Job Abstract

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, implemented the coverage of doula services as a benefit on January 1, 2023. Through the benefit, pregnant Medi-Cal members can request and receive Medi-Cal coverage for full-spectrum doula services. Doula support has been shown to improve birth outcomes, maternal satisfaction with the birth experience, and to reduce medical intervention during labor. These positive impacts are critical in Los Angeles County, where – in parallel with national trends – there are vast racial and economic disparities in infant and maternal health outcomes and a history of inadequate, discriminatory health care for women and birthing people of color and their families.

In February 2023, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors directed the Department of Public Health (DPH), Department of Health Services, and the Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative to propose a plan for a Doula Hub to assure the Medi-Cal benefit rollout was equitable and free of administrative roadblocks for doulas and clients alike. Since then, some public and private funding has been allocated to this Hub for doulas to address core needs.

The Hub will ensure benefit implementation is jointly and equitably shouldered by Medi-Cal health plans, the County, community partners, and doulas, and to enable doulas to prioritize those most at risk of adverse birth outcomes. The work of the Hub will complement the ongoing efforts of direct service doula programs, statewide benefit implementation workgroups, maternal health advocates, and health plans/regulators.

The Doula Hub will facilitate Medi-Cal doula benefit implementation in five areas:

1. Doula Training and Health Care System Integration
2. Medi-Cal Contracting and Billing Assistance
3. Workforce & Organizational Development
4. Quality Assurance & Evaluation
5. Communications/Public Awareness Efforts (to doulas, Medi-Cal members, and providers)

This is a full-time benefitted position. Employment is provided by Heluna Health.

The pay rate for this position is $94,000 annually.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Health Analyst/ Los Angeles County Medi-Cal Doula Hub Coordinator will be responsible for implementing the Hub and developing the above Hub services countywide. The duties of the Coordinator include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborating closely with the selected Doula Hub community lead agency to develop plans, scopes of work, budgets, and timelines for each of the five Hub areas.
• Developing, implementing, and monitoring subcontracts for Hub services, including communications, training, evaluation, and/or billing.
• Monitoring grant budget and expenses.
• Maintaining relationships with the doula benefit point person at each Medi-Cal health plan serving Los Angeles County.
• Developing a 3–5-year plan for the Medi-Cal Doula Hub.
• Planning and facilitating Doula Advisory Council and other collaborative meetings.
• Facilitating presentations to, and maintaining relationships with, health plans, healthcare facilities, funders, providers, and organizations that provide perinatal services.
• Participating in regular meetings of DPH MCAH Perinatal Innovation Unit and in check-ins with Manager.
• Maintaining communication with existing doula programs and doulas to understand what doulas most need from the Hub.
• Completing progress reports as assigned by funder(s) and Board of Supervisors.
• Collaborating with communications lead to develop communications content and tools to promote doulas and the Medi-Cal Doula Hub.
• Other assigned duties.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• Experience as a birth doula or full-spectrum doula;
• At least two years of programmatic and administrative experience in perinatal health;
• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the work of Public Health or four years of work experience in a staff capacity analyzing and making recommendations for the solution of problems in organization, program, procedure, budget, or personnel;
• Experience coordinating community advisory groups and collaborating with community agencies;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to navigate and build relationships with the diverse doula community and Medi-Cal populations;
• An understanding of the impact of social determinants on health and commitment to addressing inequality in health care and health outcomes through frameworks of anti-racism and reproductive justice;
• Strong English writing skills; and
• Valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation or ability to secure timely transportation for off-site travel to various sites throughout Los Angeles County as needed.

Desirable Qualifications:

• A Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the work of Public Health;
• Experience developing and overseeing large contracts, including Medi-Cal health plan contracts;
• Project coordination experience and skills, particularly in coordinating large-scale, grant-funded, time sensitive projects;
• Work experience in public health, government agency, non-profit organization, or on behalf of a government agency;
• Ability to act with judgement, confidence, and personal initiative in a fast-paced and highly visible work environment; and
• Computer literate and skilled in use of Microsoft Windows-based programs, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access).

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Successful clearance of LA County Live Scan required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand Frequently

Walk Frequently

Sit Frequently

Handling / Fingering Occasionally

Reach Outward Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally

Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs.

Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs.

See Constantly

Taste/ Smell Not Applicable

Not Applicable Not required for essential functions

Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs./day)

Frequently (2 - 5 hrs./day)

Constantly (5+ hrs./day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages people of color, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.