Communities at Work
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    Communities at Work
    (32 reviews)
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    Company Reviews

    Working at Communities at Work

    4.032 ratings in total
    5
    16
    4
    7
    3
    4
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    75%
    Rate salary as high or average
    75%
    Employees recommend this employer to friends
    Work/Life balance
    4.0(32 ratings)
    Career development
    3.8(32 ratings)
    Benefits & perks
    3.4(32 ratings)
    Management
    3.6(32 ratings)
    Working environment
    3.9(32 ratings)
    Diversity & equal opportunity
    3.8(32 ratings)
    Ratings for Communities at Work are shared as-is from employees in line with our community guidelines

    Reviews

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    5.0
    Team Leader
    May 2025
    Ngunnawal ACT 29133 to 4 years in the role, former employee
    A rewarding and supportive environment that nurtured my growth and passion for early childhood education.
    The good thingsCommunities at Work truly feels like family. The team is supportive, leadership is approachable, and professional development is encouraged. The focus on high-quality early childhood education means every child thrives. I loved the nurturing, inclusive culture that made me feel valued and empowered.
    The challengesWhile I loved working at Communities at Work, I felt limited by only receiving a short-term ECT role despite having completed 50% of my bachelor’s degree. This led me to pursue career progression at another organisation.
    4.0
    Program Coordinator Assistant
    Jun 2024
    Canberra ACT 26001 to 2 years in the role
    I am encouraged to grow even when it's tough
    The good thingsstaff and relationship to community
    The challengesunderstaffing, job can be quite stressful
    5.0
    Marketing and Design Coordinator
    Aug 2021
    People who really care about clients and employees, and are dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
    The good thingsI joined Communities@Work as I felt as an organisation that their values align with my own, and I wanted to work with a group of people who were passionate about making a real difference in the community. That's exactly what I found. I was also lucky enough to find myself in a team of dedicated and very skilled colleagues - all of whom I now count as friends. Communities@Work have a supportive workplace culture, and they are flexible to your needs as an employee. This has been one of the best places I have worked for.
    The challengesEvery workplace has some challenges. As a non-profit, the salary is lower than what you might receive for this position in other places. However, there are benefits that far outweigh this. With challenges that you might face in your working day, Communities@Work takes a fresh perspective on these, reframing them as opportunities to pivot, to change, or to innovate. This was such a refreshing perspective - it was inspiring.
    2 people found this helpful
    5.0
    Assistant Director Children's Services
    Jul 2021
    11 to 12 years in the role, current employee
    Great organisation to work for with strong relationships in all aspects of their business.
    The good thingsI have worked for Communities@Work for over 10 years in various roles in Children's Services. What I love most is all the amazing people you get to work with and share in the journey of making a difference in a young person and family's life. At Communities@Work strong relationships are the foundation of all that we do creating a sense of belonging and giving back to the local community we live in. Professional development is highly valued, and many opportunities are provided to employees to strengthen skills sets, build knowledge and networks. Communities@Work is a great place to work !
    The challengesAll work places have challenges, however Communities@Work adapts and reacts to challenges to create opportunities to move forward and support and advocate their local community and staff.
    4.0
    Director People Culture and Wellness
    Jul 2021
    Less than 1 year in the role, current employee
    I can recommend working at Communities@Work
    The good thingsI have found Communities@Work to be a welcome and friendly place work. Senior management have a progressive and optimistic outlook on the future of the organisation.
    The challengesIn the children's services area, there is an industry wide shortage of workers.
    5.0
    Manager
    Jul 2021
    current employee
    A supportive environment which facilitates growth and professional development
    The good thingsAs Communities@Work is such a diverse organisation which supports the ACT community in many various ways, there are so many opportunities to grow and develop as an individual. By attending PD sessions which are paid for by the organisation, being mentored by management and supported within a team of dedicated colleagues, l feel valued and invested in professionally and personally.
    The challengesAll work roles present with challenges - especially in times such as now with COVID which has made aspects of work roles harder. That said, organisational culture during this time has been one of support and positivity. Our job security has never been questioned and management has worked hard to ensure we feel safe and well resourced during this difficult time.
    5.0
    Digital Transformation Specialist
    Jul 2021
    5 to 6 years in the role, current employee
    A rewarding organisation to work for with great career progression opportunities.
    The good thingsI joined Communities@Work over 5 years ago, just as I had finished my qualification in Disability Services and had minimal experience within the Community sector. Since then, Communities@Work has been instrumental in my professional development, supporting my further education and providing new opportunities for me to learn, challenge myself and pursue varying career paths. Communities@Work is an organisation that invests in its employees and builds upon their employee's strengths, interests and passion to further develop and give back to the community.
