Hospital Based Certified Doula - Full Time

About the role

The Community Doula is a non-clinical member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team who provides emotional, physical, educational and advocacy support to pregnant, laboring, and postpartum patients, and their families throughout the perinatal experience. The doula works collaboratively with the nurses, physicians, midwives, social workers, Lactation consultants and other healthcare professionals to improve maternal and infant outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and reduce disparities in care. The role focuses on supporting culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and patient centered care while helping patients navigate the healthcare system and connect with community resources before, during and after hospitalization. The Community Doula serves as a bridge between the hospital setting, and the community, promoting trust, communication, and continuity of care.

Responsibilities

• Provides emotional, physical, educational and advocacy support to pregnant, laboring, and postpartum patients, and their families throughout the perinatal experience.
• Works collaboratively with nurses, physicians, midwives, social workers, lactation consultants and other healthcare professionals to improve maternal and infant outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and reduce disparities in care.
• Supports culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and patient-centered care.
• Helps patients navigate the healthcare system and connect with community resources before, during and after hospitalization.
• Serves as a bridge between the hospital setting and the community, promoting trust, communication, and continuity of care.
• Provides compassionate, respectful, and culturally-sensitive support to all patients and families.
• Promotes dignity, autonomy, and informed choice throughout patient experience.
• Supports equitable care delivery and patient advocacy.
• Maintains positive working relationships with nurses, physicians, and interdisciplinary team.
• Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively across all levels.
• Participates actively in team meetings, rounds, and collaborative planning.
• Contributes to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes.
• Supports efforts to reduce preventable complications and disparities in care.
• Promotes timely postpartum follow-up and safe discharge planning.
• Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and ethical conduct.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and compliance with hospital policies and procedures.
• Participates in ongoing education, competency development, and professional growth.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in public health, social work, maternal child health, or related field (preferred).
• Completion of a recognized doula training program from NJ Family Care (Medicaid) approved training programs (Ancient Song, HealthConnect One, Uzazi Village, CAPPA and DONA International (birth only), Community Doulas of South Jersey) required upon hire or transfer.
• Community Doula must enroll as fee-for-service providers.
• American Heart Association BLS required within 30 days of hire or transfer.
• Experience working with pregnant and postpartum populations strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting underserved, high risk, or vulnerable populations preferred.
• Prior hospital or health care setting experience preferred.
• 1-2 years minimum doula experience or community based maternal support