Overview

Antara Pathways doulas offer holistic, trauma-informed support to clients and families before, during, and after death. This work complements clinical care, focusing on presence, comfort, and meaning, especially for those experiencing grief, isolation, or lack of access to equitable end-of-life support.

Core Responsibilities

• Offer steady, compassionate presence for clients and families, at home, in facilities, or virtually.
• Engage in deep listening, life-review conversations, and gentle guidance through emotional transitions.
• Support ritual creation, music, or memory-keeping that reflects the client’s beliefs and identity.
• Provide comfort-oriented environment adjustments, lighting, aromatherapy, soft music, or touch (as appropriate).
• Collaborate with hospice teams and caregivers while honoring boundaries of a non-clinical role.
• Document visits confidentially in accordance with Antara Pathways’ policies.

Training & Support Provided

• Orientation in trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and grief literacy.
• Instruction in active listening, reflective presence, and comfort care techniques.
• Ongoing supervision and mentorship with experienced end-of-life professionals.
• Workshops on inclusivity, boundaries, and spiritual care.
• Access to reflective circles for peer support and processing.

Time Commitment

• 2–4 hours per week, flexible to your schedule.
• Visits may occur in 3–6 hour intervals depending on client needs.
• Minimum suggested service term: 3 months.

Qualifications

• Grounded, reliable, and emotionally mature.
• Comfortable with silence, grief, and the unknown.
• Strong boundaries and respect for cultural, spiritual, and personal differences.
• Commitment to Antara’s principles of compassion, equity, and inclusion.
• Preferred but not required: prior hospice, caregiving, or chaplaincy experience.

Accessibility, Equity & Inclusion

• We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.
• Training and roles can be adapted for accessibility or remote participation.
• We prioritize opportunities for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and justice-involved individuals.

Learn more about our Community Care Standards and Non-Discrimination Policy.

Screening & Onboarding

• Volunteer application and interview.
• Reference and background check (Antara-covered for in-person roles).
• Completion of training modules and agreement to Antara’s care standards.

What You’ll Gain

• Experience in compassionate presence, grief literacy, and holistic care.
• Mentorship from experienced end-of-life practitioners.
• Connection with a community rooted in empathy and service.
• Verification of volunteer hours upon request.