Job Details

Position:
Head Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Company:
Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center – Longmont, CO , USA

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Job Description:

The applicant must have either PATH Int'l CTRI or CHA IRD certification. Advanced PATH certification or CHA Level 2 IRD are strongly preferred. If the applicant has not certified through PATH Int'l on site training will be given and the applicant must certify with PATH within 6 months of hire. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: This position is responsible for providing and managing therapeutic riding instruction according to PATH-Int'l standards and CTRC guidelines, with the utmost attention given to safety. Responsibilities include evaluating and scheduling all participants in therapeutic riding, and other equine assisted activities; serving as liaison among participants, their families/caregivers and CTRC; supervising instructors; maintaining current participant documentation; ensuring safety and innovation in lessons; maintaining/implementing/ensuring staff compliance with emergency and safety policies; developing, implementing and evaluating programs; coordinating workshops, special events and clinics; and maintaining participant service/number levels. This position can be physically demanding and requires the ability to mount and dismount participants weighing up to 200 pounds, running and standing in arena footing and working outside in all weather.

 

JOB DUTIES:

1.Program:

• Ensure that CTRC delivers safe, effective and respectful services, meeting the needs of participants.
• Promote service innovation. Promote all aspects of CTRC’s programming.
• Serve as primary support staff for instructors during class (e.g. keep walkie talkie at all times, monitor weather radio, monitor rider and volunteer cancellations).
• Ensure effective and timely participant evaluation.
• Communicate with staff on horse-related issues.
• Participate in evaluations of prospective equines. 
• Collaborate with Volunteer Coordinator to ensure session schedule is appropriate to volunteer availability; inform Volunteer Coordinator of volunteer needs for each rider.
• Provide input to Volunteer Coordinator about volunteer training and orientation.
• In conjunction with Executive Director and Program Director, coordinate all program related activities with targets for program/earned income revenues and expenditures. Monitor quarterly.
• Ensure compliance with PATH Intl. standards and CTRC Operating Standards. Make recommendations to the Program Director for updates to CTRC Operating Standards.
• With Program Director, conduct periodic PATH-I accreditations.
• Ensure that staff are knowledgeable about, and qualified to handle, operating center emergencies. Conduct CTRC’s emergency training and ensure emergency trainings are conducted by instructors/therapists each session.
• Ensure safety and first aid supplies are stocked and up-to-date.
• Implement CTRC’s Class Cancelation policy (including closures) when necessary, directing staff in their responsibilities to ensure timely and efficient communications regarding cancelations.
• Ensure adequate helmets, props for ring, appropriate tack and safe riding areas; ensure orderly arena/props and observation areas.
• Assist Horse Trainer and Barn Manager in periodic saddle fittings and regular tack inspections.

 

2.Participant Services:

• Review all participant documentation and ensure compliance with PATH-I and CTRC Operations Manual.
• Coordinate, and conduct when appropriate, evaluations of new participants in therapeutic riding and equine assisted activities; re-evaluate current participants when warranted. Ensure a similar process is followed by therapists for all new clients in hippotherapy and therapist-assisted services.
• Schedule participants, instructors and therapists, ensuring Program Director, Volunteer Coordinator and Barn Manager input.
• Ensure timely and effective communication with all program participants/families/caregivers and remain accessible and open to their needs.
• Ensure, through periodic evaluation, goals and objectives are appropriate and current for participants.
• Ensure outcome measurements are established and documented for all TR participants.
• Ensure ongoing recognition of participant achievements, such as Achievement Awards and PATH-I nominations.
• Work with program staff to ensure an effective, safe, client-oriented environment.
• With Program Director, serve as liaison to participants and parents/caregivers.
• Ensure safety and promote innovation in classes/services, emphasizing therapeutic aspects.
• Instruct/mentor approximately 20 hours per week, adhering to all responsibilities in Instructor Job Description (teach more if there are instructor shortages in a given session). Serve as substitute instructor as needed.
• Ensure start of session support for participants/families/caregivers and instructors; coordinate start of session support with Volunteer Coordinator for greetings/orientations, and, as needed, mounts, stirrup and saddle adjustments.

 

3. Staff Supervision:
   • Provide ongoing supervision, including in-class observations, to Instructors and Instructors-in-Training and conduct performance reviews.
   • Provide support, guidance and feedback for instructors with challenging riders or situations.
   • Oversee, evaluate and promote continuing education of instructors; coordinate training and professional development opportunities; offer occasional riding lessons/group rides.
   • Ensure that Instructors complete timely documentation related to participant goals and progress each session, including outcome based measurements.
   • Monitor and sign instructor timesheets.
   • Ensure that Instructors are in compliance with PATH Intl. certification; keep instructor files up to date.
   • Schedule and facilitate regular instructor meetings to ensure clear communication on equine, volunteer and facility issues.
   • Recruit, interview and hire new Instructors as needed in coordination with the Program Director.

 

4. Clinics/Workshops, Shows and Special Programs:
   • Coordinate and implement all CTRC participant shows and demonstrations.
   • Manage CTRC’s Mentoring/Instructor-in-Training program.
   • Assist Horse Trainer with Annual Tack Sale

 

5. Professional Behavior:
   • Represent CTRC in a positive and professional manner.
   • Maintain safety as CTRC’s paramount concern. Place safety first in all actions and activities.
   • Promote and support an effective team environment, including adherence to Ethical Communication practices with staff, participants, volunteers and community members.
   • Demonstrate respect, interest, compassion and caring for program participants, volunteers and community members.
   • Know, and abide by, CTRC’s Operating Policies and Procedures.
   • Know, support and promote the Mission, Values and Goals of CTRC.
   • Attend and participate in all staff meetings.

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Contact Information

Loraine O’Keefe
11968 MINERAL RD
Longmont, CO 80504-8402, United States
Phone: 3036529131
Fax: NA
loraine@ctrcinc.org