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• Harassment and Toxic office culture took me down so far I felt suicidal because of the treatment from coworker and management. Started out setting healthy boundaries for myself, little did I know that whoever was "lucky" enough to be chosen for my position was in for daily harassment, undermining, gossip, and open aggression from the part time "teammate" who had Serious mental health issues and should have been fired instead of being taken out of her careworker position and "accommodated" for her bs back issue. Biggest slacker I've ever witnessed. She was widely known to "have a few screws loose" but allowed to harass me for months with managements full knowledge as I reported her harassment repeatedly. As the expression goes!@#$! rolls downhill. She probably still works there... avoid avoid avoid   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 29 August 2020 by Rater #66 | Add Comment | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 4 1

• Beacon Community Services is a charity.Does fantastic work to help people of all ages.Lots of programs and services.Lots of interesting work.Lots of support from management and coworkers.Nice work environment,good benefits,good people. They got rid of the home support program in 2019 and it is much more pleasant.Fantastic place to work!   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 17 June 2020 by Rater #64 | Add Comment | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 12 16

• Alot of arse kissing,alot of lazy unhappy nurses,management not helpful or willing to get involved in problems,Workload all put on RCA's ,no support. Just favorites.Huge Bully system, unprofessionalism ,if you get hurt you lose hours, it's all boils down to a who can kiss A** better system.   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 31 December 2019 by Rater #62 | Add Comment | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 19 12

• They don't give a hoot about there casual workers. We are the back bone of any care agency!  

  Posted on 23 August 2016 by Rater #61 | Comments (3) | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 73 9

• Avoid this employer at all costs!  

  Posted on 19 August 2016 by Rater #60 | Comments (1) | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 65 9

• They're great, and they're going to be the best!  

  Posted on 19 February 2016 by Rater #55 | Comments (11) | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 25 124

• HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE employer. Treats their workers with no respect, expects 10 hour days with no breaks......oh, you can eat your lunch in your car. I am on disability due to arthritis and other health issues and have now had a hip replacement, waiting for another. I was treated horribly by Human Resources and was threatoned multiple times with disciplinary action because of time missed from work by a 23 year old who was in diapers when I started this work. You are expected to work in pain..........DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER WORKING FOR BEACON IF YOU HAVE ANY RESPECT FOR YOURSELF. Enough said, thank goodness I never have to return there again!   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 19 January 2016 by Rater #54 | Comments (3) | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 73 24

• The worst company ever!!If you get injured look out they will slow your schedule down to nothing at all.despite clients available for you to go to.Embarrassed to say I work there..mortified to be going to the food bank and staying with friends due to evection (not for lack of trying to get work from them).Have never been treated so poorly :(Am actively seeking employment elsewhere.I do not understand how they can hire new people when the workers they have get no hours..You can steal they will keep you and anything inappropriate you won't get fired..Hurt yourself at work and they screw you good.   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 6 January 2016 by Rater #53 | Comments (3) | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 77 39

• Seeing all these comments is definitely discouraging as a seasoned worker. This website makes Beacon sound horrible, when in reality it's actually not bad. It struggles as ALL large organizations do in regards to engagement, communication, and maintaining balance. Not to mention that there's not enough of us workers to keep up with the demand of home care patients. I do feel for the people who have had missed visits, and I'm sorry. In my perfect world each person requiring care would have their own consistent worker from day-to-day. Unfortunately we as workers are clearly short staffed out there in the community. There's only so many of us to go around for a service that is rapidly growing due to our aging demographic in Victoria.
  
  From my research, as a community health worker we are some of the highest paid in the Victoria region. As a regular I received a full benefits package; which is also nothing to sneeze at. The coverage is amazing.
  All given primarily because we're unionized, but still I cannot and will not complain. The hours are not bad either, if I want to work 60 hours a week I quite possibly could. Some of the attitude other workers have out in the field actually disgust me though. There is definitely a sense of entitlement and some huge egos from some chws. I've overheard some of the conversations with schedulers and by no means some of these other workers angels themselves. Even in the field I've come across some down right inappropriate and disrespectful workers who do nothing beneficial for the company by the things that they say. If you feel you should be treated with respect, then treat others with that same respect too. What most workers forget is that they also create the environment they work in. The more you complain on this website the less that gets done and the more miserable you get. Every time I've phoned into the office politely, I've always been met with a polite response back. I don't think anyone takes too kindly to picking up the phone just to hear a worker yelling at the on the other end.
  
  Management is off and on. Somedays they're really helpful and others, it's hard to even contact them. My experience with management is that they are doing their best in the situation they've entered into. Last I've heard there are some real changes that are coming around that will definitely help bridge come communication barriers between management and workers. Sure the managers get paid more, but we're also not in charge of steering a ship and set it's course.
  
