Work problem - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

dawnoffawn · 11-29-2006, 01:27 PM

Hey all,
A friend of mine works in a non-profit org. Their fund are limited so they give her a small wage with no benefits.
She works as a receptionist but is also doing case work. She asked for a title change, but they declined.
Now it is so hard for her to look for a job beyond a receptionist even though she has enough skill, education and experience to work as a case worker.
How can she make sure employers know she is a caseworker in her resume legally?
Also, she works 35 hrs but they consider her part time and they dont give her any personal/sick days and they won't let her work 40 hours yet.
She tried to let them know but they told her that basically they do the rules and legally they can consider her part time.
She cannot complain because, once she does, they might look for another person to fill in her place and she cannot afford this until she finds another job.
Any advice on how to solve her problems and ask for a higher wage/sick/personal days and change of title?
Thx in advance.

maleficent · 11-29-2006, 02:32 PM

Use the cover letter to explain what she's doing in her current position.

Use the resume to describe what her duties are. She's probably not a full time case worker, but if that is some of her duties, add it. A title is just a title, you can call yourself whatever you want it's all about how you market yourself.

She can either ask for a raise or she can't. She can ask for a title change or shecant. If she doesn't ask she won't get it. The company will either value her as an employee or they wont is what it comes down to. She won't get it unless she asks. Will they replace her? Depends on how difficult she would be to replace, but

If I remember correctly, Non Profits are exempt from a lot of the employment laws that cover other companies...

vanblah · 11-29-2006, 03:06 PM

How long has she worked there?

I may be reading a lot into your post, but I see a lot of "victim" language:

"Can't complain"
"Won't let her"
"They make the rules"

The fact is, they do NOT make the rules. They are held accountable to someone even if it's outside the organization. They have to report to someone to maintain their non-profit status.

You asked for advice on how to ask for a raise, increase in hours and title change. There is only ONE way she's going to get that. ASK.

If it's going to come down to "suing" them then she has nothing to lose anyway.

dawnoffawn · 11-30-2006, 04:57 PM

Thank for the advice.
She has been working for 6 months.
She did ask for a raise and change of title and they keep on giving excuses like "we'd love to do that but you know how tight our budget is" or telling her after receiving grants, they'll consider even though no one is researching grants...so in other words, they mean "never".

11-29-2006, 01:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
dawnoffawn Crazy	Work problem Hey all, A friend of mine works in a non-profit org. Their fund are limited so they give her a small wage with no benefits. She works as a receptionist but is also doing case work. She asked for a title change, but they declined. Now it is so hard for her to look for a job beyond a receptionist even though she has enough skill, education and experience to work as a case worker. How can she make sure employers know she is a caseworker in her resume legally? Also, she works 35 hrs but they consider her part time and they dont give her any personal/sick days and they won't let her work 40 hours yet. She tried to let them know but they told her that basically they do the rules and legally they can consider her part time. She cannot complain because, once she does, they might look for another person to fill in her place and she cannot afford this until she finds another job. Any advice on how to solve her problems and ask for a higher wage/sick/personal days and change of title? Thx in advance. Last edited by dawnoffawn; 11-29-2006 at 01:31 PM..

11-29-2006, 02:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Use the cover letter to explain what she's doing in her current position. Use the resume to describe what her duties are. She's probably not a full time case worker, but if that is some of her duties, add it. A title is just a title, you can call yourself whatever you want it's all about how you market yourself. She can either ask for a raise or she can't. She can ask for a title change or shecant. If she doesn't ask she won't get it. The company will either value her as an employee or they wont is what it comes down to. She won't get it unless she asks. Will they replace her? Depends on how difficult she would be to replace, but If I remember correctly, Non Profits are exempt from a lot of the employment laws that cover other companies... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

11-29-2006, 03:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
vanblah Junkie	How long has she worked there? I may be reading a lot into your post, but I see a lot of "victim" language: "Can't complain" "Won't let her" "They make the rules" The fact is, they do NOT make the rules. They are held accountable to someone even if it's outside the organization. They have to report to someone to maintain their non-profit status. You asked for advice on how to ask for a raise, increase in hours and title change. There is only ONE way she's going to get that. ASK. If it's going to come down to "suing" them then she has nothing to lose anyway.

11-30-2006, 04:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
dawnoffawn Crazy	Thank for the advice. She has been working for 6 months. She did ask for a raise and change of title and they keep on giving excuses like "we'd love to do that but you know how tight our budget is" or telling her after receiving grants, they'll consider even though no one is researching grants...so in other words, they mean "never".