Royal Far West
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    Royal Far West
    (38 reviews)
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    Company Reviews

    Working at Royal Far West

    4.038 ratings in total
    5
    22
    4
    5
    3
    4
    2
    3
    1
    4
    87%
    Rate salary as high or average
    74%
    Employees recommend this employer to friends
    Work/Life balance
    4.0(38 ratings)
    Career development
    3.8(38 ratings)
    Benefits & perks
    3.4(38 ratings)
    Management
    3.6(38 ratings)
    Working environment
    4.0(38 ratings)
    Diversity & equal opportunity
    3.9(38 ratings)
    Ratings for Royal Far West are shared as-is from employees in line with our community guidelines

    Reviews

    Showing 38 reviews sorted by most recent
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    5.0
    Occupational Therapist
    Mar 2022
    current employee
    A wonderful place to work
    The good things- Incredible OT Team - friendly, welcoming, passionate and knowledgeable. A team culture that is happy and positive, no 'politicking' - Very trauma-informed workplace with a strong emphasis on best practice. - Frequent professional development opportunities and room for growth within the organisation. The OT team never stops learning - Great, consistent supervision where the focus is on your learning needs, not KPI's. - Empathetic leaders in the organization who actually care about staff wellbeing, and take action to demonstrate this - Beach side office (if you work locally) - with showers downstairs for those school holiday summer lunch breaks! Whale watching from your desk in migration season - You can see and feel the positive impact you are having for children, families and rural schools and communities - Variety of work available across different programs, not just NDIS funded (If you are feeling the NDIS stress). Full admin, billing and bookings support provided though, you get to focus on simply being a clinician. While supporting NDIS clients I have never felt any of the common pressures of this system that I have in other jobs.
    The challenges- It's important to keep active and break your work day up to balance out telepractice work, but this is across the board for many work from home roles in 2022 - Limited free all-day parking near the office (there is parking ~20 min walk away, so really not that bad). Great public transport though, short walk to the buses and ferry. - I can't think of much else to be honest! We support each other through any challenges as a team
    3.0
    Business Development
    Jul 2021
    1 to 2 years in the role, former employee
    Growth experience for all the wrong reasons.
    The good thingsHelping country children & families. Great offices and good tech (donated hardware).
    The challengesMicro-management. Requirement to record same information multiple times over, in multiple un-linked systems -- or even just to suit the whims of a particular manager on a particular day. Lack of consistency. Competition between departments and managers can de-rail genuine efforts.
    1 person found this helpful
    5.0
    Information Technology Manager
    May 2021
    current employee
    Making a difference for kids in need with a great team and latest tech.
    The good thingsWorking for a great purpose with a great team, an honest culture. Great work environment Take a break for a surf or swim for lunch or whenever the surf looks best
    The challengesEnsure to prioritise and manage your time well as so much is still to be done.
    5.0
    Occupational Therapist
    Nov 2020
    1 to 2 years in the role, current employee
    I couldn't ask for it to be any better
    The good things- Supportive line management and supervisors - Big team to learn from - To develop other skills by involving myself in working parties, and research projects such as with CSU. - To work with an MDT team. - Positive team culture - Supervision is provided, and LOTS of training and professional development - Swims after work in the sea :-)
    The challenges- WFH due to covid - Sometimes you wish you could do more, which is hard when clients live in the country
    5.0
    Telecare Coordinator
    Sep 2020
    Less than 1 year in the role, current employee
    Love working here! I highly recommend applying here.
    The good thingsI absolutely love working at this organisation. All of my team members are highly motivated and passionate about the health and wellbeing of the children. The management team is invested in my progress, goals and always open to my ideas. I always feels supported and heard. The work life balance is great and my work is always appreciated. I love being able to cross the road in my lunch break for a quick swim. I couldn't recommend working here more!
    The challengesThe organisation is expanding rapidly, however, there are appropriate structures in place to aid this growth.
    5.0
    Speech Pathologist
    Sep 2020
    current employee
    Flexible, passionate, caring team working toward common values to help country kids
    The good thingsA passionate, energetic, progressive team environment that offers supportive opportunity to work beyond the direct clinical role. The clinical work is supported with management who value evidence based practice, trauma informed and client/family centred care. Management are really responsive to feedback, for instance when it was identified that some new assessment tools would be of benefit they were purchased quickly and training arranged. The caseload is diverse, and I know that in this role I can make a positive difference to the fabric of our future society, working with kids from across rural areas who otherwise have no access to services. The multidisciplinary team is incredible - in PDP we work very closely, in a true MDT sense, and it is brilliant.
    The challengesThe workplace flexibility can sometimes mean a bit of lack of structure. Some of the kids we work with are in vulnerable and unsafe situations, or coming out of them, and while that is super important work and we have good supervision in place, it can rest heavily.
    5.0
    Clinician
    Sep 2020
    1 to 2 years in the role, current employee
    Wonderful place to work.
