The Smith Family
(63 reviews)
Company Reviews
Working at The Smith Family
3.663 ratings in total
5
28
4
7
3
12
2
9
1
7
66%
67%
Work/Life balance
3.9(62 ratings)
Career development
3.2(63 ratings)
Benefits & perks
3.1(63 ratings)
Management
3.4(63 ratings)
Working environment
3.8(63 ratings)
Diversity & equal opportunity
3.9(63 ratings)
Reviews
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3.0
Team Leader
Apr 2026Melbourne VIC 30005 to 6 years in the role, former employee
A good charity to work for but there is little career mobility.
The good thingsGenerally lovely and passionate people that are enthusiastic about the mission and really believe in the work they do.
Generally a good place to start from the ground up.
Very work from home friendly where the role allows for it.
Had some good experiences doing some projects I probably wouldn't have a chance to do in other sectors.
The challengesLearning and Development is a bit of a barren wasteland beyond your initial training and buddying. L&D Budget is extremely limited.
Only very few change roles or projects - quite difficult to find career mobility if you are interested in doing many things or even upskilling.
Communication is very challenging between teams and is also very top down heavy coming from Sydney.
Roles tend to wear many hats (official and unofficial) and can be overwhelming to balance at times.
5.0
Team Leader
Jan 2026Darwin NT 08003 to 4 years in the role, former employee
A passionate team who have the goal of supporting students and families at front of mind.
The good things- Supportive local team
- Varied work throughout the year
- Flexible work options
- Strong standing in the local community
- Passionate team members who understand their role
The challenges- Programs could be localised rather than a 'catch all' national approach
1 person found this helpful
1.0
Family Partnerships Coordinator
Nov 2025Melbourne VIC 3000Less than 1 year in the role, former employee
If you’re desperate for work, this is money while you search for something better!
The good thingsMost of the people working at TSF are there because of a shared common goal, because they align with the vision and purpose of the organisation and the want to do “good” for others. Unfortunately this charity is nothing more than smoke, mirrors and money wasting.
The challengesThe organisation’s mission is strong, but the culture is weakened by the promotion of inexperienced team leaders based on tenure rather than ability, leading to micromanagement, inconsistent standards and low morale. Constructive feedback is often dismissed or met unprofessionally, limiting improvement and retention. Significant resources are wasted on initiatives that don’t directly support those in need, while teams overstep roles and create barriers to timely assistance. Upper management gatekeeps feedback and discourages anything but positive input, fostering a culture of fear, compliance and missed opportunities for growth.
Most degrading environment I’ve ever worked in.
2 people found this helpful
1.0
Office
Jul 2025Sydney NSW 20003 to 4 years in the role, former employee
Consider working here only if you are so so so desperate!!!
The good thingsThe cause. The Smith Family helps young Australians in poverty with their education.
The challengesToxic workplace. People may have a smiley face (emphasis on "May"), but never believe it!
2 people found this helpful
5.0
Administration Officer
Jun 2025Perth WA 6000Less than 1 year in the role, former employee
Dream job with amazing colleagues.
The good thingsI loved the comaraderie throughout the office and the support given to all employees.
The challengesThere was nothing to dislike in this position, which was a contracted appointment.
1 person found this helpful
3.0
Facilitator
Jan 2025Taree NSW 2430Less than 1 year in the role, former employee
More feedback required from all staff to each other. Concerns need to be raised much earlier
The good thingsMy manager was great. Very down to earth
The challengesMy colleague was nice to my face then damning behind my back!
1 person found this helpful
3.0
Family Partnership Coordinator
May 2024All Sydney NSWLess than 1 year in the role, former employee
NFP that could do better
The good thingsColleagues are great, very supportive. Great flexibility.
The challengesLots of travel required to complete job which was not something that was noted at recruitment. Lack of transparency of pay and which office site/area you will actually work in, be prepared to travelt to different offices throughout the week. Low pay and travel allowances. Lots of constant change of processes which at times are not communicated or communicated poorly. Dealing with high risk clients and Lack of support from management to deal with these situations. Lack of career progression. Hugely KPI driven, lack of recognition.
6 people found this helpful
1.0
Digital and Transformation Unit
May 2024Sydney NSW 2000Less than 1 year in the role, former employee
If you like to work in reactive and chaotic program with staff who don't appreciate your change expertise, then this job is for you.
The good thingsStaff are kind, positive and collaborative in their working approach. They are mission focused and want the best for the clients.
The challengesChange management practice is not understood or wanted by the program's power brokers. Bad behaviour by key people is tolerated. A Manager who needs total control. Staff workload and change volume are so high people are challenged to make time to learn. Management is unsympathetic to the workload due to the organisation's ambitious strategy.
