Independent Contractor – Certified Doula

Position Title: Independent Contractor – Certified Doula

Location: Must be physically located in the service area (Lee, Collier, Hendry or Glades County), and attend in-person and online trainings/meetings as required.

This is a grant-funded 1099 independent contractor position, and is contingent upon funding award and continued grant availability. It is not an employee role. Contractors are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and business expenses. No benefits (health insurance, PTO, retirement, etc.) are provided. Work is project-based as agreed upon in the contract.

Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to maternal and child health, reducing infant deaths and premature births, and promoting healthy outcomes for babies and young children. We have served families in Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties since 1992. The Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida system of care includes Connect, Healthy Start, CAPTA, Nurse Family Partnership, Help Me Grow, FIMR, TEAM Dad, and the Southwest Florida Regional Diaper Bank programs. Join a dynamic team where every day you can make a positive impact on the health of new mothers, babies, and their families. Our team provides support and services to help give every baby a healthy start in life.

Position Summary

The Independent Contractor – Certified Doula provides continuous, non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support to pregnant and postpartum individuals enrolled in the Healthy Start telehealth program. Services are guided by the G.R.O.W. (Guidance, Resource, Openhearted, Wisdom) Doula Model and aim to promote positive birth experiences and improved maternal and infant health outcomes.

The program primarily serves low-income, high-risk clients in their third trimester who may have limited support. Doulas play a critical role in building trusting relationships, empowering clients, supporting informed decision-making, and connecting families to healthcare and community resources.

Core Responsibilities

Prenatal Support

• Establish a trusting, supportive relationship with clients beginning approximately 26–31 weeks gestation.
• Provide prenatal education, emotional support, and preparation for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.
• Complete up to three prenatal home visits during the third trimester.
• Review birth preferences and, when appropriate, accompany clients to prenatal appointments.

Labor and Birth Support

• Provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during labor and delivery.
• Utilize evidence-based comfort measures, encouragement, and advocacy within the non-medical scope of practice.
• Collaborate respectfully with healthcare providers to support the client’s birth experience.

Postpartum and Follow-Up Support

• Provide immediate postpartum support (approximately one hour after birth), including emotional support and bonding assistance.
• Conduct two to three postnatal visits to support recovery, infant care, and family adjustment.
• Encourage breastfeeding and provide referrals to lactation or other support services as needed.
• Connect clients to community resources, including telehealth program services and home visiting programs.

Documentation and Program Coordination

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all client interactions and services.
• Communicate regularly with the Program Manager regarding caseload, client needs, and availability.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and quality assurance activities.
• Adhere to all Healthy Start policies, confidentiality standards, and program requirements.

Qualifications and Requirements

Core Qualifications (Required)

• Completion of an approved doula training program and current doula certification, including certification through the G.R.O.W. Doula Model or equivalent (training available through the Coalition).
• Knowledge of public health principles, pediatrics, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology related to childbirth and postpartum care.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills to effectively educate diverse audiences.
• Ability to communicate clearly and empathetically in high-pressure situations while maintaining professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations in a culturally responsive manner.
• Willingness to serve clients within the designated service area.
• Ability to be on call for births around assigned clients’ estimated due dates.

Professional Skills and Experience

• Data analysis skills for tracking client progress and program effectiveness.
• Experience in case management or client advocacy within healthcare or community settings (preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience providing doula services to pregnant and postpartum individuals.
• Experience working with low-income or high-risk populations.
• Familiarity with community resources, home visiting programs, and maternal-child health services.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities (Spanish, Creole, Portuguese).

Licensure, Certification, and Compliance Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening.
• Current CPR certification or willingness to obtain.
• Willingness to comply with applicable health and safety requirements for working in medical and community settings, in accordance with Florida law.

Independent Contractor Disclaimer

This position is classified as an independent contractor. Contractors are not employees of the organization and are not eligible for employee benefits. Contractors are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and compliance with applicable laws as outlined in the contract agreement.

Work Location: In person