    The good things- Providing support and therapy to children and their families in rural and remote areas, who would otherwise not have access to services. - Great multidisciplinary team to work with. - Great management within the clinical teams. - Opportunities for PD - Varied caseload across different therapy programs. - Great supervision and support. - Opportunities for community outreach experiences.
    The challenges- Working via telecare can have its challenges, however the organisation is well-equipped with the resources and training needed to help clinicians feel supported.
    4.0
    Speech Pathologist
    Sep 2020
    current employee
    Excellent clinical team in great location
    The good things-Large and supportive speech pathology team with a wealth of experience they are willing to share! -Great supervision structure and ongoing professional development opportunities. -Helpful and talented telecare team that assist scheduling of clients and trouble-shoot technology problems. -Beautiful location right next to Manly beach. New building with practical amenities. -Opportunity to engage with and travel to rural and remote communities within the Outreach program.
    The challengesIt can be an adjustment to transition to remote clinical work via computer, however the extensive resources available help to smooth this transition. It definitely made practicing during COVID a lot easier, having already worked within a telecare environment.
    5.0
    Telecare Program Manager
    Sep 2020
    I would recommend anyone to find out more about Royal Far West and the awesome work it does for country kids.
    The good thingsGreat and vibrant organisation with many opportunities to get involved in exciting project work
    The challengesTo keep finding resources to be able to reach more kids who need our support
    4.0
    Manager
    Sep 2020
    1 to 2 years in the role, current employee
    Extremely satisfying, yet challenging, work. Great group of people to work with.
    The good thingsDedicated and supportive teams. Clear direction and transparency across the organisation. The families highly value the support they receive from clinicians and support staff.
    The challengesOrganisation that is growing quickly and out-growing systems.
    4.0
    Manager
    Sep 2020
    3 to 4 years in the role, current employee
    This place has everything it needs to be the best workplace, but isnt quite hitting the mark.
    The good thingsA truly inspiring cause, that does achieve profound outcomes for regional Australians.
    The challengesManagement is very scattered and not in-sync across the organisation, you can often get caught in between senior management battles. More direction and decisive action is required.
    5.0
    Occupational Therapist
    Jun 2020
    1 to 2 years in the role, current employee
    Supported & motivated, evolving work environment with a great cause
    The good thingsSupportive team and managers. Friendly colleagues from other health disciplines working towards the common goal to provide amazing care for country children.
    The challengesNot seeing the children in person all the time. However there are opportunities for outreach trips
    1 person found this helpful
    5.0
    Occupational Therapist
    Jun 2020
    3 to 4 years in the role, current employee
    Innovative and rewarding organisation to work for, amazing teams to work in and diverse experiences.
    The good thingsRFW is extremely innovative, constantly looking for ways to support our clients more and do our jobs more efficiently. I've enjoyed my time at RFW and would recommend working here to anyone. The teams are great and the ability to look at the beach and have lunch by the beach everyday doesn't hurt either. There are opportunities for career progression, frequent PD opportunities, regular supervision, and diversity of work as there are several different therapy programs run within the organisation that you can work in.
    The challengesPositive challenges include working with children and families with complex needs but this is an amazing learning opportunity as a therapist and rewarding work to be doing.
    5.0
    Occupational Therapist
    Jun 2020
    current employee
    A diverse, expanding and supportive place to work.
    The good thingsThe value placed on work life balance. The opportunities to diversify your role within the organisation.
    The challengesWorking via telehealth to support clients and families. Challenging but a great learning curve!
    3.0
    Manager
    May 2020
    1 to 2 years in the role, former employee
    Great experience. I would recommend working here, but it has its challenges!
    The good thingsGreat Experience. I learnt a great deal. Fabulous organisation in terms of clinicians and client group. Great location and really fabulous state of the art new building.
    The challengesSenior management were challenging at times, with elements of poor behaviour by two individuals in particular. Had to work with tact and great diplomacy at times.
    2 people found this helpful
    3.0
    Employee
    Nov 2019
    1 to 2 years in the role
    Great location and environment vs poor management and teamwork
    The good thingsGreat location, Friendly colleagues
    The challengesPoor management, no professional development, weak teamwork
    2 people found this helpful
    5.0
    Clinician
    Aug 2019
    1 to 2 years in the role, current employee
    A great place to develop clinical skills and work alongside wonderful people.
    The good thingsI love working at RFW. The clinical work feels worthwhile and the team here is incredible and very cohesive.
    The challengesPay is not as high as NSW Health, but when working for a not-for-profit this is to be expected.
    1 person found this helpful
    2.0
    Manager
    May 2019
    1 to 2 years in the role
    Horrible professional move. High stress, toxic environment.
    The good thingsNext to beach. Great clinical team.
    The challengesHigh staff turnover. Endless incompetent external consultants engaged in whims of CEO. Senior leadership team lacks real experience in delivering health services.
    2 people found this helpful
    5.0
    Occupational Therapist
    Apr 2019
    current employee
    I have loved my time so far at RFW.
    The good thingsGreat workplace culture, supportive, plenty of professional development opportunities, great location, brand new building and facilities.
