Description

Job title

Perinatal Doula

#FPCN-DOULA-04262024

Program Summary

The Family Practice & Counseling Network (FPCN) provides comprehensive primary care, dental and behavioral health services. We stand behind the belief that all people are entitled to accessible, comprehensive, quality, and affordable health care, and that care must be delivered in a culturally competent, trauma-informed and compassionate manner by caring for the whole person - mind, body & spirit. The network's mission is to provide person-centered, integrated and comprehensive health services to individuals and families across their lifespan. The network promotes resiliency and well-being among patients, staff and surrounding communities.

The Network consists of three (3) federally qualified health centers (FQHC) in Philadelphia:

• Abbottsford Falls Family Practice & Counseling (Northwest Philly);
• Stephen & Sandra Sheller 11th Street Family Health Services of Drexel University (North Philly); and
• Health Annex (Southwest Philly).

Today the FPCN serves more than 20,000 patients annually and is a NCQA certified Patient-Centered Medical Home and recognized by HRSA as a National Quality Leader for Behavioral Health.

FPCN is restructuring its services to encompass full prenatal, and postpartum care across its 3 main sites. The Perinatal Program consists of services to include education on nutrition, exercise, childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, infant and self-care; and mental health and substance abuse therapy. These services will be provided by interdisciplinary teams of professionals led by nurse midwives and doulas, and will include behavioral health specialists, addiction counselors, social workers, and registered nurses. Additional services will include transportation assistance; lactation counseling; prenatal and parenting education; legal services; and complementary mind/body services, such as yoga, massage, and meditation. All staff will have training in anti-racism, justice, diversity, and inclusion (A-JEDI), trauma-informed care, and sanctuary model practices.

Position Summary

The Perinatal Doula will play a vital role in supporting expectant parents throughout the course of the pregnancy, including during childbirth and up to 2 years of the postpartum period; working in tandem with the Perinatal Nurse to conduct home visits and the Perinatal Team to provide comprehensive care to expectant and postpartum families.

Essential Duties and Functions

1. Provide comprehensive emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant parents throughout the labor, possibly birth, and the postpartum period.
2. Postpartum follow-up will include a three-day phone call or home visit and phone support/ information and education up to 2 years.
3. Help expectant parents understand their birth options, create birth plans, and offer evidence-based information to empower them in making informed decisions.
4. Offer continuous presence, comfort measures, and reassurance during labor and birth, while fostering a calm and supportive environment.
5. Provide non-medical assistance, such as massage, aromatherapy, and other comfort measures during labor.
6. Support the breastfeeding process, as well as addressing common breastfeeding challenges.
7. Offer non-clinical guidance on newborn care, including soothing techniques, feeding, sleep routines, and postpartum recovery for the birthing parent.
8. Educate parents on infant development, bonding, and early parenting skills.
9. Collaborate with healthcare professionals, including doctors, midwives, and nurses, to ensure seamless care for the family.
10. Documents encounters with patients in the Network's EHR Athena.
11. Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED
• Certification as a Birth Doula and/or Postpartum Doula; holds PA State Doula Certification (or prepared to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Proven experience as a Birth and/or Postpartum Doula, with a deep understanding of the childbirth process and postpartum recovery.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with expectant parents.
• Excellent communication and active listening skills, with the ability to effectively provide emotional support and information to clients.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based birth practices and postpartum care.
• Empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental approach to supporting diverse families.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations.
• Reliable transportation and availability for on-call shifts, including nights and weekends.
• Current CPR Certification.
• Must be COVID Vaccinated

Working conditions

Hazard and Atmospheric Conditions

• Exposure to Loud Noise
• Low exposure to blood borne pathogens and communicable diseases

Requirements

Physical requirements

Lifting Requirements

• Medium: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (stationary position)
• Walk
• Use hands or fingers to handle or feel (operate, activate, prepare, inspect, position)
• Climb (stairs/ladders)
• Talk/Hear (communicate, converse, convey, express/exchange information)
• See (detect, identify, recognize, inspect, assess)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Repetitive Motion
• Reaching (high or low)
• Kneel, Stoop, Crouch or Crawl (position self, move)

Resources for Human Development is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran, or disability status.

Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate: FPCN, a program in the City of Philadelphia, are required to follow the COVID vaccine mandate for healthcare workers per Philadelphia Department of Public Health. FPCN requires Healthcare Workers to be fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated means it has been two weeks since the final dose of vaccine. Thus, we require vaccination prior to start for all new hires. This currently does not include boosters.