Doula

VNACJ Community Health Center•Freehold, NJ

19h•Onsite

About The Position

VNACJ Community Health Center is hiring a part-time Doula to support patients through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. The Doula provides education, advocacy, and emotional and physical support, helping patients feel prepared and supported while collaborating with healthcare teams and community organizations. Travel among the Asbury Park, Red Bank, Freehold, and Keyport locations is part of the position. The role includes prenatal education and support, helping patients understand maternal health services and community resources, and supporting the development and implementation of birth preferences. Postpartum work includes adjustment support, education on infant feeding, breastfeeding basics, newborn care, and maternal recovery, plus help navigating community services. The Doula also supports care coordination, reinforces clinical education, and maintains documentation in accordance with CHC policies and confidentiality standards.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Current, active Doula Certification from a recognized doula training program.
Knowledge of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, infant feeding, and postpartum care.
Experience working with diverse, underserved, and high-risk populations.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills.
Ability to support patients during long or unpredictable labor experiences and work flexible, non-traditional hours, including on-call availability.
Strong emotional resilience and ability to work in high-intensity birth environments.
Current CPR certification.
Valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

Nice To Haves

Experience in community health, maternal-child health, or public health settings.
Bilingual skills, particularly Spanish and/or Haitian Creole.
Familiarity with healthcare systems, prenatal services, and community resources.

Responsibilities

Provide education and support to pregnant patients about pregnancy, birth preparation, and postpartum expectations.
Help patients understand available maternal health services and community resources.
Support patients in developing birth preferences before delivery and implementing them during labor and birth at affiliated hospitals or birthing centers.
Provide emotional support and continuity of care throughout pregnancy.
Provide postpartum emotional support and adjustment counseling within scope of practice.
Educate patients on infant feeding, breastfeeding basics, newborn care, and maternal recovery.
Help patients navigate community resources, including WIC, behavioral health, and social services.
Provide follow-up through scheduled clinic visits, phone calls, or virtual communication as assigned.
Support communication between patients and the maternal health care team as appropriate.
Assist patients in accessing clinic services and external community resources.
Reinforce patient education provided by clinical staff.
Maintain documentation in accordance with CHC policies and confidentiality standards.
Travel among CHC locations to support patients.