Job descriptions may all look a bit different, but in one form or another most of us have one. Some get straight to the point about extra responsibilities - "to undertake any other duties as directed". While others take the slightly more roundabout route: "The post holder may be required, from time to time, to undertake other duties, commensurate with the designation and grading of the post."
However your employer chooses to phrase it, they all mean the same thing.
And although just about everyone is subject to one of these catch-all clauses, the reality is that most employees don't do much outside of the tasks listed on their job descriptions.
But like every rule, there are exceptions. And for my money it's youth workers who really excel when it comes to undertaking "other duties appropriate to their post".
I was reminded once again of just how flexible some youth workers are last Saturday at the Southend-on-Sea Carnival, a big annual fundraising event that culminates in the switching on of the seafront illuminations and a grand fireworks display.
A group of our young people wanted to enter a float in this year's parade, but they needed a responsible adult who was not only willing to give up a Saturday evening to walk with them, but was also prepared to do it wearing a pantomime dame costume. Not everyone would volunteer to do it. But one of our youth workers did.
So, along with the young people, SpongeBob SquarePants and three miniature ponies, our youth worker dressed up like something out of Cinderella and paraded along the seafront in front of thousands of local people to raise money for charity.
Of course, the crowds loved it, especially those young people lining the two-and-a-half-mile route who recognised the man behind the makeup as the youth worker from their local club.
Going the extra mile, or 2.6 miles in this particular case, is something the best youth workers do all the time. You might not find it specified on a job description in the same way as managing a team or following health-and-safety policy - but it's just as important to young people.
Michael Bracey is principal youth officer for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, michael.bracey@haynet.com
