We’re hiring!
We are currently seeking an Abortion Counsellor to join our team. The Abortion Counsellor is responsible for providing supportive in-person and virtual non-directive counselling services for clients experiencing an unwanted pregnancy or early pregnancy loss, or for those who have had an abortion. See more about this position below, or on charity village.
Status: 1 Year Part Time Contract with possibility of extension and/or permanent offer
Hiring rate: Depending on experience, $24/h-$28/h
Schedule: 1.5 days hybrid (1 day onsite, 0.5 day remote)
POSITION SUMMARY:
Counselling may include assisting clients in their decision making regarding their pregnancies or supporting them as they cope with issues and challenges brought up after having an abortion or an early pregnancy loss. The Abortion Counsellor may make appropriate referrals for longer-term counselling and may refer clients to other relevant organizations. The Abortion Counsellor acts as the coordinator of the Abortion Counselling program and is responsible for some of the administrative aspects of the program, including tracking client statistics and writing brief reports. The Abortion Counsellor is responsible for educating other clinic staff about the program and for presenting at staff and other meetings as requested. The Abortion Counsellor actively participates in outreach and community education, creating resources for clients and community members.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Build a warm, trusting, supportive short-term relationship with the client (in person or virtually) using methods such as brief solution-focused techniques.
Apply crisis counselling and intervention skills as needed.
Assess client needs and make appropriate internal and external referrals including knowing when to refer to colleagues.
Provide information regarding clinic processes, abortion techniques, birth control and reproductive health information (in person, on the phone, or through video).
Create resource for clients and support people related to abortion care, birth control, and community supports.
Maintain accurate and appropriate counselling session documentation and stats.
Execute program coordination, including the development and management of resources and program statistics, and annual report writing.
Promote the Abortion Counselling program within and outside the organization to maximize program referrals.
Continued development of the abortion counselling program.
Administer a client satisfaction survey to solicit client feedback on the program.
Work collaboratively with the person staffing phones, and independently, to book appointments for the abortion and assessment programs.
Always maintain security measures, in accordance with clinic policies and procedures.
Present cases and program updates at staff meetings, when possible.
Offering education and case debriefing with colleagues.
Represent the Abortion Counselling Program at community events and meetings, as required.
Actively participate in outreach and community education in collaboration with the social media team and the client advocate.
Attend in-person staff meetings and on a regular basis.
Participate in other activities as needed for the ongoing operations and development of CIHC.
Participate in general clinic tasks and projects as assigned.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Undergraduate degree in a health or social science discipline from a recognized university
Registration with, either the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and ability to practice controlled acts of Psychotherapy.
A significant body of interviewing and counselling experience in a community or health setting
Experience with and commitment to working within an anti-oppression framework and with clients from a diversity of backgrounds, experiences and social locations
Solid pro-choice philosophy, including a demonstrated commitment to clients’ right to make choices in their lives, and the ability to support any client’s choice to have an abortion
Ability to objectively evaluate each client’s decision and level of understanding about the abortion procedure/process and to intervene appropriately on their behalf in the clinic setting
Knowledge of counselling and interviewing theory, and the possession of a repertoire of counselling interventions with the skill to adapt responses in ways that support the client
Ability to convey medical information in a clear, accurate and reassuring manner
Knowledge of referral resources and experience in making referrals
In-depth knowledge of birth control and safer sex methods and a demonstrated ability to provide birth control counselling
Exceptional communication skills
Demonstrated eagerness and ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with team members
CIHC is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to building an organization that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from members of the Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities; 2SLGBTQ community; disabled people; and members of other equity seeking groups.