Doula

The Up Center provides more than 20 critical support services for children and families in our community, including mental health counseling, parenting education and support, youth mentoring, foster care and adoption, housing and financial counseling, and services for people with disabilities. We have served as a safety net for people in crisis for 140 years and have been a longstanding United Way partner organization. Today, we operate at five locations throughout South Hampton Roads and impact over 10,000 people in our community every year by providing evidence-based services and programs proven to work

JOB DESCRIPTION

DATE: August 5, 2024

POSITION: Doula

SUPERVISOR: Director of Prevention Services

SUPERVISEE: None

FLSA: Part-Time

This position is grant-funded and contingent upon continued funding

This position provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals and families receiving Parents as Teachers (PAT) services before, during, and after childbirth. The Doula shares cases collaboratively with parent educators and works with the families to implement the PAT curriculum and enhanced PAT Doula Services model for fidelity. The Doula serves as an advocate for clients, offering guidance, comfort, and encouragement throughout the perinatal period. This position educates and empowers clients to make informed decisions about their birth experiences and provides non-medical support to complement the care provided by healthcare professionals.

Under the direction of the Prevention Program Director and within the limitations of agency policy, the incumbent shall execute the following duties & responsibilities within 20 hours per week:

Client Education:

· Educate clients and their families about the physiological and emotional aspects of childbirth, breastfeeding, and early infant care.

· Teach clients and their partners coping strategies and comfort techniques to empower them during labor and birth.

· Facilitate discussions about birth options, interventions, and potential complications to help clients make informed choices.

· Facilitate monthly group connections that provide prenatal and postpartum education and linkage to community resources.

Prenatal Support:

· Meet with clients during pregnancy to establish a rapport, discuss birth preferences, and create a birth plan.

· Provide evidence-based information about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care to help clients make informed decisions.

· Offer emotional support and reassurance to alleviate anxieties and fears related to childbirth.

Labor and Birth Support:

· Provide clients with continuous physical and emotional support during labor and childbirth, either at home, in a birth center, or in a hospital setting.

· Offer comfort measures such as massage, breathing techniques, and positioning to help manage pain and promote relaxation.

· Advocate for clients' preferences and rights in the birth environment, facilitating communication with healthcare providers.

Postpartum Support:

· Assist with initial breastfeeding and bonding between the newborn and parents immediately following birth.

· Offer emotional support and validation to parents as they navigate the postpartum period, including feeding challenges, sleep issues, and emotional adjustments.

· Provide practical assistance with newborn care, light household tasks, and referrals to community resources as needed.

· Conduct developmental screenings utilizing PAT-subscribed screening tools to identify delays or the need for additional support.

Documentation and Communication:

· Maintain accurate records of demographic information and client interactions, including prenatal visits, labor support, and postpartum follow-up.

· Track and report service delivery and demographic and outcome information for agency and grant reporting purposes.

· Communicate effectively with healthcare providers, birth attendants, and other birth team members to ensure coordinated care and support for clients.

· Participate in individual/group supervision to ensure program compliance, receive performance guidance, and provide necessary feedback.

The Up Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, military, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The Up Center is a drug-free workplace.

Qualifications:

· Certification as a doula from a recognized organization (e.g., DONA International, CAPPA, ICEA).

· Completion of doula training workshops or courses covering childbirth education, labor support, and postpartum care.

· Upon hire, completion of PAT parent educator foundational curriculum training.

· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds.

· Compassion, empathy, and non-judgmental attitude towards clients' birth choices and experiences.

· Knowledge of evidence-based practices in maternity care and a commitment to supporting clients' informed decision-making.

Requirements:

· Ability to provide office-based and community-based services

· A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

· Available for on-call support during clients' labor and childbirth, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative birth team in various settings.

· Adherence to professional standards of conduct and ethics outlined by doula-certifying organizations.