Indigenous Doula, Victoria (Temporary, Part-Time)

Union Gospel Mission (Vancouver)•Saanich, BC

10h•CA$32 - CA$35•Onsite

About The Position

The Indigenous Doula reports to the Manager, Victoria and works collaboratively with the Arrow Home team to provide strengths-based, trauma-informed, family support for program participants and their babies, ensuring they have the appropriate level of practical support for daily living. The Indigenous Doula will prioritize families that need higher levels of support and Indigenous families. They will have lived experience of Indigenous culture and traditions. The doula will support in the home during the fourth trimester following birth, and provide education, nonjudgmental support and companionship; assist with newborn care and family adjustment, meal preparation, and other activities of daily living. Working as a doula is a way to practice the traditions of the Ancestors, when we may not always have access to our community support systems.

Requirements

Mature individual, committed to and in agreement with UGM’s Mission Statement, Core Values and Statement of Faith.
Indigenous ancestry/identity is a bona fide occupational requirement for this position: Only individuals who identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) will be considered for this position.
A Doula Certificate is required, along with membership with the doula services association of BC.
At least 20 hours of training in one or more of these subjects: counselling; crisis and conflict resolution; psychosocial intervention for substance use and concurrent disorders; and trauma-informed practice.
Basic computer skills (Outlook, Word, Excel).
Calm and nurturing presence & exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure, and function independently.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality within the organization and its clientele.
Willing to complete UGM’s Non-Violent Crisis Intervention course and all other mandatory training.

Nice To Haves

Other combinations of lived experience and education may be considered.
Experience with Indigenous peoples; working in a multi-ethnic and socially diverse community is an asset.
Knowledge of local family focused recovery programming and local MCFD offices and system is an asset.

Responsibilities

Provides culturally safe services to diverse populations, including Indigenous Peoples.
Provide the mothers with emotional, physical, moral, and educational support, especially as the other parent and other close relatives are not living with the mother and baby in recovery.
Educate the mothers on techniques that increase comfort and to make the transition to motherhood easier in a culturally relevant and holistic way.
Listen to the concerns and questions of the mothers in a kind, nonjudgemental way and offering the best possible advice from sacred traditions and Indigenous knowledge and wisdom.
Visit the mother once they have been discharged from hospital to Arrow Home and assist with the care of the baby while the mother heals.
Provide practical support and advice to the mother after childbirth, like organizing a nursery, running errands, and assisting with breastfeeding and meal preparation.
Keeping up to date on childbirth support, birthing techniques, and pre and post-natal care by conducting research, networking with other Doulas and mothers, and attending workshops and lectures.
Help organize and participate in program activities as applicable, offering ideas and resources when appropriate.
Lead a parenting chat group for all program participants once per week, discussing child development, infant needs, tips for women adjusting to motherhood, and offering fun and encouraging activities to do with babies.
Participate in staff meetings, training, and cultural and spiritual development opportunities, and perform other duties as required by your supervisor.
Follow UGM processes and protocols in working with and including UGM’s Matriarch and Elder.
Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.