  Everyone realizes that Beacon is not perfect and is not operating the way it should be. What most forget is we work for a non-profit that does more than just health care. I do see a lot of "me me me" on this website; I'm hoping you expand your view to include "we" because you're more a part of the issue and less of a part in the solution.
  
  If you're reading this and you're a frustrated worker. Try to be respectful in the workplace. It's a place of medical professionalism, not only do poor attitudes and disrespect reflect poorly on Beacon, it reflects 10 times as much on you and your character. And it doesn't hurt to thank the person on the other side of the phone once in a while; life isn't all rainbows, puppy dogs, and candy for them either.
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  Posted on 23 May 2015 by Rater #51 | Comments (6) | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 45 114

• Everyone commenting on here BRAVO to you all for speaking out. This company needs to be investigated to the extreme and exposed. They have the general attitude that they have complete control on the home care industry for Victoria when in fact they have to contract out most of there work load to other agencies leaving there unionized workers with less hours. They bully, harrass intimidate and are very retelitory even after you leave their employ combined with breaking their own rules, regulations and policies. Lots of un educated people in HR who have no clue about Care. It is disgusting when your expecting a worker to show up to care for your bed ridden elder and a call comes to say they have no one for the visit. This company is appalling in all respects stay away from it.   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 10 May 2015 by Rater #50 | Add Comment | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 91 23

• There have been a lot of internal changes recently which has resulted in a number of areas being affected including nursing, scheduling, and specifically clients and the care they receive. Staff shortages and lack of recruiting has resulted in high stress levels, heavy workloads, and unsafe patient care. Thus company needs to address these concerns immediately if they want things to turn around. Staff turnover is extremely high at this time.   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 28 April 2015 by Rater #49 | Add Comment | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 39 2

• Beacon community services has dedicated managers and employees. They lack a visionary leader, who knows how to run a business. Current leadership is micromanager with no loyalty to its workers. If this is your last resort then take a job, if not then dont waste your time. Their is too much stress because lack of support for managers and staff. Staff tries their best to support community but management lacks vision and understanding. VIHA should pick better company to give out contracts. To work here you should be yes man. You might get rewarded.   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 22 January 2015 by Rater #47 | Comments (1) | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 63 12

• This company definately uses bullying tactics. It starts right from upper managegment. They have all the policy ie respectful work etc. Mangagement do not follow them. They do not appreciate good workers. Upper Management do not support middle mangagers. They bully and degrade their workers. Unfortunately people do not stand up and have union to fight. They get tired, disheartend and leave. Government or Viha should do work place audit of beacon. All workers do not just walk away. Fight for your rights.   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 19 June 2014 by Rater #44 | Add Comment | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 153 4

• I have worked for this company for over 25 years and in the last 10 years I have never been treated with any form of respect , I find the office staff uses bulling tactics to get the worker to comply. I feel the management is not trained in any way to deal with clients or workers. . This company seems to take advantage of workers who speak english as a second language. I have stayed with the company due to benefits and 7 weeks holiday, but even that is not enough to keep me working for them anymore. Stay away from this company if you value a work/life balance, they will eat you alive! They say they have a policy on respect in the work place but when questioned on it they don't know what it is! If you are new to the work don't apply to Beacon RUN as far away as possible.i   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 20 May 2014 by Rater #43 | Add Comment | Flag as inappropriate

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• Unbelievably toxic work environment! Turnover through the roof. Incompetent management focused on "disciplinary measures" Good employees that I enjoyed working with. Glad to be out of there.  

  Posted on 19 March 2014 by Rater #42 | Add Comment | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 95 7

• Everything that others have written about this company are very true. The only thing I would advise is to spread the word amongst Community Health Workers not to waste there time and energy with this company or you will end up in a psych ward   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 13 February 2014 by Rater #41 | Comments (2) | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 93 2

