During salary negotiations, HR is reconsidering my job classification because I’m taking my clinical exam before my start date
I (46m) currently work for a state agency (not DHR) and earn about $68,000 annually. I recently accepted a position with a large university-affiliated hospital in a community-based behavioral health program.
The initial offer was around $59,000, which was later increased to around $61,000 after I provided additional information about my experience. I have five years of post-graduate social work experience, including inpatient psychiatric experience, high-volume care coordination, supervisory experience, residential behavioral health experience, and eight years service as a United States Marine with three combat tours.
During a follow-up conversation, I pointed out that I’m scheduled to take my clinical licensing exam before my anticipated start date and asked how a previously discussed salary increase for clinical licensure would be handled.
In response, HR informed me that there is a higher-level social work position within the same team for candidates who are clinically licensed or expected to obtain licensure within six months. They’re now exploring whether I might qualify for that position.
The possibility of a higher-level classification could substantially change the compensation discussion, so I’m trying to be patient while HR evaluates my eligibility
It’s a unique situation and it’s driving me crazy.
I’d love your thoughts and reflections.