$19.00/Hour

POSITION SUMMARY: The Equestrian Program Counselor position is responsible for sharing with other staff the responsibility for creating and maintaining a therapeutic milieu in the equestrian environment. This is achieved in part by supervising youth, assisting youth with horses, providing individual and group counseling and support, and ensuring the safety and welfare of all youth in care at New Directions Youth & Family Services, Inc.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:
1. Directly supervise youth in equestrian activities.
2. Provide therapeutic crisis intervention in the event of acute emotional and/or physical acting out.
3. Communicate observations and pertinent information to Social Workers, Youth Counselor Supervisor, and other members of the treatment team directly and through general and individual logs, relief notes, and telephone and visitation logs daily.
4. Document all incidents requiring intervention before the end of the work shift.
5. Participate in the formulation of treatment plans, the administration of discipline, and the provision of guidance and direction for the development of positive habits appropriate to society’s expectations and appropriate to the youth’s age and state of development.
6. Participate in opportunities of continuing education and relevant certifications.
7. Learn and assist in the AEE re-accreditation process.
8. Assure a clean equestrian program facility and see that it is secure before leaving each day (i.e. Shut off lights and faucets, check bathrooms, lock doors, etc.).
9. Report any disturbance or trespass occurring on the grounds to the security person and/or Sheriff’s Department. Maintain a continuous fire security watch in the barn while on duty.
10. Inspect animals for evidence of disease or injury and alert the supervisor of any change in the animal’s condition and treat animals according to experience or following instructions of veterinarian.
11. Inspect stables and animals for cleanliness.
12. Fit tack and equipment appropriately to clients and animals
13. Is available for the transportation of youth to and from the barns.
14. Share in the responsibility of interpreting and sharing the equestrian program to the staff and to the community.
15. Is available for the presentation and supervision of demonstrations, community service activities, tours, etc.
16. Instruct youth in riding procedures.
17. Train horses for program usage.
18. Maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and First Aid/CPR certification provided by the agency.
19. Attend all mandatory in-service training and regularly attend supervision meetings. Attend other training and in-services as needed to maintain a level of expertise in the field.
20. Cleans animals’ quarters and replenishes bedding, cleans feed and water tubs daily. Unloads and stores feed and supplies.
21. Move animals to designated areas as needed.
22. Requires operating of machinery.
23. Waters animals and measures, mixes and apportions feed and feed supplements according to feeding instructions.
24. Establish rapport and linkage with staff members from all departments campus-wide.
25. Any additional duties assigned by immediate supervisor.

SKILL, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
 High school diploma or GED and one to three months related experience and/or training; or
 Equivalent combination of education and experience.
 Farm equipment training certificate or related experience needed.
 Accredited riding instructors certificate

Special – Personal Skills, Qualities, Aptitudes and Physical Requirements
New Directions Youth & Family Services, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform essential functions.
1. Ability to work effectively with clients, families, staff and community contacts from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
2. Commitment to youth development.
3. Ability to deal effectively with challenging clients and/or families.
4. Ability to accept supervision and perform as part of a team.
5. Ability to be flexible and adapt to change.
6. Ability to interface with people (groups and individuals) and communicate within various mediums (logbooks, E-mail, telephone). safety and healthy working conditions.
7. Must have a valid driver’s license, adequate auto insurance and meet the criteria for driving set forth in the New Directions Driver’s License policy and Auto Insurance policy.
8. Ability to pass annual physical for Category 3 job classification in accordance with New Directions Employee Health policy.
9. Must comply with Agency safety standards and be responsible for own actions and conduct concerning safety and healthy working conditions.