    The challengesAs with every role, there are always challenges that arise, such as changing industry standards, changing workplace practices and deadlines. Communities@Work recognises these things though and has been incredibly supportive and reactive when faced with these challenges and as result, the outcome is often a positive and rewarding experience.
    1 person found this helpful
    5.0
    Manager
    Jul 2021
    I love working with an organisation that supports and does what it can to support both its clients and employees.
    The good thingsDuring my past 13 years with Communities@Work, I have met and worked along side, many amazing and caring educators. Coming straight from college into early education and care, I quickly found a career I wanted to excel in. I was surrounded with many inspiring and supportive role models who encouraged and assisted me in my journey. Now I am apart of the management team and get to do the same back to the our wonderful educational team. I have also been lucky enough to have my own children attend my centre, this made the transition from maternity leave back into work much easier for myself and my children.
    The challengesAny challenges that I have come across, whether it be personal and or professional, I have been met with support and flexibly. Communities@Work has ensured that all questions and concerns have been answered during the fast changing requirements of the current and recent events, the bushfires and COVID-19. As well as ensuring that we are still able to care and meet the needs of our families and employees.
    5.0
    Educator
    Jul 2021
    11 to 12 years in the role, current employee
    Highly recommend Comunities@Work.
    The good things- Pays above award - Support from mangement - Great professional development opportunities and opportunites for other career pathways throughout the organisation
    The challenges- Communities@Work is always trying to advocate for the government to support the sector and recogonise Early Childhood Educators as important
    5.0
    Children's Services
    Jun 2021
    Enriching the lives of people in our community in life changing ways
    The good thingsCommunities@Work ensures that the staff and clients are well looked after, providing a caring and inclusive community for all. There are opportunities for career advancement and ongoing professional development.
    The challengesChallenges are not always a bad thing. A career in the not for profit sector offers new career challenges, allowing for flexibility to meet client needs and ongoing professional growth.
    5.0
    Marketing Director
    Jun 2021
    7 to 8 years in the role, current employee
    I can't recommend Communities@Work more highly, both as a place to work and for the amazing work they do in our community.
    The good thingsI first joined Communities@Work because I wanted to be part of an organisation that makes a real impact in the community. After 7+ years, I have worked across a range of different roles, and I am proud to work for an organisation that does so much for so many people. The workplace culture is supportive and flexible, and the employee benefits are great, especially the extra benefits for working for an organisation with non-profit charity status. And because Communities Work is a non-profit, every cent goes back into the community, which is really important to me.
    The challengesEvery day at Communities@Work provides new professional challenges, which all demand creative solutions. Working as a team to meet these challenges is what makes every day interesting. We are also challenged by need and crisis in our community, such as the fires and smoke in 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The team spirit in rising to support each other and our community is a really rewarding thing to be a part of.
    1.0
    Educator
    May 2020
    Overwhelmingly negative. Not worth it.
    The good thingsWorking with children is always incredibly enjoyable and worthwhile. This job was no different.
    The challengesManagement was terrible. No sense of workplace community. Staff were made to feel worthless and disposable. Anybody who complained had their hours cut.
    2 people found this helpful
    4.0
    Assistant Educator
    Mar 2020
    I always feel like home at work place
    The good things I enjoyed every moment of working there.
    The challengesmanagement becomes a challenge for all the staff
    1 person found this helpful
    5.0
    Marketing Role
    Jan 2020
    current employee
    100% recommend working at Communities@Work; couldn't find a better organisation to work for in Canberra
    The good thingsI love working at Communities@Work, especially in the organisational support team, because they provide a warm and supportive work environment, great opportunities for learning and development, and superb benefits (especially tax benefits through salary packaging). Most of all, working at Communities@Work is a rewarding experience because you feel a part of something bigger - social impact and love for the community. Getting to know first-hand the stories of individuals and families whose lives have changed through the organisation you work for is absolutely amazing.
    The challengesBeing a not for profit, there are a few restrictions in terms of pay and promotions etc, but they make up for it in perks and incentives.
    2 people found this helpful
    2.0
    Casual educator
    Nov 2019
    1 to 2 years in the role, former employee
    Unstable
    The good thingsGetting experience with children and viewing different centres' methods of care.
    The challengesNot having a permanent placement and the company not being interested in making a lot of their staff permanent in a school. It is difficult to build and maintain positive relationships with children when you are constantly being moved from school to school.
    1 person found this helpful
    2.0
    Carer
    Nov 2019
    1 to 2 years in the role, former employee
    A learn cuvure
    The good thingsThe families and staff
    The challengesThe managment as they changd and their managment ways were so different
    4.0
    Educator
    Sep 2019
    All Australia
    Supportive environment
    The good thingsPeople are quite friendly, lots of personal and professional development opportunities
    The challengesThe work itself can be quite challenging but you will get that anywhere.
