors. However, not all counselors handle all services. I however handle all services, even what was previously considered only service representative work. What I find interesting is that out of all the offices in the metropolitan , the office I work out of is the only office that has done away with the service representative role and title. I also find it interesting that all the counselors in my office don't all have the same job responsibilities.
I have two daughters to provide for and do not want to quit this job. I really love helping people, that is why I applied for the job. It is getting to the point where I cannot tolerate the horrible treatment.
I have documented everything, even recorded conversations (legal in my state). I went to HR a year ago when I was forced to start working these new job responsibilities without training. HR told me I was coming across as uncoachable. I backed down because I need my job. I have started applying at places. I really hate to lose my state benefits. I don't know what else I can do besides quit. It is hard to go to work everyday where I am called names and attempts are made to make me feel ignorant and worthless. Any advice is really appreciated. Thank you for listening to me.
10 Comments
10 Comments
HECKIN SICK
11
02/15/21 at 7:30AM UTC
Sounds really stressful the situation they have put you in. If they are not providing you adequate training for the roles they require you to fill, there is a problem in the HR department, or they are wanting to fill your position with other personnel that can be paid less for the position your where fulfilling before the transition. I’ve worked for government entities for around 6 years and all have accommodated adequate training for the position I was hired to fulfill. The only time I have witnessed a government agency not following protocol is when they want an employee to resign, I hope you still have your job/career and have not given up, they can not fire or suspend you for anything you have not been properly trained on. You should review your employment documents and try to speak to a shop steward if you are union. If they are unwilling to help or provide info, that also should be documented as well.
1 Reply
Anonymous
02/15/21 at 10:22PM UTC
I have contacted my union. At first there was no response so I waited several days and reached out to them again. I hope to receive support from them soon.
User edited comment on 02/15/21 at 10:24PM UTC
1
1 Reply
Anonymous
02/15/21 at 10:49PM UTC
if you belong to a union (are a due paying member) there is SOME HOPE, but I'm still standing firm to my advice below.
1 Reply
Anonymous
02/26/21 at 5:24AM UTC
I am a paying member. I contacted two different people at the union, two times over a ten day period. I received no response!!! I really thought they may care that a state employee is being forced to do a job of someone two pay grades above. I haven't received training, no pay raise and no job title change.
I don't want to feel this disrespected or sad anymore. I told my family I plan on putting in my two weeks on Monday.
Reply
Anonymous
02/15/21 at 9:18AM UTC
i'm currently working for an agency that is government funded. I've observed some similarities to what you are describing. Sadly, I think you are a nice person who is a victim of poor management. Also, by repeatedly asking for help and not getting it, upper management is insidiously labeling you as the problem instead of stopping to fix the problem. This is what dysfunctional systems do- they label the person who is pointing out issues as the "problem" , which in fact...you are truly seeing all of this for what it is. I am going to be honest with you: Your situation is not going to change. Likewise, going to HR etc is only digging your hole deeper, though you've done nothing wrong. YOU ARE WORKING IN A DYSFUNCTIONAL SYSTEM. At some point...and as much as you hate to lose your pay and state benefits....you will need to decide if the money/benefits are worth you being insulted and demeaned on a weekly basis. I hate to see you waste years of your life in a terrible, unsupportive work environment. There is something far better out there for you, but you've gotta let this one go first. I feel strongly about the advice I am giving you now; follow the energy of the universe and leave that place.
1 Reply
Anonymous
02/15/21 at 10:24PM UTC
I know you are right. I have just been needing to be reassured. Thank you for your response.
User edited comment on 02/15/21 at 10:24PM UTC
1
Reply
Anonymous
02/15/21 at 10:46PM UTC
you are very welcome. There's an excellent book out by Dr. Henry Cloud called "Necessary Endings"; see if you can read thru it (borrow from the library). This is a necessary ending for you, and it's ok. Hang tight,
Reply
Farah Bajwa
223
Manager | Mentor | Consultant | Coach
02/17/21 at 8:19PM UTC
It sounds like a toxic work environment for you. To build on a "necessary ending," also consider a book called "What Color is Your Parachute?" I helped me identify my skills, priorities, etc so that I can then identify my next position/industry where I will likely find what I want. You can continue to help people and received good benefits, you just need to take a timeout to become aware of what's out there.
Reply
Donna Macdonald
202
Writing to a woman's heart...
02/18/21 at 12:30AM UTC
Based on what you've written, I feel strongly that you must take the plunge and leave this awful situation. It's been my experience that when we finally leave a toxic work environment, we often say, "I should have done this sooner". Focus less on what the company is doing and more on what you need to do to land on your feet. Break down the task into bite sizes. Start with making a list of who you can contact for networking, spiffing up your resume, updating info on LinkdIn. That's enough for one day. The next day create another short list that will get you moving toward your goal. Good luck...
Reply
Jill Miller
65
Nurse Practitioner
02/18/21 at 12:08PM UTC
I agree with the others. Look around for something new. The system is dysfunctional. What you find may be better and your work environment is very important to your well-being.
Reply
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