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 applicants. Tailor this template and pair it with thoughtful interview questions to narrow down your pool of candidates.

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 only apply to some 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: Your prospective applicants will also need information on what the job entails. This section should list all the key duties and responsibilities of the doula in order of relevance.

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

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. Doula training workshops are provided by many different organizations, but most facilities require applicants to complete a DONA international-approved certification program.

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 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!

Start Building Your Talent Pool Today

Now that you have a well-written doula job description, it’s time to start finding qualified applicants. Not sure how to get your posting in front of the right people? Find out how IntelyCare can help you reach a nationwide network of healthcare professionals who are ready to work.