Transition of Care Doula

Transitions Of Care Doula

The Transitions Of Care Doula is a trained, non-medical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a birthing person and their family before, during, and shortly after childbirth. This position is a unique, hybrid role that combines traditional doula support with essential care coordination. The primary goal is to help the birthing person have a safe, memorable, and empowering experience by providing personalized care, advocacy, and evidence-based resources. Works to nurture and protect the client's memory of their birth experience. This position will be based in our Southern Region (Monmouth and Ocean Counties).

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to birthing individuals and their families through the prenatal, labor, birth, and postpartum period.
• Advocate for patient choices and preferences, communicating effectively with the registered nurse and other members of the clinical care team.
• Collaborate with the patient's provider, nurses, and hospital staff to ensure seamless and personalized care. Labor and Birth Support
• Provide continuous, uninterrupted support throughout active labor and delivery.
• Provides physical support by suggesting position changes, applying counter-pressure and massage, assisting with hydrotherapy (tub/shower when approved by healthcare team), and ensuring the client is hydrated and nourished.
• Gives emotional support by providing a calm, reassuring presence, offering encouragement and affirmations, and helping the client work through fear and anxiety. Transition Of Care Coordination
• Assess patients' post-discharge needs, considering social needs, to develop an individualized postpartum transition plan.
• Facilitate communication between the family and the healthcare team to remove barriers to a safe and timely discharge.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of community resources and provide families with referrals, including but not limited to:
• OB-Gyn, pediatrician, or other specialists follow-up appointments.
• Lactation support (IBCLCs, CLCs) and feeding clinics.
• Behavioral health resources, including support groups.
• Transportation and financial assistance programs.
• Provide patient-centered education on postpartum recovery, newborn care, and early parenthood. Professional & Team Responsibilities

• Adhere to all HMH policies and guidelines, including infection control and safety protocols.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team rounds to identify and address potential barriers to discharge and patient well-being.
• Document all support and resources provided in a timely and professional manner in accordance with department protocols.
• Ensure close communication with providers and nurses regarding any modifications to the care plan.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required :

• High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
• Minimum of 1 or more years of active experience as a certified Doula in the last 3 years.
• This regional position requires reliable transportation for travel throughout the service area and 24/7 availability to provide in-person support for patients during labor.
• Knowledge of social needs and their impact on maternal and infant outcomes.
• Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide culturally competent, patient-centered support with a high degree of empathy and professionalism.
• Accustomed to working in a fast-paced team environment, prioritize tasks and act professionally under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred :

• Minimum of 3-5 years of clinical or community-based experience as a practicing doula.
• Experience working within a hospital or clinical setting.
• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems, such as EPIC.
• Bilingual skills.

Licenses and Certifications Required :

• Certified Labor Support Doula or End-of-Life Doula Professional Certification.
• BLS AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification.

Licenses and Certifications Preferred :

• Dual certification as both a Birth and Postpartum Doula.
• Additional certifications, such as Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Childbirth Educator (CBE), or in perinatal mental health.
• A professional license in a related field (e.g., LPN, Social Work).
• Interpreter training (If bilingual).

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!

Hackensack Meridian Health