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Therapy Ranch Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Group Therapist - Small Animals

Grove City, OH · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Will also provide care and cleanup of the animals in the Small Animal Assisted Therapy programming. Learn about The Buckeye Ranch: For decades, The Buckeye Ranch has been restoring hope and providing ...

Therapy Ranch information

What does a typical day look like for a professional working at a therapy ranch?

A typical day at a therapy ranch often involves a mix of direct client interaction, animal care, and team collaboration. Professionals may facilitate therapy sessions using equine-assisted or animal-assisted activities, monitor clients’ progress, and ensure the safety and welfare of animals involved in therapy. The role also includes planning treatment activities, maintaining records, and working closely with other therapists, ranch staff, and sometimes family members. The environment is generally outdoors and hands-on, offering a rewarding blend of therapeutic work and animal care.

What is the difference between Therapy Ranch vs Equine Therapist?

AspectTherapy RanchEquine Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in animal-assisted therapy or equine-assisted activitiesRequires certifications in equine therapy, mental health, or counseling
Work EnvironmentRural or farm setting with a focus on therapy programs involving animalsStable or outdoor environment focusing on therapeutic riding or equine-assisted therapy
Employer & IndustryTherapy centers, rehabilitation facilities, or wellness programsEquine therapy clinics, mental health organizations, or rehabilitation centers

Both Therapy Ranch and Equine Therapist roles involve animal-assisted therapy, often requiring similar certifications. Therapy Ranch typically refers to a broader setting that may include various animals and therapy types, while Equine Therapist specifically focuses on horse-assisted therapy. Both roles are vital in mental health and rehabilitation industries, often overlapping in work environment and employer types.

What is a therapy ranch?

A therapy ranch is a specialized facility that uses ranch or farm environments to provide therapeutic experiences for individuals dealing with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. These programs often incorporate animal-assisted therapy, outdoor activities, and structured routines to promote healing, personal growth, and skill-building. Therapy ranches may serve children, adolescents, or adults and are often staffed by mental health professionals, equine therapists, and other trained personnel. The peaceful, natural setting helps participants connect with animals, nature, and themselves in a supportive environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an equine-assisted therapist at a therapy ranch, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Equine-Assisted Therapist at a Therapy Ranch, you need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, often complemented by certifications in equine-assisted therapy. Familiarity with therapeutic models, horse handling, and safety protocols, along with certification from organizations like PATH International, is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to build trust with both clients and animals make someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, effective therapy sessions that promote client growth and well-being.
Infographic showing various Therapy Ranch job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Group Therapist - Small Animals

BUCKEYE RANCH

Grove City, OH • On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


The Buckeye Ranch rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Buckeye Ranch is currently seeking a Group Therapist - Small Animals to join our Residential Treatment Program. The Group Therapist Small Animals is responsible for providing quality mental health groups to children in the Residential Program. Will also provide care and cleanup of the animals in the Small Animal Assisted Therapy programming.

Learn about The Buckeye Ranch:

For decades, The Buckeye Ranch has been restoring hope and providing healing for children, youth, and families in Central Ohio. Our continuum of care addresses every stage and aspect of what children may be experiencing after traumas caused by mental illness, abuse, or neglect. With help from The Buckeye Ranch, they’re empowered to overcome obstacles, tap into their resilience, and move forward toward healthy, fulfilling lives.

Schedule: Full-time, Salaried

  • Tuesday - Saturday (9am - 5pm)

What you’ll do:

  • Identifies indicators of age-appropriate development in all domains for children of varying ages. Applies knowledge in all aspects of work: screening, care planning, client care, etc.
  • Identifies strengths and functioning of both client and family for utilization in treatment.
  • Assesses behavioral examples, including frequency, duration, severity, and environmental impacts.
  • Identifies history of trauma, adversity and/or toxic stress that influence presenting problem(s), functioning, and family interaction styles. Identifies cultural factors that influence strengths, functioning, and family interaction styles.
  • Identifies concrete strengths and functioning of both client and family for utilization in treatment.
  • Develops collaborative relationships with providers of services tailored to the needs of culturally diverse healthcare consumers and family members.
  • Understanding special issues regarding gender identity/crisis, substance use, mental health conditions, and other needs typically presented by the service population
  • Effectively facilitates youth clients, with or without family members, through active engagement utilizing strength-based language in interactions.
  • Understanding the definitions of human trafficking (both labor and sex trafficking) and sexual exploitation and identifying potential victims
  • Uses trauma focused interventions to engage clients.

Our benefits:

Benefit effective date: First of the month following 30 days of employment.

  • Wonderful medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Paid Time Off (Three weeks within the first year)
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Short Term Disability
  • 401K + Employer Contribution
  • Non-Profit Student Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Employee Referral Program

Who you are:

  • You have a bachelor's degree in social work, or a related field.
  • You have at least one year of previous behavioral health work experience.
  • You have previous work experience as a Therapist, Social Worker, Counselor, or Clinician.
  • You have anactive Ohio LSW, LPC, or MFT license.
  • You preferably have previous experience working with youth in trauma or crisis situations.
  • You have a valid driver's license and active car insurance.

Applicants are considered for all positions in accordance with statutes and regulations concerning non-discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, non-disqualifying disability, veteran status, or other protected classification. The Buckeye Ranch is an equal opportunity employer, as well as a substance and tobacco free workplace. All offers of employment are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment drug screen, references, FBI/BCI background check, ARCS registries check, and SACWIS database checks. At this time, The Buckeye Ranch is unable to provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.

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