Our Model

HopeStart operates through a distributed care model. Practitioners and coaches operate independently within their respective scopes of practice, while benefiting from shared infrastructure, coordinated service planning, and ethical oversight.

Subcontractors:

  • Maintain control over their practice and schedules

  • Deliver services within clearly defined scopes

  • Collaborate with HopeStart for service coordination and continuity

All services are guided by person-centred, trauma-informed, strengths-based values.

Current Openings

Psychotherapist – Subcontractor

We are building a talent pool of independently practicing Psychotherapists interested in subcontracting opportunities with HopeStart.

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver psychotherapy services to adults

  • Engage in collaborative treatment planning

  • Maintain ethical, professional documentation and boundaries

Requirements

  • Full registration and good standing with a relevant regulatory body

  • Professional liability insurance

  • Experience working with diverse adult populations

Occupational Therapist – Subcontractor

HopeStart Mental Health is seeking qualified Occupational Therapists to provide employment-focused assessment and support for adults navigating barriers to work related to disability, mental health, or substance use.

Key Responsibilities

  • Complete employment-focused OT assessments

  • Identify functional strengths, barriers, and workplace accommodations

  • Provide practical, goal-oriented recommendations to support job readiness

  • Collaborate with job coaches, psychotherapists, and families (with consent)

  • Maintain timely, professional documentation

Qualifications

  • Registration and good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO)

  • Experience supporting adults with disabilities and/or mental health needs

  • Strong understanding of functional assessment and workplace supports

  • Comfortable working in community, employment, or virtual settings

This is an independent subcontractor role. Opportunities are offered based on service demand.

Mental Health & Developmental Life Skills Coach – Subcontractor

HopeStart Mental Health is seeking qualified subcontractors to provide non-clinical mental health and life skills coaching for individuals experiencing barriers related to mental health, disability, or life stability.

Key Responsibilities

Provide 1:1 coaching focused on emotional regulation, communication, and daily living skills

Support individuals in setting and achieving practical, goal-oriented outcomes

Build routines, problem-solving skills, and independence in real-life contexts

Collaborate with families and service providers (with consent)

Maintain timely, professional documentation

Qualifications

Background in social services, coaching, education, or a related field

Experience supporting individuals with mental health, developmental, or life stability needs

Strong understanding of non-clinical, skills-based support (distinct from therapy)

Ability to work independently in community, home, or virtual settings

This is an independent subcontractor role. Opportunities are offered based on service demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This is not an employee position — you operate as a self-employed professional.

    That means:

    • You manage your own schedule

    • You determine your availability

    • You choose which referrals to accept

    • You invoice Hope Start for services provided

    • You are responsible for your own taxes and business expenses

    • You must register for an HST number once you exceed $30,000 in self-employment revenue

    • You purchase your own Owl Practice user seat (~$50/month)

    Compensation is based upon position and experience, paid for direct coaching time.

  • Hope Start serves a vibrant and diverse community — and we are committed to building a team that reflects the people we support.

    We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as:

    • Black, Indigenous, or racialized

    • LGBTQ2S+

    • Neurodivergent

    • Disabled

    • Newcomers

    • Multilingual

    • Members of other equity-seeking groups

    We value lived experience just as much as professional experience.

  • Hope Start is committed to an accessible, barrier-free application process.
    If you require accommodations at any stage, please let us know — we will make every reasonable effort to support your needs in accordance with the AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Ready to apply?

Current Openings