7 people found this helpful
3.0
Family Partnership Coordinator
Apr 2024Sydney NSW 2000
The job itself is fantastic as are most of the colleagues and community connections. The Management are very top heavy and do not like new ideas or variations from the structure that is TSF programs.
Staff are constantly told pay and conditions are good but it doesn't take much to see that they aren't. Management are also not flexible with conditions to accommodate diverse family needs.
TSF was a great experience for building capacity to work in communities but don't apply diversity support to e
The good thingsStaff are committed to the purpose of the charity
Excellent opportunity to be involved with impact full work in communities
The challengesThe organisation is very slow to adapt to employee needs
Poor pay and conditions and a lack of willingness to support employees in diverse family environments
4 people found this helpful
2.0
Educator
Apr 2024Sydney NSW 2000
Great charity, but not a great employer for educator positions.
The good thingsFreedom to chose where I was teaching. Was employed as a casual contract teacher.
The challengesLarge travel distance sometimes required.
Not provided with proper equipment - laptop, name badge, supplies.
Proper and thorough training not provided.
No work in Terms 1 or 2 - so not good for money situation.
Booklets and course content need to be updated as a lot is inadequate and some is even incorrect.
Very minimal support for educator face to face staff
2 people found this helpful
5.0
Family partnerships coordinator
Jun 2023Melbourne VIC 3000current employee
An enjoyable workplace with room for improvement.
The good thingsThe organisation is doing great work in the community and it's very rewarding to be a part of. The people are great.
Great flexibility.
The challengesA lot of turn over meaning those who are left are often picking up extra work without any extra pay or recognition.
6 people found this helpful
People & Culture TeamThank you for sharing your thoughts. We’re delighted to hear that you find our community work rewarding and you love being a part of our team. We appreciate your kind words about the flexibility we offer.
The issue of turnover is something we are looking to address. Our employees are at the heart of our success, and we're committed to creating an even more supportive and fulfilling work environment for everyone.
We acknowledge the importance of fair remuneration and recognition. We are reviewing our processes to ensure that everyone's efforts are appropriately acknowledged and rewarded. Your feedback is invaluable to us, it helps us identify where we can improve. We encourage you to reach out to your immediate manager or HR to discuss any specific concerns so we can find effective solutions. Thank you again for being part of our Family and for sharing your feedback.
30d+ ago
5.0
Team Leader - Western Metro (Learning for Life)
May 2023Melbourne VIC 3000Less than 1 year in the role, former employee
Fantastic, highly recommend it to anyone really interested in working for the community in a organisation that is truly commited in service improvement and systematically track the results of the programs.
The good thingsThe management and the team, very supportive environment and genuine interest in seeing you succeed
The challengesWorking remotely during the lockdown
People & Culture TeamThanks for your wonderful review! We are thrilled that you had a fantastic experience with The Smith Family and that you would highly recommend it to others interested in community-oriented work.
We believe in making a positive impact on the communities we serve, and your acknowledgment means a lot.
We’re delighted that you found our management and team supportive, and genuinely interested in your success. Our people are our most valuable asset, and we strive to create a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.
We understand that remote working during the lockdown was challenging. The pandemic has reshaped the way we work, thank you for your perseverance during this time.
Your feedback is invaluable. It motivates us to keep improving. We’re proud to foster a positive work culture, and reviews like yours reinforce our commitment to maintaining that standard.
30d+ ago
5.0
Supporter Care Officer
Feb 2023Less than 1 year in the role, current employee
Work-life balance in a reputable organisation with transparent management, working towards making a positive difference in our communities
The good thingsA large organisation with the opportunity for career progression, good work-life balance with hybrid working options, approachable management, good training with transparent communication between departments
The challengesNo challenges that I have come across during my employment with The Smith Family
1 person found this helpful
People & Culture TeamThank you for sharing your positive experience at The Smith Family. We're thrilled to learn about your satisfaction with our career progression opportunities, supportive work-life balance, approachable management, and effective training programs.
Your feedback underscores our commitment to fostering a positive and transparent work environment. We're pleased that you haven't encountered any challenges during your time with us, affirming our dedication to creating a workplace that supports growth and well-being.
We value your contributions and are excited to continue supporting your professional journey with The Smith Family. Should you have any suggestions or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your input is invaluable as we strive to maintain The Smith Family as a great place to work.
Thank you once again for your positive review.
30d+ ago
5.0
Supporter Care Office
Jul 20223 to 4 years in the role, current employee
It is a great thing doing a job, you know is going to make a difference.
The good thingsGreat work environment with the chance of career progression, smart salary, and central office location.