    1.0
    Teachers Aide
    Sep 2019
    former employee
    The worst place.
    The good thingsSeveral centres so you can have options and work close home. Working w children is always challenging
    The challengesLack of everything! They dont care about children really just care and no education. Teacher leader unprepared Management poor Please avoid to work for them
    1 person found this helpful
    5.0
    Educational Leader
    Sep 2019
    Less than 1 year in the role, current employee
    Would highly recommend to work at Communities@Work
    The good thingsThe Abacus Communities@Work values diversity and inclusion for every employee that works there. Management are very supportive and are concerned for your wellbeing and it is very much a collegial atmosphere.
    The challengesBalancing the workload as it can get very busy throughout the year but this can be managed by ensuring to take leave when required to get personal matters sorted.
    1 person found this helpful
    5.0
    Early Childhood Educator
    Aug 2019
    3 to 4 years in the role, former employee
    Great not-for-profit organisation that has the communities best interests at heart
    The good things- There were lots of opportunities for career development - The educators were fantastic to work with - Loved working for a not-for-profit organisation that gives back to the most vulnerable in our community
    The challenges- I always felt I could have learnt more to support the children however there were also lots of regular professional development on offer
    1 person found this helpful
    3.0
    Educator
    Jun 2019
    My particular centre did not provide me with the support and satisfaction I was looking for within a job, however the company as a whole is wonderful.
    The good thingsDuring my time in this role I was given the opportunity to develop on my leadership and communication skills. This job also provided me with the resources to study and gain qualifications.
    The challengesPoor management, high staff turnover.
    5.0
    After School care Educator
    Jul 2018
    Less than 1 year in the role, current employee
    Best job
    The good thingsBest job for mum's...perfect work life balance....good hourly rate...with lots of learning and training...i loved it
    The challengesNothing as such...but sometime they send you not your desired schools...most of the coordinators are so rude and arrogant..which is not good
    2 people found this helpful
    4.0
    Educator
    Jun 2018
    Rewarding with challenges at times
    The good thingsComms really cares about the children, and their staff. If I’ve had a bit of a bad day I know the kids will always cheer me up.
    The challengesIf your an OSHC Educator; when you first start they move you around to different schools and can change where you are working at the last minute. This can be a bit challenging for people who rely on public transport, and difficult to form solid relationships with the kids at the service.
    2 people found this helpful
    3.0
    Childcare Educator
    May 2018
    3 to 4 years in the role, current employee
    Conflicted, sometimes this job can feel like a battle.
    The good thingsThe best part is befriending and playing with the children, it takes time but once you get there its great. but if you can get a great team atmosphere that's a good bonus too.
    The challengesDealing with the different types of kids, sometimes you have good days with them and sometimes you don't. There's also a lot of responsibility involved which is expected but its still tough to shoulder at times.
    5.0
    Volunteer shelf stacker and kitchen hand.
    Oct 2017
    Less than 1 year in the role, former employee
    Was useful and enjoyable, but a long term employment experience.
    The good thingsI did volunteer work here and Communities@work gave me the opportunity to do 4 weeks work. They gave very good instructions and were very friendly.
    The challengesAs I was doing volunteer work, I was not offered full time employment. It was never really discussed.
    1 person found this helpful
    3.0
    senior management
    Sep 2017
    Happy to have worked for the organisation but happier to not work for the organisation now.
    The good thingsPurpose of the organisation
    The challengesBlame culture. Poor remuneration at all levels. Poor culture linked to low job security, culture of fear and blame from the top.
    1 person found this helpful
    4.0
    After School Hours Educator
    Aug 2017
    1 to 2 years in the role, current employee
    A difficult but personally rewarding job.
    The good thingsGood pay rates, Most centers have a good work atmosphere and there is a wide variety of tasks to do, plus good amount of support
    The challengesThe main challenge is the odd hours, such as morning 7:30-9:30 then start work again at 2:30-6. This made it difficult to organize study and other commitments.
    1 person found this helpful
    5.0
    Social Programs
    Sep 2016
    I would highly recommend anyone who is thinking of working with C@W to do it, it is great,
    The good thingsThe team, the work, the organisational values and standing by what they are about. They put money into programs that really make a difference.
    The challengespaying for parking is always a pain.
    1 person found this helpful
    5.0
    Administration Assistant
    Feb 2016
    5 to 6 years in the role, current employee
    Loving every minute of my new career
    The good thingsMeeting new people and developing new opportunities!
    The challengesBusy work environment but I love being busy!
    4.0
    Educator
    Oct 2015
    Less than 1 year in the role, current employee
    Finally doing what I want for the right employers
    The good thingsThey take care and listen to you, you get to know your superiors personally
    The challengesA bigger company means a smaller voice
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