• I have worked as a Community Health Worker at Beacon Community Services(previously named differently) for the last 23 years. Overall, I love my job. I meet new and interesting people everyday. The rate of pay is not great but it is not terrible either. I choose to work as a casual employee to gain greater flexibility for family living. I find most of the schedulers and nursing supervisors are congenial, polite and professional. However, over the years there has been the odd staff member that has acted in a rude or abrupt manner, when conversing on the phone. It is not acceptable but it is going to happen in any work environment in any organization.When this happens it should be addressed immediately and professionally to the offending staff member.I have done this and despite the awkwardness, I found it to be effective.
  My chief concern as a employee of BCS is the effect of the rigidity the organization beholds. There is not enough time off given to it's staff. Time off allows staff to regenerate,grieve loss of loved ones etc.Lack of time off equates in more people off on stress leave or quiting and then there is an even greater difficulty filling shifts. It just backfires on them. I'm sure they understand this but are unable to correct it. As I said to a scheduler once who wanted me to come in early the next day.. "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours". The next door I got the day off for an upcoming family reunion that had previously been denied. I simply told her that I was not interested in going above and beyond if they did not 'do' for me. It worked. Take the power where you can.
  I agree with a previous comment that stated often the company is very quick to point out the bad but not acknowledge the good. They could definitely do better in that department.However, i see the true reward is seeing the appreciation on so many of our client's faces after you have helped to enrich their lives.To many of them, we are all they have and to see our smiling faces walk into their homes each day is such a immensely positive experience for them.This is where I gain my 'pat on the back'.
  As to the CHW's worried about the 10 minute travel time...it is not your problem; its a scheduling issue, thus don't let it become your concern. Leave 10 minutes early to get to the next client, walk at a normal pace to your vehicle, drive the speed limit to your next client and if you arrive late...so be it. It is not your fault or concern really. If your time is shortened because of lateness then do the DOTS first and all other priorities then leave at 10 min to the hr once again.No one can fault you for that, just 'breath' and carry on. Anyways, like I said, I love my job and I will most likely work for Beacon until I retire.As I stated, the biggest area of improvement I see needed is a better management of vacation/time off requests.
  :)   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 29 December 2013 by Rater #39 | Comments (1) | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 71 84

• I have been working for this company for about 2 years now, as a casual worker. I have never felt more stressed out and unhappy as a worker. This company is completely disorganized and treats their employees like they are nothing. I have had one review, other then that nobody has ever even called me to ask me how I am doing as a worker, what my needs and wants are... we are isolated workers everyday on our own in the community, it would be nice to know that we have someone who knows who we are to relay information to without feeling like we are bothering them. Every time I call into the office to speak with a nurse or schedule I am almost in tears of frustration with how I am spoken to. They are all so passive aggressive & just plain mean...trying to get us off the phone as quick as possible. I almost am made to feel stupid and unimportant. I now avoid calling in at all costs... I believe I am a caring and intelligent lady, so to be treated the way I am by the office is just appalling and really makes me question what is really important to these people (money).   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 11 December 2013 by Rater #38 | Add Comment | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 102 1

• I recently quit working for Beacon after 7 years. I went through such a stressful period in the months of July and August with the management that I had finally had enough. One day I felt I was doing an excellent job, liked by my clients, co-workers, and the next I am being brought up for behavior issues. No warning of this, no clue to where anything of this stemming from. When I asked for examples, none were given. I caught them so many times in lies, I was shaken to the bone in disbelief. There word against mine. I was suspended for standing up for myself twice and it was called being "disrespectful". I had enough! I quit. I have never been treated the way I have at any employment I have been in. I have never quit anything before. It shook me to the core. But I am glad I am out of there and now I hear what they are doing to my other long standing co-workers, who are hard working, dedicated people. It is truly sad. But I truly hope as everyone has said here that they don't get the VIHA contract- it is time for a new Home Support company to take over. Clients would always complain of not getting the person that they liked, no service, irregularity of times, they were fed up and too afraid to phone in to complain of these things. It is time for a change and I am hoping VIHA reads these ratings.   read complete rating Hide complete rating

  Posted on 22 September 2013 by Rater #37 | Comments (2) | Flag as inappropriate

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• If you are thinking about working for Beacon Community Services and have already found yourself inside their doors don’t walk to the nearest exit run, and keep on running and never look back!
  This company will suck the life right out of you! I had worked for them for almost 5 years and it was the worst company I had ever worked for in my entire working career! It is 5 years I will never get back! I agree with everyone else’s comments below which are sad and pathetic but true. How do I know they are true? Because much of the same happened to me!
  Everything is about the money and the bottom line. This company should not have the V.I.H.A. contract; it is a travesty that they are allowed to continue to operate considering how they treat their clients and their staff. The attitude of the administration is the dog kicked the cat the cat kicked the mouse etc. That is how the working structure is set up and if you want to veer from their sick system you will find yourself in a disciplinary situation being raked over the coals by the administration. The schedulers are treated like they work in a sweat shop and have to fill visits no matter what! Meanwhile the administration is busy firing or making the Community Health Worker’s quit and can’t replace them because their dirty little secret is out, it is one vicious circle.
  Obviously the insanity is coming from the top and being filtered to the bottom which of course are the Community Health Workers. They are treated like servants not workers! They are talked to like they have I Q’s of amoebas, which is rather insulting considering all the testing and hoops one has to jump through as well as certification to work for their company. The voice messaging that they broadcast most nights verifies their disdain for their workers, which is usually bullying and harassment and of course breaking the collective agreement. Never mind the union this company should be shut down by the Employment Standards Branch of B.C.
  So do yourself a favour and DO NOT WORK for this company!
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  Posted on 12 September 2013 by Rater #36 | Comments (1) | Flag as inappropriate

  Was this review helpful? 106 0