Doula (Labor & Delivery)
About The Position
Under the Direction of the Program Supervisor, the Doula is a non-medical, trained employee that works with families and provides physical, emotional, and educational support for families during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Employee is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Establishing trusting relationships with families and optimizing the home and birth environment for the physical and mental well-being of babies and families Consistently follows grant/doula policies/procedures. Empowers families to make and keep medical appointments and ask questions about their pregnancy and birthing experience. May be required to provide transportation to medical or social service appointments based on need. Acts as a liaison between community resources and families. Has familiarity with community resources and makes appropriate referrals to meet the needs of families. May be responsible for community outreach in the area served. Meets with supervisor monthly to discuss caseload and discuss any concerns. Creates and implements birth plans for the families. Attends births to support families and facilitates open communication between families and medical staff. Documents pertinent information related to the family’s choices and wishes, along with observations. Supports families in the postpartum period and provides any referrals needed. Attends and participates in regular staff meetings and training as directed, unless called to a birth. Demonstrates the ability to work cooperatively as a part of a team model during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum to support mothers in attaining the care they need. Consistently plans appropriate service intervention dispositions for families in need of extra support services. Demonstrates the ability to work cooperatively with co-workers as part of a team. Demonstrates maturity in interpersonal staff relationships. Performs related responsibilities as required or directed.
Requirements
- EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field from an accredited college or university preferred. 3 years’ experience preferred. Certified Doula or Doula in training through ProDoula, DONA International or other internationally recognized certification agency preferred. Completion of all AIMHI-TN components recommended.
- LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION: Valid Tennessee Driver’s License required.
- EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of experience working with or providing services as a certified Doula is preferred.
- KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Ability to demonstrate maturity and experience in successfully working with infants and young children and their parents. Ability to speak, read, and write English. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of local resources. Knowledge of infant and child development.
- INTERPERSONAL REQUIREMENTS Good communication skills required for frequent contact with families, other hospital personnel, and community agencies. Ability to relate effectively with families. Compassionate and sensitive to the needs of families. Experience and willingness to work with culturally diverse populations present among the target population. Ability to use the proper channels of communication. Contributes to a positive work environment and the overall team effort of the department. Acceptance of individual differences.
- DIRECTION/SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS Acts as a role model for their families, other hospital personnel, and community agencies. Demonstrates leadership and the ability to teach. Open to reflective practice.
- PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Maintains good physical and emotional well-being. Ability to perform moderate lifting of supplies. Prolonged periods of standing or walking on a continuous basis.
- ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: May be exposed to communicable diseases. May need to visit families in high risk areas where safety could be questionable.
- OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS Works well under pressure. Understands family satisfaction is a top priority and is flexible and accommodating to meet the patient’s needs and protect the patient's dignity. Understands and adheres to West Tennessee Healthcare’s compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy. Assumes responsibility for ensuring continued professional growth. The employee is expected to adhere to all WTH policies and procedures.
Nice To Haves
- Infant Mental Health Endorsement preferred.
Responsibilities
- Establishing trusting relationships with families and optimizing the home and birth environment for the physical and mental well-being of babies and families
- Consistently follows grant/doula policies/procedures.
- Empowers families to make and keep medical appointments and ask questions about their pregnancy and birthing experience.
- May be required to provide transportation to medical or social service appointments based on need.
- Acts as a liaison between community resources and families.
- Has familiarity with community resources and makes appropriate referrals to meet the needs of families.
- May be responsible for community outreach in the area served.
- Meets with supervisor monthly to discuss caseload and discuss any concerns.
- Creates and implements birth plans for the families.
- Attends births to support families and facilitates open communication between families and medical staff.
- Documents pertinent information related to the family’s choices and wishes, along with observations.
- Supports families in the postpartum period and provides any referrals needed.
- Attends and participates in regular staff meetings and training as directed, unless called to a birth.
- Demonstrates the ability to work cooperatively as a part of a team model during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum to support mothers in attaining the care they need.
- Consistently plans appropriate service intervention dispositions for families in need of extra support services.
- Demonstrates the ability to work cooperatively with co-workers as part of a team.
- Demonstrates maturity in interpersonal staff relationships.
- Performs related responsibilities as required or directed.
