Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Therapeutic Riding Instructor is an integral member of Equine Program and works with the team of volunteers and horses to provide safe, progressive, therapeutic, and engaging sessions with the clients. The benefits of therapeutic horsemanship include increased gross and fine motor skills, core strength improvements, better balance and coordination, expanded social interaction, and positive sensory integration.

BENEFITS

• Paid PATH or CECTH Certification
• Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (available PTO increases annually)
• 401K
• Employee Discount to Leg Up Farmers Market

Leg Up Farm is an award winning, outpatient pediatric therapy center located on an 18 acre campus in York county. Our individually tailored treatment plans, breadth of services, and engaging environment are the keys to improving outcomes for clients and their families. As a member of our multi-disciplinary team, you will have an opportunity to collaborate with our providers to provide the highest level of care to our clients.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Design and implement individualized client lesson plans, including goals and objectives for every lesson.      
• Develop and prioritize long- and short-term goals for clients in conjunction with input from clients, parents, care-givers, asupervisor.
• Match riders with appropriate equines, equipment and instructional setting
• Conduct lessons in a manner appropriate to individual needs (mounting, dismounting, progression of skills, appropriate activities and games).
• Provide and solicit ongoing feedback to the instructional team, supervisor, and the client.
• Document client activities and progress after each lesson.
• Provide support and education to volunteers/assistants on an as-needed basis.
• Monitor fit of tack and equipment as appropriate to lesson.
• Lead special programs (Horse Show Program, Special Groups, etc) as directed by Supervisor.
• Participate in training and conditioning the horses by riding them regularly.
• Research and develop new ideas for lesson curriculum; share successes and failures with team members.
• Work towards earning instruction certification or credentialing.
• Represent Leg Up Farm to participants, volunteers, and the public in a positive, supportive, and professional manner.  Assist in maintaining a quality therapeutic riding program at Leg Up Farm.
• Assist in performing routine barn work as assigned. 
• Examine each animal for signs of sickness or injury; follow departmental protocols if any adverse conditions exist.
• Provide appropriate care for each animal; including feeding, medications, turnout, blankets, etc.
• Muck out stalls and lay down new bedding.
• Maintain neat and orderly riding areas, tack room, feed room, and aisles.
• Oversee the activities of barn volunteers.
• Communicate with volunteers in a positive and respectful manner.
• Solicit volunteer feedback; encourage volunteer interaction on a consistent basis.
• Maintain an environment conducive to volunteer safety.
• Serve as a role model and mentor to equine volunteers – express appreciation and gratitude for their service.

Requirements

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED Certificate 
• Minimum two years experience riding, managing and training horses
• Minimum two years experience teaching able-bodied and/or therapeutic riding sessions
• Completion of New Staff Orientation Trainings
• Mandated Reporting and Child Abuse Training 
• First Aid & CPR/AED Certification
• Current State Child Abuse History Clearance, Current State Police Record Check & Current Federal Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprinting) 
• Compliance with Drug Testing & Satisfactory Drug Testing Results 
• Initial physical exam
• Valid PA Driver’s License; Proof of Automobile Registration and Required Insurance
• Knowledge of Leg Up Farm policies and procedures and the ability to ensure proper implementation
• Strong knowledge of equestrian activities
• Basic computer literacy skills including word processing, spreadsheets, and emails 
• Excellent skills in verbal and written communication
• Assessment skills of child development
• Basic mathematic skills
• Highly detail-oriented, able to work independently, multi-task, enjoy interfacing with other staff at all levels
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and written
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of protected health information (PHI) and proprietary business practices 
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and in a client-centered, developmental, environmental model of therapy
• Strong commitment to Organization's mission, vision, culture of positive attitude, passion, teamwork, and respect.
• High degree of personal integrity and professional conduct
• High degree of flexibility and dependability
• Deep sense of compassion and responsiveness to client's needs.

Preferred:

• Minimum two years experience working with special needs population
• PATH or CECTH Instructor Certification
• Knowledge of pediatric development

WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; run; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must be able to safely dismount riders up to 200 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. This position is subject to a number of inherent risks associated with equine activities. There is a potential exposure to dander of animals. This position is subject to a number of inherent risks associated with pediatric services which is not limited to bites, kicks, scratches, and hits.