Passionate people.
The challengesThe workload can be intense sometimes.
1 person found this helpful
4.0
Coordinator
May 2021Good organisation, but far too much micromanagement.
The good thingsEveryone is willing to help with any questions you may have. Work for a good cause.
The challengesPay very low compared to other organisations. KPI driven workplace. Micromanagement is over the top and is the worse I have ever come across in any of my previous employment.
7 people found this helpful
1.0
Officer
May 20217 to 8 years in the role, former employee
Pretends to be a charity, but its actually a ruthless corporation.
The good thingsWas a good caring charity many, many years ago.
The challengesDealing with self centered, untrustworthy and career focused managers. Having unrealistic KPI's set with very limited resources. Focusing far more on what went wrong and who to blame, instead of celebrating success. Poor leadership and unclear communication.
11 people found this helpful
3.0
Coordinator
Apr 2021It was a welcome change from a past workplace.
The good thingsIt was flexible when things were going well and the ability to work from home was great.
The challengeswhen people left continually, the staff left had to do a lot extra work without compensation or very little help. Those who were competent ended up doing more than others. The pay was low compared to what was expected.
1 person found this helpful
1.0
Learning for life
Mar 20213 to 4 years in the role, former employee
Shambolic, top-heavy organisation relying on the worker bees to fulfill unreasonable expectations, to deliver poorly researched programs via ineffectual processes.
The good thingsFlexible work arrangements was one aspect of the job that made it tolerable
The challengesRemote, disengaged, hierarchical management system, with little to no understanding of the demographic the organisation purportedly assists. Absolutely no opportunity for career advancement unless metro-based.
1 person found this helpful
4.0
Business analyst
Feb 20213 to 4 years in the role, current employee
great company to work with
The good thingsgreat work life balance and flexibility
The challengessalary is very low compared to outside general market
5.0
Volunteer
May 20201 to 2 years in the role, former employee
Very good experience.
The good thingsGood and friendly environment.
Friendly staff
The challengesNo difficulty. Every one describe everthing very clearly.
2.0
Middle management
Mar 2020Management styles outdated.
The good thingsChildren's charity with students at the forefront of everything they do.
The challengesLong term managers not able to accept others ideas for continuous improvement.
5 people found this helpful
5.0
Administration Support Officer
Mar 2020i love it here!
The good thingsthe people are wonderful and the working environment is good
The challengesnone so far, i really enjoy it
3.0
Philanthropy Manager
Mar 20201 to 2 years in the role, former employee
Learnt lots and apparently is one of the better orgs in the NFP world
The good thingsSome really great staff and great impact.
The challengesSome lazy staff that need to go and poor management in some depts. Poor communication between depts.
1 person found this helpful
2.0
Families
Mar 2020Under value their own staff
The good thingsFlexibility to work from home. Ability to salary sacrifice.
The challengesState management focus on appearances to the public rather than value their own staff. Simple courtesies such as notifying their internal staff if a job application has been unsuccessful or checking in to see if a staff member is okay during times of duress are non-existent. They spruik cultural values but there is a toxic culture between middle managers and staff on the ground.
3 people found this helpful
4.0
Project Manager
Nov 2019There for 10 years because it was a great culture
The good thingsCulture is great, can do attitude
The challengesPay is low, salary sacrifice helps
5.0
Sales Assistant
Nov 20191 to 2 years in the role, former employee
Wish I still worked there
The good thingsGreat friendly team environment.
At the end of the day, you didn’t just work. You worked for a great cause
The challengesNot enough hours available
4.0
Information Technology Manager
Nov 20193 to 4 years in the role, former employee
Knowing you make a difference.
The good thingsGreat people who believe in what they are trying to achieve. Supportive management.
Making a difference.
The challengesHow to do a great job with limited resources.
3.0
Recyclable Sorter
Nov 20193 to 4 years in the role, former employee
It helped me financially at the time of employment
The good thingsKnowing that the tasks carried out daily was to ensure that the less fortunate was able to receive the products and get great feedback
The challengesLanguage barrier with other colleagues
1.0
Support Worker
Nov 20191 to 2 years in the role, former employee
Bad experience
The good thingsLess work for career growth
The challengesEqual opportunity Is missing
1 person found this helpful
1.0
Coordinator
Nov 2019former employee
A great opportunity to do great work thwarted by senior management
The good thingsSome opportunities to attend external conferences
The challengesManagement and marketing incredibly out of touch with the demographic which we were supposed to support. More intent on navel gazing and impressing corporates and funders than on actually helping people. A very uncharitable charitable organization - particularly in relation to its staff on the ground
1 person found this helpful
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