Colleague not pulling weight

[Champgal]

My job as a mental health assistant means dealing with sometimes very aggressive and challenging people that can often become violent due to illness. It’s very hard at times and as a team of mostly women, we can find this extra challenging. No surprise that my work are very keen to hire men as we may be required to restrain someone and often just the presence of a man can stop the violence. We hired a young guy who said he had experience but he blaitently lied. Despite being inducted by myself and other very capable members of staff, he shows up late most days, he sits watching his phone with earphones in when he is on one on one close observations with people and he cringes at the idea of helping people with mobility issues wash or toilet. He’s a nice person but completely not suited for the role, even management are aware of this, but because he’s a man and they can use him in the ‘high challenge’ situations, they won’t get rid of him. It’s annoying as we feel like we are doing bulk of the work and are carrying this guy threw day to day. Should I take it further?

There’s nothing in it for you if you do take it further but it might go against you.

I don't think you can really. If managers are aware then the performance is up to you. Could could start slacking yourself?

If the management are already aware and not bothered where can you take it further to?

But then the patients suffer, like they are when he’s got them.

I think in your shoes I would tell management that you're no longer prepared to carry someone who is not pulling his weight. If what we hear about the shortage of care staff is true, then they're not going to get rid of you, as that would be plain stupid, but they either need to come down hard on him, and make him do the job he's being paid for, or get in other male staff to help, and get rid of him. It's NOT your job, to do work that HE is being paid for, stand up for yourself!!

There's no reason why he can't do the other less desirable jobs though. Sounds to me like youre about to take a life course in assertiveness. Management aren't going to sack him, OK that's their perogative, but they can't expect you to work harder. You're literally gonna have to work to rule. Let's imagine you have a service user with a LD who needs help showering and dressing, you say I'm doing meds/breakfast (anything), Josh, you need to get Kevin ready. I'd also consider (not saying I would) removing the earphones when he's 'specialing'. That's not unfair, that's bloody dangerous!