Job Objective:

Goodwill Industries of Michiana recognizes that vulnerable populations experience significant disparities in adverse birth outcomes and seeks to address these disparities through implementing BASE Doula Program. Through this program, Community Doulas will be responsible for providing physical, emotional, and informational support to expectant families throughout pregnancy, labor and birth, and the immediate postpartum period. Community Doulas will also be engaged in outreach, education, and resource support for Goodwills Community Health programs, including Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) and Diapers & More of Northern Indiana. This will involve participating in outreach activities intended to build awareness of Community Health programs and identifying and navigating resources to support Community Health program participants. This position reports to the BASE Doula Program Manager who evaluates performance annually.

Essential Job Functions:

• Knows and understands the Goodwill Mission: Strengthen communities by empowering individuals and families through education, training and job placement.

BASE Doula Services

• Attend team meetings for collaboration, information, and training.
• Provide the client with emotional, physical, and educational support using a client-centered approach.
• Follow the policies and procedures for BASE Doula Program for prenatal and postpartum home visits and when providing labor and delivery support to clients.
• Remain up to date on childbirth support, birthing techniques, new parent education, and all other necessary supportive services relevant to the work of Doulas.
• Establish and maintain positive professional relationships with local hospitals and referral partners.
• Attend reflective supervision meetings with Manager.
• Continually seek and accept opportunities for professional growth.
• Available for labor and birth support beginning two weeks prior to expecting parents estimated due date.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of client visits and assessments.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations.
• Provide up to 15 consecutive hours of support to clients during labor & delivery.

Outreach, Education, and Resources

• Build awareness of Goodwills Community Health programs through community outreach activities and events approved by the Manager.
• Provide support to nurses in identifying and accessing resources for clients.
• Be actively involved in local community committees, coalitions, and other public health opportunities as approved by the Manager.
• Advocate for social changes that promote health equity for populations that are experiencing disparity in maternal and child health.
• Other duties as assigned by the Manager.
• Provide perinatal education to priority populations as assigned by the Manager.
• Assist the Manager in developing and maintaining a collection of culturally appropriate community resources.
• Provide support to assigned clients while helping them navigate community resources.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Completion or ability to complete community health worker training and certification, preferably related to perinatal health.
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule beyond normal weekday business hours to meet the needs of clients.
• Completion or ability to complete doula training and certification from a certifying agency.
• Ability to work professionally within the systems that serve communities impacted by trauma, racism, discrimination, and health disparities.
• Ability to nurture and guide clients in preparation for labor and delivery and the immediate postpartum period.
• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting.

• Must have reliable transportation, a current driver's license, and provide proof of insurance to travel to different job sites.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum high school diploma or GED required, associate degree or bachelors preferred.
• 1-2 years' experience in healthcare, community health, early childhood education, or social services preferred.
• Previous doula, childbirth education, or lactation support training is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift a minimum of 35 lbs.
• Ability to kneel, bend, stand and sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb stairs.

Equipment Used:

• Printer/scanner/copier/fax machine
• Smart phone
• Automobile
• Computer/internet
• Birth support tools

Environmental Conditions:

• Office environment.
• Travel to client homes, hospitals, clinics, and community events.