    The challengesIt takes some time to get used to working through telecare and seeing high need clients for short periods of time.
    4.0
    Clinical Psychologist
    Apr 2019
    3 to 4 years in the role, current employee
    Fantastic clinical experience.
    The good thingsThere is a really strong clinical team, with a breadth of paediatric experience. I've learned so much here! There are also many opportunities to develop both assessment and therapy skills. The work is enjoyable and rewarding, and there is flexibility to work from home.
    The challengesFast-paced environment, with new projects on the horizon on a regular basis- both positive and challenging.
    4.0
    Psychologist
    Apr 2019
    1 to 2 years in the role, current employee
    The amazing clinical team and the rewarding client work makes the stressful aspects of the job worthwhile!
    The good thingsWorking in an amazing Clinical team with youthful enthusiasm, a welcoming environment and a willingness to be innovative.
    The challengesDealing with technology problems when delivering telehealth therapy, demanding workload with complex cases (good experience and intellectually stimulating, but also can be quite stressful).
    5.0
    Clinical Psychologist
    Apr 2019
    Less than 1 year in the role, current employee
    A great early career experience.
    The good thingsSupport within the psychology team has been fantastic. My team has been prepared to support me within the registrar program which has also been a big bonus!
    The challengesWorking within the real of telehealth has been a good opportunity to upskill.
    5.0
    Marketing Consultant
    Oct 2018
    Less than 1 year in the role, current employee
    Great team with a passion for making a difference.
    The good thingsPassionate motivated team with a commitment to excellence. Professional and evidence driven. Really focused on getting good outcomes for country kids. Some good flexible work provisions and salary packaging. Located right next to Manly beach.
    The challengesLove being busy - lots of projects happening
    5.0
    Project Manager
    Oct 2018
    Less than 1 year in the role, current employee
    Motivating, Rewarding & Inspiring.
    The good thingsBest move Ive made. From my first day I felt like a part of the RFW family. Coming to RFW has brought me back to life after 15 years in the Public Health System. Friendly, positive, motivated staff and management. Everyone is committed to making a difference to kids in country areas and its rewarding to be apart of something making a difference at the coalface.
    The challengesBeing located in the old polio hospital has its challenges, hot in summer and freezing in winter, but not long to wait now until we move into our new state of the art building located directly behind us.
    5.0
    Business Development Manager
    Sep 2018
    1 to 2 years in the role, current employee
    A very rewarding place to work
    The good thingsIf you are passionate about helping country children who can't access services locally, then you can't go past RFW. There is an ambitious growth plan in place, and once we are in our brand new Centre it will truly be the best place to work on the Beaches.
    The challengesFast paced working environment, but well supported.
    1.0
    Manager
    Sep 2018
    Less than 1 year in the role, former employee
    Not worth the risk - a very frustrating place to work
    The good thingsThe children and families, some fantastic colleagues, the beach location
    The challengesIncompetent management who are clearly unqualified for the role, nepotism, undervaluing of team members skills and unrealistic expectations of what can be achieved and on the value of outcomes. There is no clear strategy and what is available is rubbery and subject to change. Staff are faced with constantly changing demands without the sense of achievement that would normally come with hard work. Staff turn over is high here and there is clearly a reason why.
    1 person found this helpful
    5.0
    Manager
    Aug 2018
    3 to 4 years in the role, current employee
    The fast pace is not for everyone but I love it and will find it very hard to leave
    The good thingsRFW is always innovating, looking to improve and providing opportunities for exciting, challenging and career defining work. At the heart of the organisation is the mission to make a difference. I absolutely love working there because of the people, the cause, the location and the interesting work. Learning from an amazing group of clinicians and meeting some of the resilient and inspiring families who stay onsite is part of my everyday at RFW.
    The challengesWe have an ambitious Executive Leadership Team and Board and there is so much to do as we are growing so fast! We are also being recognised much more which is great but the sheer number of opportunities can sometimes feel overwhelming. However this is certainly acknowledged and has gotten better recently.
    2.0
    Officer
    Aug 2018
    Less than 1 year in the role, former employee
    When I started I didn't understand why the staff turnover was so high. It took me less than 2 weeks to figure it out! Ineffective micromanagement + lack of capability = Under-motivated and frustrated team! A shame
    The good thingsLocation and children environment
    The challengesMicromanagement and lack of capability from a director
    5.0
    Clinical Psychologist
    May 2018
    3 to 4 years in the role, current employee
    Great clinical team!
    The good thingsImportant cause. Great team of psychologists and other clinicians. Lots of opportunities for professional development. Varied caseload.
    The challengesCan be busy! Lots happening.
    1.0
    Manager
    Feb 2018
    1 to 2 years in the role
    A shame for country kids.
    The good thingsLocation. High calibre of clinicians overshadowed by terrible leadership.
    The challengesSenior Management lack integrity and capability. CEO is ineffective and incompetent. Very high turnover. Nepotism. Poor morale. Terrible culture. Fundraising is not supported or understood.
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