I am a Project engineer for a construction contractor in the mid-Atlantic area. I make an ok living but have been seeking a weekend gig to save for some pretty expensive dental work that I need done.
Anyway, I stumbled upon this DSP (direct support professional) position that would consist of caring for children with developmental disabilities on the weekend, in a group home setting. The job paid $18/hr and I am very familiar with the work. During the interview process an “applicant shift” was briefly discussed. In prior similar job roles I have held, dinner with the group home one time for about 2 hours to introduce myself to the clients unpaid was expected. But no actual work was required and I was fed. So that’s what I thought this would be. (Even though the “applicant shift” was scheduled for 6 hours. )
I arrive to this “applicant shift” early Sunday morning with my mind set that since I am not yet an official employee of this agency, I will not under any circumstance perform any physical labor! I was greeted by the assistant manager, and was pleased to see this was a clean and structured facility. As I was being briefed on the daily activities for the day I made it a point to clarify that I understood that I am not an employee, therefore I would not be performing any “work” that day. The manager replied by saying “we just want to see how you interact with the children, but for this shift you will be hands off, and are expected to just observe the daily activities”.
They paired me with a friendly staff member to “shadow” for the day. During breakfast time this staff member handed me a pair of gloves . I asked her, “what do I need these for?” She replied “just in case any cereal falls on the floor”. I replied “I will be hands off today so no thank you.” The energy in the room shifted immediately lol. By talking to the various staff members through the shift I learned that everyone was privy to this “applicant shift”. The staff member then went to dress another client in a separate room and asked me if I could watch another client while he played in the rec area. This was something I was hesitant to do as again I am not being compensated for any of this. In any event I obliged and watch the individual blow his bubbles.
At some point the individual dropped his bubble container on the floor, which made a liquid mess. The assistant manager was back in the room at this point. I stood by the puddle so no one would slip and fall and alerted the nearest staff to the situation. The manager then asked me if I could grab a mop and wipe the area down. I told her I was not comfortable doing that as I have not yet been hired. She then stated that it would just be a quick wipe up. I reiterated that she could ask another staff member who is currently being paid to perform this task. She seemed shocked by my protest and told me to come with her to a private room.
In this private room she explained to me that I was expected to perform some minor task to demonstrate I was comfortable with this type of work before I was offered employment. I informed her that I had 10 years experience in this field and have never been ask to perform task with out compensation. She then proceeded to attempt to make me feel guilty by mentioning how minor the task was. I got up, thanked her for the opportunity, grabbed my coat and left.
Was I overreacting? Is this common practice? Isn’t this exploitative?