CharityVillage

CHOICE IN HEALTH CLINIC (CIHC) is a non-profit abortion clinic providing abortion services, STI testing, contraception, counselling and systems navigation to clients from across the GTA and beyond. We are currently seeking an Abortion Counsellor to join our team. 

JOB TITLE: Abortion Counsellor

STATUS: I Year Part Time Contract with possibility of extension and/or permanent offer  

HIRING RATE: $24/h-$28/h depending on experience 

HOURS:  1.5 days hybrid (1 day onsite, 0.5 day remote) 

ACCOUNTABILITY: This position reports to the Operations Manager. 

ABOUT CIHC: Driven by the desire to increase access and abolish shame, CIHC recognizes that abortion is not merely permissible under the law, but essential, important, positive, and powerful. We first opened our doors in 1988 and are now a licensed and fully funded, non-profit clinic with a community-based board of directors. We receive our funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and we are regulated as an Out-of-Hospital Premises by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. We are also a member of the National Abortion Federation (NAF) and adhere to their standards for abortion care. 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Abortion Counsellor is responsible for providing supportive in-person and virtual non-directive counselling services for clients experiencing unwanted pregnancy or for those who have had an abortion. 

This 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: 

1. Minimum Undergraduate degree in a health or social science discipline from a recognized university
2.  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. 
3. A significant body of interviewing and counselling experience in a community or health setting 
4. Experience with and commitment to working within an anti-oppression framework and with clients from a diversity of backgrounds, experiences and social locations 
5. A solid pro-choice philosophy and the ability to support any client in their choice to have an abortion for any reason 
6. 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 
7. 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 
8. Ability to convey medical information in a clear, accurate and reassuring manner 
9. Knowledge of referral resources and experience in making referrals 
10. In-depth knowledge of birth control and safer sex methods and a demonstrated ability to provide birth control counselling 
11. Exceptional communication skills 
12. Demonstrated eagerness and ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with team members 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

• 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; 

• Commitment to working within an anti-oppression framework and with clients from a diversity of backgrounds, experiences and social locations. 

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.