Doula Job Description Template

Doulas specialize in providing physical and emotional support to patients before, during, or after birth. These professionals typically don’t have healthcare degrees, so they’re not expected (or qualified) to deliver medical care. However, they complement the work of midwives and nurses by comforting, educating, and advocating for patients. This role requires empathy and strong communication skills, so writing a targeted doula job description is key to finding the right candidates.

To help you hire the best person to round out your care team, we’ve provided an example job description that outlines essential information for prospective doula work applicants. Tailor this template and pair it with thoughtful interview questions to narrow down your pool of candidates.

Doula

Tips: The introductory section of your job description isn’t intended to explain how to become a doula. Instead, it should clearly outline the role itself and describe the facility where the position is based. Think of it as an elevator pitch for why candidates should apply. If your facility has received any special awards or distinctions, listing these can help you stand out from other organizations. You can even touch on your mission, values, or company culture.

Prospective applicants may have a preference for working in certain settings over others. So, it can also be helpful to specify upfront whether this is a hospital doula job description or an opening in an outpatient clinic.

Template:

[Facility name] is looking for a certified doula to join the in-patient labor and delivery unit at our downtown hospital. Having been in operation for over 30 years, we are experts in providing a comfortable birthing experience for diverse patient populations. With nine locations statewide, we’re eager to continue expanding our reach and making an even greater impact on our community.

By joining our team, you’ll not only get to work with a passionate team of professionals, but you’ll also be supported by our competitive benefits package and unique training opportunities. We invite you to learn more about all the benefits of working at our facility below!

Benefits

Tips: This next section of your doula job description should expand on all the great perks that you alluded to in your introduction. Make sure to describe these perks accurately and avoid simply pasting descriptions of benefits packages that may apply only to certain roles. This will help prevent unnecessary confusion or misunderstandings as candidates progress in the hiring process.

Template:

• 401(k) retirement plan with matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous PTO
• Wellness days and paid holidays
• Disability insurance
• In-house doula training workshops

Duties and Responsibilities

Tips: Here’s where you get to answer the question, What is a doula’s job? You’ll want to list all the key doula responsibilities and duties in order of relevance. These expectations help clarify the doula’s specific role within the care team. For example, the job functions of a doula (vs. a midwife or mother-baby nurse) focus primarily on the laboring parent rather than the infant, an emphasis that should be clearly reflected with the role description.

Remember to also tailor this section to the type of unit you’re hiring for. A postpartum doula job description should focus more on new parent support and patient recovery, while a birth doula job description should list duties related to supporting parents through the labor and delivery process.

Template:

• Provide physical and emotional support to pregnant and birthing patients
• Refer patients and families to evidence-based resources and information
• Advocate for the needs of parents while also empowering them to make informed decisions about their care
• Assist patients in creating a birthing plan while staying within your scope of practice
• Offer comfort measures, such as relaxation techniques, during labor
• Stay current with the latest research in childbirth and postpartum support
• Attend quarterly team meetings as scheduled by unit supervisor

Compensation and Schedule

Tips: Your prospective applicants will also be seeking details about the doula job salary, work hours, and location. While you don’t have to provide an exact wage estimate, listing a salary range is an important way to demonstrate transparency and help prospective applicants determine whether this job aligns with their expectations.

Template:

• Expected annual salary: $45,000 – $55,000
• Hours: Full-time, day shifts (7a – 3p)
• Unit: Labor and delivery
• Location: [insert city, state]

Skills and Qualifications

Tips: This section should outline the doula job requirements and qualifications that candidates will need to apply for the role. If you require specialized doula training or certifications, you should also clarify that here. While they’re not typically licensed healthcare professionals, most facilities prefer to hire a certified doula (meaning, someone who has completed formal training).

Doula certification programs and workshops are provided by a variety of organizations, including state-based certifying bodies. One of the most widely recognized credentialing agencies is the DONA international-approved certification program, though other programs do exist.

Template:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• DONA certification must be acquired within six months of hire
• Experience supporting laboring patients preferred
• Bilingual English and Spanish proficiency preferred

Call to Action

Tips: Lastly, you’ll want to provide instructions for prospective applicants who are interested in taking the next steps. This last section of your doula job description should include a link to your application portal or the contact information for the hiring manager who is receiving doula resumes and cover letters from applicants.

Template:

Ready to start making a meaningful impact on your community? Click here to start your application today. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

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