Therapeutic Riding Instructor Jobs in Connecticut

We are dedicated to creating an environment of care and engagement that makes us one of the most desirable places to work, providing exceptional care to each patient each and every day!

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: PATH Certified Instructor.
• Required: Adult and Child CPR Certification.
• Required: First Aid Certification.
• Required: High School Diploma.
• Preferred: One year experience in the field of equine-assisted activities.
• Preferred: One year experience teaching horseback riding skills to able bodied riders.

JOB SUMMARY

Instructs equine-assisted sessions and un-mounted program activities in a safe, professional manner. Develops rider goals and weekly objectives and documents weekly progress for each rider. Submits written evaluation on each participant at the end of each semester. Adheres to Manes & Motions policies and PATH standards at all times. Attends and participates in staff meetings, program functions and trainings. Represents the program in a positive and professional manner at all times. Communicates needs or changes in regards to participants, horses, volunteers and equipment with appropriate staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand or walk 80-100% of each shift.
• Sit 0-20% of each shift.
• Able to jog alongside a horse for short distances if acting as a side-walker for a rider.
• Transfer participant from mounting ramp/block to horse and from horse to the ground/ramp in order to mount/dismount each rider.
• Perform physical skills including lifting, reaching, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting and pushing/pulling up to 90% of each shift.
• Grasp with both hands-on frequent basis to handle equipment and assist participants and volunteers.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Fine manipulation is required for writing and computer usage.
• Maintain strength and endurance as related to the physical demands of the work environment.

COGNITIVE DEMANDS

• Job requires a high level of communication skill including expression of abstract/complex ideas, use of negotiation, active listening and an ability to dialogue with multiple parties.
• Job requires independent problem identification, problem solving techniques, and adaptability. Abstract reasoning and quick decision making is required.
• A high degree of selective attention, discernment, perception and concentration is necessary.
• Job requires a working knowledge of the disabilities served.
• Job requires ability to adjust and prioritize schedule to adapt to events as needed.
• Job requires basic writing proficiency needed for written reports including accident/incident reports, weekly goals, objectives, and progress notes and the ability to express self clearly.

WORK DEMANDS

• Job requires working both outdoors and indoors as dictated by weather conditions and program needs.
• There may be occasional exposure to body fluids and blood borne pathogens and moderate exposure to dust and allergens in both outdoor and indoor environments.
• There may be a need to respond to medical or behavioral emergency situations. Job requires working with others listed in principle relationships (Section III).
• Schedule fluctuation is frequent and at times unpredictable during each semester and when inclement weather is present.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adheres to regulations, policies, standards of practice and procedure for safety, infection control maintenance and PATH standards.
• Effectively implements first aid measures, using appropriate equipment.
• Communicates participant, horse, facility and equipment issues, problems to Facility Coordinator or designee.
• Communicates volunteer issues, problems to the volunteer coordinator or designee.
• Develops and implements an IRP for each participant according to their individual goals and abilities.
• Documents weekly progress of each participant and submits a written summary of such progress at the end of each semester.
• Provides on-going education and safety awareness to volunteers.
• Participates in developing weekly themes and the daily ring set-up/breakdown for each theme.