EOI for ACO Pathways to Permanence Trainer

The Adoption Council of Ontario (ACO) is inviting experienced professionals to join our contractor roster of trainers for our province-wide Permanency and Adoption Competency Training (PACT) programs. PACT includes:

• Pathways to Permanence 2 (24 hours) for adoptive, kin, and permanency caregivers
• ACT: An Adoption & Permanency Curriculum (8 days) for child welfare and mental health professionals

We deliver training online and in person across Ontario.

What you’ll do

• Facilitate Pathways (24-hour) caregiver groups;
• (Optional) Facilitate ACT (8-day) professional training
• Deliver sessions safely, accessibly, and in alignment with ACO curricula and values
• Participate in our trainer community (quarterly meetings, ongoing quality improvement)

What you bring

• Adoption/permanency competence via education and/or experience
• Examples: RSW/MSW/psychology/therapy backgrounds; completion of ACT (or willingness to complete the next offering)
• Extensive experience with children, youth, and families impacted by trauma, loss, and complex systems (child welfare, mental health, education, or adoption services)
• Group facilitation skills and prior training/teaching experience
• Comfort with virtual and in-person delivery
• Commitment to anti-oppression, anti-racism, Indigenous cultural safety, and trauma-informed practice

Who we’re seeking

We strongly encourage applications from those with lived experience of adoption, permanency, and/or foster care as well as professionals belonging to the following equity-seeking groups:

• LGBTQ2S
• Indigenous
• French-speaking
• Black and racialized individuals

Training & Commitments

• Complete ACO’s Train-the-Trainer for Pathways (and ACT, if applicable)
• Prepare and complete pre-work/assignments as required
• Attend quarterly trainer meetings (virtual) and occasional in-person gatherings
• Deliver training either virtual or in person, as scheduled with ACO (comfort with online meeting platforms and other digital technology)

Note on costs & materials: Some costs may be associated with becoming trained. Training materials and curricula are ACO property and may only be used on behalf of ACO under contract.

Contract & Compensation

This is a contractor (per-diem) role. Trainers will be engaged as self-employed professionals, not employees of the ACO.

• ACO will contract with selected trainers and provide compensation for confirmed training days and related activities.
• As independent contractors, trainers are responsible for their own taxes, benefits, and professional expenses.
• Trainers are expected to obtain private practice liability insurance to ensure they are adequately covered for liability in their professional work.

How to apply

Please email one PDF that includes:

1. A brief letter describing your interest, relevant experience, regions/languages you can serve, and why you want to be a trainer.
2. Your resume/CV
3. Two references (names, roles, contact info).

Email Subject: “EOI – PACT Trainer – Your Name”

Send to: acoadmin@adoptontario.ca

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed until October 31, 2025.

Selection process

Applications will be reviewed against the criteria above. Short-listed candidates will be invited to submit a short video outlining their experience and motivation to be a Pathways trainer, followed by an interview (via TEAMS). A peer panel will support the final selection.

Questions?

Contact: dawn.tracz@adoptontario.ca

About ACO

The Adoption Council of Ontario serves families and professionals across Ontario with training, education, and supports that center the voices and experiences of adoptees and permanency-connected communities.

ACO gratefully acknowledges the support of our funders and partners for our permanency and adoption competency training initiatives.