Reporting to the Clinical Manager, Counselling Programs, the Parent Coach / Counsellor and Group Facilitator provide individual and smallgroup parent coaching and facilitates parenting workshops and courses within FSOSFO’s Community Programs. The position supports parents and caregivers to strengthen parenting skills, build confidence, and address parenting challenges using strengthsbased, solutionfocused, and psychoeducational approaches.
The role is responsible for the delivery of evidenceinformed parenting programs, including direct parent coaching, group facilitation, and program support activities such as documentation, attendance tracking, evaluation, and referrals to community resources. Working collaboratively with program staff and community partners, the Parent Coach / Facilitator contributes to highquality, inclusive, and responsive services aligned with best practices in familycentered and traumainformed care.
Programs primarily serve parents and caregivers who may be navigating complex family dynamics, parenting stress, separation or divorce, child development concerns, and involvement with the child welfare system. As such, the role requires a strong understanding of parenting, family systems, child development, and the impacts of trauma and systemic involvement.
Location: Ottawa, Office-based. FSO-SFO is located on the unceded Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation
Start date: Immediate
Position: Temporary Part-Time, Unionized
Salary: Level 5, $58,793.87 to $66,052.17 (pro-rated to Hours/Week)
Hours of Work: Evenings required
Job ID: 51-2026 Parent Coach/Counsellor and Group Facilitator, Temporary Part- Time (one-year contract)
ABOUT US
Family Services à la famille Ottawa (FSO-SFO) has been strengthening individuals and families—and, by extension, the Ottawa community—since 1914. We provide skillful and compassionate support to address the mental health, family conflict or violence, and parenting challenges that families face. Through accessible counselling, support groups, and educational programs, families increase their knowledge and skills, adopt healthy strategies, build meaningful connections, and enhance resilience.
We serve individuals across the lifespan and within all types of family constellations, including children, youth, transitional-aged youth, adults, seniors, couples, and families. Our work is grounded in the real needs of our clients and families, the complex environments they live in, and a strong foundation of clinical and mental health expertise.
From Mothercare during the influenza epidemic of 1917, to supporting families through post-WWII reintegration, to redefining family therapy to reflect the diverse realities of “family”, FSO-SFO continues to innovate and evolve in response to the changing needs of our community.
We strive to lead and convene the best and most promising practices, ensuring our services remain relevant and impactful. Today, 98% of clients report that working with FSI-SFO has had a positive impact on their lives.
As an accredited non-profit charitable organization, FSO-SFO is a trusted pillar of the Ottawa community. Our team is united by a commitment to well-being, belonging, community, accountability, and client-centered care.
Join us in making a lasting difference for Ottawa families.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Reporting to the Clinical Manager, Counselling Programs, the Parent Coach / Counsellor and Group Facilitator provide individual and smallgroup parent coaching and facilitates parenting groups, workshops, and courses using FSOdeveloped program content.
This role supports parents and caregivers to strengthen parenting skills, build confidence, and address parenting challenges using strengthsbased, solutionfocused, and psychoeducational approaches. The position plays an important role in creating safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments where parents can reflect, connect, and develop practical strategies to support their children and families.
The Parent Coach / Facilitator works collaboratively with program staff and community partners and contributes to highquality program delivery through documentation, evaluation, and referrals to additional supports as required.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Parent Coaching and Counselling
- Provide individual and/or smallgroup parent coaching to support parents in identifying goals, reflecting on challenges, and developing practical parenting strategies
- Use strengthsbased, reflective, and psychoeducational approaches to promote positive parenting practices
- Support parents in applying skills and strategies discussed during coaching sessions and group programs
- Support parents in building selfregulation skills and managing stress
- Identify when participants require additional or specialized support and make appropriate referrals
- Maintain accurate and timely parent coaching documentation in accordance with organizational policies
Group Facilitation and Program Delivery
- Facilitate and deliver parenting groups, workshops, and courses as scheduled, using FSOdeveloped curricula
- Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging group environment that encourages participation and shared learning
- Respond to participant questions and support group discussion
- Prepare group rooms, materials, and supplies, including setup and cleanup
- Purchase snacks and prepare refreshments for group programming as required
- Ensure meeting rooms are left tidy and supplies are returned at the end of sessions
Administration and Program Support
Prepare materials for parent coaching and group facilitation activities- Distribute and collect participant evaluations following workshops, courses, or coaching cycles
- Maintain accurate attendance records and program documentation
- Submit required documentation and evaluations to the Program Coordinator in a timely manner
- Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and organizational needs
Note: This position description is not intended to be allinclusive. Other related duties may be required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
ABOUT YOU
You are a compassionate and skilled practitioner who enjoys supporting parents and caregivers through both individual and groupbased approaches. You value collaboration, reflection, and practical skillbuilding, and you are comfortable working with families experiencing a range of challenges.
You bring strong facilitation skills, cultural humility, and a commitment to inclusive, traumainformed practice.
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Social Work, Counselling, Education, or a related field
- Minimum three (3) years of related experience
- Experience working with parents and families
- Experience providing parent coaching, family support, or parenting interventions
- Experience facilitating parenting groups, workshops, or courses
- Experience working with diverse populations across culture, race, socioeconomic status, gender, and sexual orientation
- Experience working with families involved with the child welfare system
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong understanding of parent education approaches and family dynamics
- Knowledge of community resources related to parenting and family support
- Understanding of separation/divorce dynamics and parenting arrangements
- Knowledge of child development stages
- Awareness of intimate partner violence and its impact on families
- Strong group facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build rapport and maintain professional boundaries
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
Abilities and Additional Assets
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
- Ability to assess, intervene, and help deescalate conflict when needed
- Strong English language skills; additional languages are an asset
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Communitybased programming with some travel to local service sites
- Evening work is required
- Services are delivered primarily in group room settings
- Light physical activity required (e.g., lifting or setting up supplies)
- Must pass a Vulnerable Sector Check
We look forward to hearing from you. FSO-SFO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know how we can best support you.
While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will
