What are the responsibilities and job description for the Equine Specialist, Therapeutic position at LEAD with Horses?
The equine specialist (ES) cares for horses and works in partnership with a mental health professional (MHP) to deliver private and group equine assisted programs for children and families. This individual must have a strong equine background, organizational and teaching skills, and an ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. This is a part-time position.
LEAD with Horses provides experiential learning and therapy programs. Our clients may be affected by social, learning, and behavioral challenges; family stress; learning disabilities; or any of a number of behavioral health diagnoses. Activities and interactions with the horses are on the ground (no riding a this time) and addresses a variety of life skills and human development needs.
The ES is responsible for designing, planning, conducting and evaluating equine–assisted learning and psychotherapy sessions in partnership with a MHP.
Primary Duties:
- Develop and design group and individual activities to address client goals and needs
- Assist MHP/instructors to plan and deliver courses
- Observe and evaluate horse behavior
- Bring horses in from pasture/lot for programs as necessary
- Turn horses in and out from lots and pastures/move horses
- Assist with misc. barn related chores
- Complete program evaluations in consultation with MHP and volunteers
- Provide written and/or oral reports
Physical Requirements
Applicant must be physically and emotionally fit to perform the duties outlined above by being able to do the following on a regular scheduled basis: able to withstand long periods of standing, walking, or taking part in physical activities; highly alert with very quick reflexes in order to respond to emergency situations; ability to work in a variety of weather conditions.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Strong working knowledge of natural equine behavior
- Experience working with children &/or youth
- Minimum of 3 years (6,000 hours) hands-on experience with horses
- Minimum of 100 hours of continuing education in the equine profession (workshops, clinics, etc)
- Comfortable serving a wide range of groups and individuals in a non-traditional setting
- Ability to work effectively with children and youth with differing abilities and behavioral challenges
- Work effectively in a collaborative team environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and an ability to adapt to different circumstances that may arise
- Excellent communication skills
Required Qualifications
- Candidate must be eighteen (18) years of age or older
- Clean criminal background and FBI fingerprint scan
- CPR and First Aid Certified
Preferred qualifications
- Experience providing equestrian-based programs for individuals with differing abilities and behavioral issues
Additional training and certification will be provided.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour
Expected hours: 5 – 15 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
Application Question(s):
- Describe your experience working with children or youth
Education:
- Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:
- horse: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Reno, NV 89521: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $16 - $18