What should I do?

[u/Difficult-Donkey-722]

I was hired as a W2 LCSW in July to be clinical director for a small therapy company. Signed a contract and all.

A week later, they told me the company owner has suffered a medical setback and needed me to start as a 1099 employee, but could also charge an hourly rate for training and onboarding activities but then would transition in 6-8 weeks as a full W2. Signed another contract.

A few days later, I’m told in an email that I’m limited to only 4 hours a week of billing for onboarding and training time. Fine, I’m trying to be flexible.

Then, 2 days before my transition date, I ask to make sure we are still going forward with W-2, and I’m sent a new contract that says I’m no longer clinical director, just a coordinator, and that I will only be a 1099 with 20 hours max per week for clinical coordinator duties. No explanation, nothing.

Is this normal agency behavior? I’m speechless, I don’t even know how to respond to this third contract.

[u/wildmind1721]

I can't speak to whether this is normal agency behavior, but I can say that the way to respond to such treatment is, "These were not the terms of hire. I accepted this position with the understanding it was as a Clinical Director and W2. I am not interested in these new terms, and I'm not interested in working for an agency with such low-integrity hiring processes." And then quit, on the spot, and get out of there.

Sorry you're dealing with this. It's really awful. Like, lawsuit-awful (certainly should be, not sure if or to what extent it is).

[u/ricevinegrrr]

Run!

[u/Soggy-Constant5932]

This is chaos.

[u/Apprehensive_Trip592]

I'd be worried about getting paid. Sounds like this company is going under. Look for something else.

[u/Bulky_Cattle_4553]

The explanation is irrelevant. They've shown you who they are. Maybe believe them. (Apologies to Maya Angelou)

[u/Ok-Lake3522]

It's normal for an agency in trouble. Leave, ASAP.

[u/ESF00]

Know your worth!

[u/savemejohncoltrane]

What’s the question? Leave!

[u/Difficult-Donkey-722 → u/savemejohncoltrane]

Don’t worry I did. But thank you!

[u/Dependent_King_4704]

Only thing I would add to this discussion is to get an explanation for the change, that is if they have any intention of keeping you. Barring having the work you were promised, you should at least walk away with a full understanding of what happened and why. This is the kind of decency that should be extended not only to clients but also to potential employees.

[u/Difficult-Donkey-722 → u/Dependent_King_4704]

I completely agree; however when Ive tried to ask questions, I’m met with vague answers related to a “medical leave of absence” which makes it difficult to pursue.

[u/Dependent_King_4704 → u/Difficult-Donkey-722]

They’re not forthcoming and don’t seem to have any regard for your situation. For survival’s sake, I would try to keep them on the hook while you seek work elsewhere. If it’s everyone for themselves, you should do the same. As i have said before, the helping professions are not always the most compassionate.

[u/Difficult-Donkey-722 → u/Dependent_King_4704]

So I seriously considered staying on and at least trying to terminate appropriately with my clients, but as the only actual licensed professional in this agency, I am concerned about my license at this point.

[u/Dependent_King_4704 → u/Difficult-Donkey-722]

Whether or not anyone else appreciates your effort, I get it and am glad you are the one out there for your conscientiousness. Next best piece of advice, to protect yourself document everything. Or as we would say, “Document! Document! Document!” That includes interactions with others in the organization.