Family Support Coordinator
Are you a compassionate professional looking to make a profound, tangible impact every day?
As a dynamic and welcoming member of our team, you will provide intake assessments, individual emotional support, and grief counseling for children, teens, and families impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Beyond direct member care, you will facilitate support groups, lead signature family events and summer day camp, and develop new programs that expand our reach - all while furthering our mission to empower a community of compassionate support, knowledge, and hope.
About Us
Established in 1997, Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre supports the emotional, physical, and practical needs of individuals and families navigating a cancer diagnosis throughout the Durham Region and beyond. We welcome members and their loved ones to share experiences, access resources, and build resilience together through individual support, peer groups, wellness initiatives, caregiver and grief support, and specialized children’s programming.
Primary Responsibilities
Direct Member Support & Intake
- Conduct intake interviews and assess support needs for new families, children, teens, and adult members.
- Manage an active personal caseload and provide individual emotional support and grief counseling primarily for children and teens.
- Follow established follow-up procedures to ensure continuity of care, accountability, and member satisfaction following program completion.
Program Facilitation & Development
- Facilitate in-person, online, and hybrid support groups for adults, youth, and children.
- Plan, coordinate, and implement family activity days and our annual summer day camp.
- Develop guidelines, community resources, and specialized programming targeting key member needs: o Young Adult Cancer Support & Caregiver Support o Children and Youth Programming o Community Resource Navigation (school boards, family agencies, and local services)
- Conceptualize, launch, and evaluate new programs and member outreach initiatives in alignment with organizational goals.
Administration & Operational Support
- Adhere to program budgets and collaborate with the Executive Director to expand the Family Support Program.
- Maintain timely, concise, and non-judgmental client notes and database entries.
- Maintain high standards of confidentiality, safety, and alignment with organizational policies.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience
- Post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Work (BSW/MSW), Child and Youth Care (CYC), Child Life Specialist, or a related human services field.
- 3 to 5 years of professional experience in direct counseling, grief support, and group facilitation for children, youth, and families.
- Demonstrated experience supporting children through grief, bereavement, or acute family stressors.
- Experience in oncology or healthcare environments is considered a strong asset.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong clinical grounding in child/youth counseling methods and crisis support.
- Proven ability to facilitate engaging, safe group spaces across multiple formats (inperson, online, hybrid).
- Working knowledge of local Durham Region community agencies, school boards, and health services.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong interpersonal warmth and boundaries.
- Proficiency with MS Office and client database software (experience with Sumac/Societ is an asset).
Personal Characteristics
- Adaptable & Resilient: Thrives in a dynamic environment while maintaining focus, empathy, and high professional standards.
- Ethically Grounded: Demonstrates unwavering integrity and aligns daily practice with Hearth Place values.
- Empathetic Communicator: Actively listens and connects authentically with members, caregivers, staff, and community partners.
- Collaborative & Team-Minded: Works constructively across team boundaries to support colleagues and operational goals.
- Organized & Event-Ready: Exceptional time management skills to plan and execute high-quality family events and day camp activities.
Working Conditions & Compensation
- Hours: On-site position, averaging 36 hours per week (Monday through Friday) with occasional evening availability required for family appointments and group facilitation.
- Compensation: $26.00 – $29.00 per hour (commensurate with experience), plus a benefits package.
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter and resume in confidence to Janette@hearthplace.org quoting “Family Support Coordinator” in the subject line by November 6th, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST.
Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. If you require accommodations at any stage of the application or selection process, please inform us, and we will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation requests will be handled confidentially. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.