Pregnancy/Birth Parent Counsellor

Position Type: Contract Hourly

Start Date: May 2026

Hours: Variable/per case

Location: Remote/Field Based/Office

Note: Our office is based in Hamilton, and you may be requested to attend meetings at this location.

Charity Description:

Beginnings Family Services is a not-for-profit organization that provides counselling and support to expectant parents experiencing unplanned pregnancies and assists people wishing to grow their families through adoption and embryo services.

Counselling:

Beginnings provides counselling services to expectant parents and families in crisis across Ontario, to ensure they have access to information, referrals, community connections, parenting resources, and ongoing support as they make decisions about the future of their family.

Adoption:

Beginnings is a licensed adoption agency. We facilitate open adoptions throughout the province of Ontario, working together with birth families and adoptive families to provide support and guidance every step of the way.

Embryo Donor/Recipient Program:

Beginnings connects individuals choosing to donate their embryos with recipient families hoping to grow their family. Our history and expertise in bringing families together has forged the way for our national open embryo program, the only one of its kind in Canada.

About the Role:

Our clinical team provides vital counselling and support to expectant parents, partners, and families across Ontario navigating complex, life-altering decisions. Grounded in a trauma-informed framework, we provide compassionate, comprehensive support that empowers individuals to navigate their own path with dignity.

This role offers a high degree of autonomy for practitioners who thrive in dynamic environments. This position offers the unique ability to balance clinical practice with other commitments, provided you have the flexibility to respond to short-notice needs during days, evenings, or weekends. As a Beginnings counsellor, you will provide support both virtually and, in the field, responding to urgent requests from hospitals and individuals. While you will work independently; our counsellors participate in clinical team meetings, mentorship, case coordination, and regular supervision to ensure the highest standard of care for our clients and sustainable wellness for our team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

On a case-by-case basis, you will provide counselling to expectant/birth parents, partners, and families. Key responsibilities include:

• Counselling & Support: Navigating complex areas such as mental health, safety planning, options and decision-making, parenting, grief and loss, and openness in adoption.
• Adoption Guidance: Providing step-by-step counselling and support for birth parents considering or navigating an adoption plan for their unborn or newborn child.
• Advocacy & Outreach: Connecting under-resourced families with community services and actively engaging with outside agencies to bridge services for clients.
• Meetings and Coordination: Attending hospital visits, legal appointments, and family meetings as required.
• Administration: Maintaining timely and accurate case notes and preparing required Ministry reports in accordance with provincial standards.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Degree in Social Work (BSW, MSW) or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity, and expertise, in the area of pregnancy, parenting and adoption. Excellent organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking abilities.
• Experience in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care. Familiarity with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) and work experience in the child welfare sector are strong assets.
• A firm commitment to support all options with clinical integrity and without judgment. Superior skills in advocating on behalf of vulnerable individuals.
• Self-motivated and able to manage a varied caseload.
• Must be available for a flexible schedule including days, evenings, and weekends to meet the needs of clients.
• Current Broad Record Check/ Police Clearance and Child Welfare check.
• Applicants must have an Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle, to be able to drive to various locations.

Please submit resume with cover letter specific to this position to

megan.dunlop-elms@beginnings.ca

www.beginnings.ca