Job Summary :
The Doula Community Navigator & Lactation Consultant connects pregnant and postpartum patients to community-based support, doula services, and lactation care across both community and hospital settings. This role builds partnerships with community organizations and clinical practices, guides patients and families to the resources they need, and provides lactation education and support from pregnancy through postpartum - helping close gaps between community outreach and hospital-based obstetric care.
Position Responsibilities:
Participate in Community outreach and patient engagement.
Build partnerships with community organizations and clinical practices.
Connecting families with resources regarding pregnancy and postpartum.
Support Referral pathways to Virtua Health, Inc. services.
Provide lactation education and support to families.
Perform assessment of patient leading to development, implementation, and evaluation of a plan of care for breastfeeding.
Assist with comfort measures during labor, such as breathing techniques, massage, and positioning.
Help the birthing patient with relaxation and pain management strategies.
Support the birthing patient in communicating their preferences and decisions to medical staff.
Help advocate for the birthing patients' birth plan and wishes during labor.
Stay with the birthing patient throughout labor and delivery, providing constant support during the entire process.
Provide continuous emotional reassurance and encouragement to the birthing patient.
Create a calm and supportive environment to reduce stress and anxiety.
Offer evidence-based information about the birth process, pain management options, and postpartum care.
Help the birthing patient and their partner understand their options and prepare for labor.
Position Qualifications Required :
Required Experience:
Minimum 2-3 years of active experience providing doula support required, along with 2 years' experience in community outreach, patient navigation, health education, or a related community health role. This experience may come from a formal community health worker or navigator role, or from community-facing work integrated into a doula practice - for example, partnering with local clinics, WIC, home visiting programs, or peer support groups. Must have a strong ability to listen and provide emotional support in high-stress situations.
Familiarity with childbirth processes, comfort measures, and postpartum care. Ability to communicate effectively with the birthing person, their family, and the healthcare team.
Required Education:
High School Graduate or GED
Training / Certification / Licensure:
Completion of certification for Doulas is required.
Completion of certification for Breastfeeding Counselor required
Valid Driver's License required.
Hourly Rate: $30.37 - $47.20 The actual salary/rate will vary based on applicant's experience as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Virtua offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time colleagues, including, but not limited to: medical/prescription, dental and vision insurance; health and dependent care flexible spending accounts; 403(b) (401(k) subject to collective bargaining agreement); paid time off, paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, short-term disability and optional long-term disability, colleague and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance; tuition assistance, and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions. Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies.
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