The ideal Instructor is energetic, positive, attentive, ambitious, and engaged. They must be organized, reliable, trustworthy, and possess the ability to work independently. They must demonstrate a level of competency and understanding of the mental health and physical therapy fields, and familiarize oneself with HIPAA standards, and other standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and knowledge associated with working in healthcare. This role entails a large amount of client, volunteer, staff, and donor interface. Instructors provide Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) that are safe, effective and fun, according to PATH and StableStrides guidelines.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Science, Horse Training, or Horse Management or similar field or minimum 2 years’ experience at one or more of the following:
• A PATH Member or Premiere Accredited Center or other experience in equine assisted therapies and activities
• A horse boarding, management, training, or lesson program involving horse riding, care and experience
• Special education, physical, speech, occupational, or mental health therapy services
• Professional skills including excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to manage volunteers effectively, strong organizational and time management skills,
• Possess and maintain a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and learning credential (preferred).

Instruction

• Instruct all assigned EAAT in a timely, professional, effective, and safe manner
• Adhere to all PATH Standards and organizational policies
• Develop and implement appropriate individual client goals after consultation with the appropriate individuals- i.e. Clinical or Adaptive Services Director, health professionals, family members, educators, and social service workers
• Complete all required paperwork in a timely and professional manner
• In conjunction with the Equine Manager, select appropriate horses, tack, and adaptive equipment
• Routinely inspect and ensure that equipment (helmets, props for ring, tack) is meeting organizational needs and standards, and is orderly.
• Oversee all activities relevant to the specific class being taught, including retrieval of horses, tacking/grooming, warm-up of horses, arena set-up and tear-down, and returning horses to stalls/turnout
• Perform appropriate and safe mounting and dismounting procedures
• Ensure that all lessons begin and end on time
• Manage volunteers who assist in your lessons
• Maintain neat and orderly arena, tack room and office areas
• Serve as a mentor to students, volunteers, and instructors in training
• Attend staff meetings, ongoing training, and special events

Program Maintenance

• Assist in maintaining a quality EAAT program
• Be knowledgeable and qualified to handle operating center emergencies
• Represent StableStrides to clients, volunteers, and to the public in a positive, supportive, and professional manner
• Maintain and enhance knowledge of current practices in the EAAT field through continuing education
• Assist with weekly conditioning of program horses as directed by Equine Programs Director
• Continually monitor the physical and behavioral level of all horses and report any comments and/or concerns to the Program Director or Equine Programs Director

Volunteer Management

• Maintain an environment conducive to volunteer support and safety
• Communicate with volunteers in a positive and respectful manner
• Solicit volunteer feedback and encourage volunteer interaction on a consistent basis
• Participate in volunteer evaluation and recognition
• Ensure quality volunteer performance through ongoing training as needed
• Communicate with volunteers and Office Manager in the event of cancellation of classes

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Working with and around horses. Working with and around farm and ranch equipment. Physically able to get around on foot in an outdoor environment, such as outdoor arenas, corrals, and barns.

• This position requires the ability to maintain a physically active and demanding work schedule that includes being able to mount and dismount riders up to 200 pounds, running and standing in arena footing, and the ability to work outdoors in all types of weather.

Open office setting, therefore, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Office work is generally sedentary in nature but may require standing and walking. Use of hands to operate computer equipment. Frequent near vision use for reading and computer use

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.75 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Elbert, CO 80106: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person