Patient Support Assistant (Doula) - Sexual and Reproductive Health

About HealthQ: Established in 1971, HealthQ is a non-profit organization providing sexual and reproductive health. HealthQ's mission is to provide exceptional reproductive and sexual health care to all who need it without judgment and without barriers. With convenient locations on Massachusetts’ North Shore and Merrimack Valley, we provide birth control, abortion care, gender-affirming care, STI testing and treatment, HIV testing and referral, and other preventive health services.

Role Summary: HealthQ is currently looking for a part-time Patient Support Assistant (PSA) to assist with fostering a comforting and empowering experience for patients seeking abortion care at HealthQ. The PSA provides non-medical, patient-centered, compassionate, trauma-informed, evidence-based informational support and assistance to patients seeking abortion care. This care is provided before, during, and after an abortion at HealthQ.

There can be a lot of misinformation and stigma in abortion care. The PSA serves as a companion, advocate, and educator—providing clarification on what the procedure is, what to expect, how to prepare, and how to care for yourself after an abortion.

This is a part-time position and involves 2 shifts per week on days that HealthQ performs procedural care. The health centers are located within 22 miles of each other. This position is for 15 hours per week, with the following schedule:

• Wednesdays: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at HealthQ in Beverly, MA
• Fridays: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at HealthQ in Lawrence, MA

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Patient Support and Follow-Up

• Assist patients in preparing for and experiencing abortion care at HealthQ.
• Provide trauma-informed, patient-centered care by offering physical and emotional support to patients before, during, and after their abortion procedures.
• Provides support and information for patients receiving abortion care.
• Support clients throughout the abortion procedure (at the bedside and in recovery); provide emotional support/companionship and assist with self-administration of local anesthesia.
• Communicate effectively and sensitively to patients from a wide range of backgrounds and ages.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sensitivity and a nonjudgmental manner in dealing with sexuality and sensitive issues with patients.
• Actively demonstrate, promote, and support a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion by upholding principles of reproductive justice.
• Escalate concerns to clinical team members as appropriate.
• Participating in team meetings and trainings.
• Work in collaboration with the clinical care team by communicating effectively.
• Follows established infection control and safety procedures.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Experience/Skill Requirements:

• At least 2 years of professional or volunteer experience in health and human services.
• Prior education/training from a qualified doula program is preferred but not required.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish and English) preferred.
• Must be dedicated to and have passion for reproductive health, and the achievement of reproductive justice and health equity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and active listening skills including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people of different races, ethnicities, sexual and gender identities and expressions, ages, abilities, and experiences.
• Ability to work in a computerized office environment required, including skill in E-mail, word-processing, spreadsheets, and electronic practice management systems.

Education/Knowledge Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of or experience in sexuality education or sexual and reproductive health preferred.
• Foundational understanding of structural racism and the systems of oppression that contribute to health inequities in our communities
• Must have cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of social, racial and ethnic populations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to instill confidence and to advocate for patients.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation

The compensation range for this position is $18.54 – $22.25 per hour and the starting salary offer will primarily be determined by the years of experience the candidate brings to the role. HealthQ offers annual increases in accordance with the organization's salary administration policy.

Benefits

This position does not meet the criteria for benefits eligibility. The minimum working requirement is 30 hours per week. However, this position will accrue 1 hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked.

To Apply:

Candidates should complete the application and attach a copy of their resume.

There will be 3 rounds of interviews. The process will include a screening interview with a member of HealthQ's team and two subsequent rounds of interviews with members of the HealthQ team.

If you need accommodations to increase accessibility and to fully participate during the hiring and interview process, please contact rachelz@healthq.org .

A Note to Potential Candidates:

Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, and BIPOC folks are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.