Question about harassment in the workplace

[xmas74]

(I decided to post this here because I thought I'd get more feedback.)

I work in a mental health facility. I have over a decade in the field. I do my job and I go home. I do not bring my life to work.

Recently I've discovered that there is a small group of coworkers spreading rumors about me, calling me an addict and making sexual comments. (For the record I don't do drugs.) I've interviewed for a few positions lately, only to be rejected after one of them "wrote me up" during the interview process. None of the allegations stick but are always in place during the interview, which means I can't be considered for a position.

I've been informed that they post unflattering photos of me on social media, most of which were doctored. They supposedly started a private Facebook group where they make fun of me and post inflammatory things. I saw it once but it was quickly changed to private.

They encourage low functioning adults in the facility to "get sexy" with a large pillow. They named the pillow after me. I once also found an adult disposable brief,soiled, with my name written on it.

I've spoken with personnel and they said that I have no proof. I tried to bid on another position but was informed that they "went another way" choosing someone else to "avoid drama and conflict". I was informed that I'm not being harassed and that this is just a misunderstanding I need to work out. I have a previous diagnosis of anxiety and depression. I've been untreated for years and ok. Recently I've started therapy because this is spilling over at home and I am not doing well with it. We are in the process of finding a medication that works, something I haven't had in many years.

Am I out of line? Should I take this up the chain and make demands? My therapist said this is a very hostile environment for me but I'm afraid to rock the boat.

[SWBTATTReg]

1. I think you have a good case for a lawsuit...perhaps you should talk w/ HR or an attorney? NT

[alwaysinasnit]

11. HR may not be the best place to go for help of that nature.

https://www.marketplace.org/2017/10/30/human-resources-protect-employee-employer/

"Turns out, the role of HR was never to protect employees. Their number one priority was always to protect the company. It just so happens that sometimes the two align."

[EveHammond13]

2. get a lawyer

[Moostache]

3. What the holy F*ck???? YES....report that and hire a lawyer to pursue justice.

That is not only unacceptable, if you reported ANY of it and it was not investigated, the company and its officers are in a world of hurt for harassment, hostile workplace and malfeasance.

No one deserves to be treated like that, ever. I hope you get justice.

And WTF are these 'people' doing encouraging low function adults to 'get sexy' for at all? This sounds like a facility that should be closed, its owners jailed, its management fired and banned from the industry....Jesus Christ....DEFINITELY REPORT THIS...ALL.

[xmas74]

5. It's a state run facility.

The adults are encouraged to do that in the privacy of their room instead of common areas. Some staff cross the line.

[Moostache]

6. A state-run facility makes it worse in some ways...

Definitely report it, hell, I would also consider going to the local media outlets and getting them to do investigations as well. Even if it is only "some staff", the management is responsible for controlling their behavior and ensuring quality standards and care are met.

My wife is in geriatrics and is frequently heartbroken when patients she cares for pass, but if she ever saw anyone abusing residents (or her) I would fully expect to be talking to lawyers about the situation within a week or less...

The right thing is to seek justice for yourself and for the residents of the facility in general.

[MineralMan]

4. Just one piece of advice: Contact an attorney who specializes in workplace issues.

That is how you deal with stuff like this. Document everything as best you can and take it all to the attorney. He or she will know what to do.

[xmas74]

8. Ok.

The ringleader is young but was just accepted to KU School of Law. She's been running her mouth but denies it when confronted, stating they are racially discriminating against her and that she'll lawyer up.

[Wellstone ruled]

9. As MM said,

one who is a specialist in Work Place harassment. Much like workers Comp issues,look for one whom is fimilair with or may have been a Attorney who worked within your states Health Department.

They are the ones present State Legal Beagles fear the most.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

7. First, document everything.

Write down, to the best of your ability, dates and times that you were "informed" of people talking about you. Who told you, what did they tell you, when and where did you have these conversations.

Write down, to the best of your ability, any evidence you remember seeing about these Facebook groups and photos.

Write down all the times you've applied for a job and discussions about these issues during the interviews.

Get an employment lawyer.

Consider -- and consult with a lawyer about -- filing a report/whistleblower report with the Department of Health or whatever department oversees your state facility. Encouraging people in the facility to "get sexy" with a pillow is abuse.

ETA: I may have misread what you wrote. I understood the encouragement to "get sexy" with a pillow to be something employees did for their own entertainment, rather than as a way to redirect people within the facility to indulge urges in the privacy of their own room. In any case, the process does not sound like a best practice and of course "naming" the pillow after you is harassment.

[xmas74]

10. The pillow thing is perfectly legal

They have the right to explore sexual urges in a private manner. He uses a pillow in his room but sometimes exposes himself first in common areas. Someone taught him that phrase long ago and if he hears it he's redirected to his room.

Naming it after me is upsetting.