How can I check I'm getting paid at the right grade without creating a fuss?

[Department]

I work in a school, part-time and I love it. I have no bargaining power as I'm really not going to leave whatever the response is.

I've been there 3 years and am over qualified for the job, but that's OK, I needed to step back from what I was doing before. The school know I'm over-qualified/have experience which could earn me a much higher salary and I was grilled on this at the interview.

However, in the last 3 years they have taken advantage of my skills and I'm now doing more senior work than they employed me to do. The job I'm doing now is not the one in the job description iyswim. Similar jobs are advertised at other schools at least 1, sometimes 2 grades higher.

Is it likely that my job should be re-graded, or is it my "fault" that I've taken on the extra work? I'm not especially worried about the money (I wouldn't be there if I was!) but I don't like to think I'm letting them take advantage of me. I'm also thinking a bit about my next job and that if I was a grade higher on paper, a job more akin to what I was doing before wouldn't be such a leap. It has to be said though that working at a higher level suits me too - makes my day more interesting.

Naturally, the school budget is tight and anyone who asks for more (hours or pay) is generally met with contempt. What do you think, is it worth asking if the grade is right?

Anyone?

If they need someone to do Job A and they employ someone (you) to do it who has more skills, then they should check you understand this... Even if for no other reason than to make sure youll stay a decent length of time without getting frustrated. (Which it sounds like they did when they "grilled" you.)

It sounds like you do extra / more complex work because it interests you / stretches you / keeps you interested (let's call that Job B).

Now, if you doing Job B benefits them but in truth, they only need Job A done; then my view would be that you should be paid for Job A. If, because you've been doing it, they now actually need Job B, they should pay you for it....

But - you're unlikely to know unless you leave and they replace you! I've had both scenarios with people working in my team. Where the higher scale job was required, I've had it rescaled. Where I would have replaced at the original level, I've not. Ive done this as a manager because I've found that it's easier to have a role regarded when someone's in it than when it's empty and I have to "pitch" for why a more junior role suddenly needs to be more senior. This however has always been in a commercial environment - you may get advice from elsewhere with more of an Education context....

HTH

Well, yes it's worth asking for the grade to be looked at of course, that would benefit you financially and in terms of progression. They may not agree to do it, but I would ask.

I wouldn't think much of a HT who greets a polite request to have a job grade looked at with contempt.

Thank you, i will be brave and ask! HT will be fine, it is the bursar and governors will think it's outrageous.

Well I'm a school governor and I certainly wouldn't react in any such way. It's a perfectly valid request, which they may or may not grant, but you shouldn't be put off asking.