Childbirth Educator Positions

Childbirth Educator Positions at the Center

I do not anticipate a job opening in the near future (written on 5/25/11). However, I wanted to plant a seed for those of you who might prove to be the perfect fit for us. Perhaps you do not currently meet all of my minimum requirements? Here’s what it would take.

I am looking to train folks who actually want to be a childbirth educator as an end it itself, for its own sake, rather than people who are using it as a short-term stepping stone, or resume builder, towards another career goal.

I am looking for folks who can make a long-term commitment to working at the Center and who plan to be in the area for the foreseeable future. Organizational skills, reliability, and punctuality are a must.

Job Description:

Teach community-based, consumer-oriented childbirth preparation classes for groups of up to eleven couples at the Center. Classes are offered on seven consecutive Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 6:30–8:45pm or two-three consecutive half-day Saturdays. Starting pay $20 per hour up to $33 per hour, based on experience and positive evaluations (includes one hour of prep time for each class). All instructors are independent contractors rather than employees of the Center (meaning no taxes are taken out of your pay). There will also be quarterly teachers’ meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • VERY knowledgeable about current labor and birth practices; active, ongoing learner
  • Hands-on experience with birth; doula experience preferable
  • Passionate about the subject matter, BUT … (see next three items)
  • Able to walk a respectful line regarding parents’ choices; flexible, non-rigid approach
  • Able to manage a fairly savvy crowd of expectant parents including medical professionals
  • Comfortable making a balanced presentation of subject matter to a diverse audience
  • Dynamic public speaking skills, sense of humor, personal charisma
  • Have had a child(ren)
  • Not employed by a competitor; willing to sign a non-compete agreement (for 30 mile radius of Ann Arbor)
  • Eager to be part of our team of teachers at the Center and willing to promote the Center and its programs

Would be nice:

  • Experienced educator with an understanding of the needs of adult learners
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Certified as a childbirth educator or working on certification (various approaches are welcome)
  • Knowledgeable about differences between homebirth practices and routine hospital birth practices

In addition:

Willing to commit to our training process which involves observing an entire seven-week series of classes, co-teaching a series, and then teaching on your own with observation, before teaching solo. There is no pay during the training period which can take almost a year. There is no guarantee that we will hire you once the training period has completed, nor is there a guarantee regarding the number of hours you will be working once you start. Ongoing employment and pay raises are dependent upon positive student evaluations. We ask that you also be willing to commit to providing backup for the teaching staff as needed.

I encourage:

Each instructor to actively help evolve the curriculum, incorporating feedback from program participants, so as to better meet their needs (which change over time).

To apply:

No resumes please! I want a one-page (single-spaced) letter telling me: (1) how you meet or exceed the qualifications listed and why you think you will be a great addition to the Center’s staff and (2) summarizes your personal philosophy of childbirth education (What are your goals?). Attach it to an email addressed to patty@center4cby.com.