Therapeutic Horseback Riding Services
Open Position: Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Job Description
The time has come for Agape to add more superstar instructors to the team as we continue to change the world with horses. The Instructor role is the heart of our growing organization and is essential for providing quality services to our participants. In addition to remaining up to date and adhering to PATH International standards and procedures, the instructor oversees all aspects of classes. Agape offers therapeutic riding, equine assisted learning, and mini-visit off-site opportunities. Responsibilities include lesson planning, set up, participant oversite, volunteer support, equine management within classes, and recording of goal progress. In addition to teaching responsibilities, part time instructors will also attend team meetings and Agape events as needed.
We enjoy coming to work; we love what we do. We love working with each other; we love our donors, riders and families, volunteers, and of course, our horses. We’re motivated by a larger vision, a purpose that continually pushes us to be better and grow stronger. We’re looking for someone that can not only do the job detailed below but share that same passion and drive. On top of that, we’re going to be pretty picky about your drive for excellence and service, your character, and your smarts. We have a great team and we are doing great work so we don’t take adding a new instructor to our herd lightly. Communication and organization will be crucial to doing this job well. We need a highly organized, self-directed, goal-oriented, tech-savvy, team player committed to Agape’s mission and vision. If that sounds like something you’re looking for, read further…
Riding Instructors report to Site Managers and work closely with the instructional staff, Volunteer Coordinator, Equine Director, Facility Director & Finance Director.
Locations
Cicero, IN
Lesson Openings
Weekday Afternoons and Evenings & Saturday Mornings and Afternoons
Our Vision
We believe that lives can experience healing and joy in an environment where unconditional love and the wonderment of a horse connect, creating a haven for unbridled hope.
Our Mission
Agape cultivates personal growth by strengthening the mind, body, and spirit through unique horse-facilitated experiences.
Primary Responsibilities
- Facilitate weekly group therapeutic riding lessons
- Document all participant goal progress and attendance weekly in Salesforce
- Ensure participant information and paperwork is up to date in Salesforce
- Design and implement safe, effective, and fun lesson plans with a focus on both progression of riding skills and life skills.
- Provide strength based coaching and instruction to riders and volunteers
- Complete progress reports as requested by Site Manager
- Oversee preparation and clean up of each class
- Check email regularly to ensure that updates from the barn are known, especially regarding horses.
- Maintain extensive knowledge of disabilities/diagnoses served by Agape, contraindications, and effective intervention through continuing education opportunities
- Maintain working knowledge of equine first aid, common ailments, and issues with soundness
- Maintain knowledge of horsemanship and riding skills through continuing education opportunities
- Ensure that equines are being handled with respect and kindness in classes and that behavior and health issues are noticed and responded to appropriately for the safety of all equines and people.
- Complete incident reports and communicate concerns to Site Manager in a timely manner
- Work with new equines in evaluation/training sessions alongside Equine Director
- Attend staff meetings and Agape events
- Abide by all elements of Agape Employee Handbook
- Grow as a professional and a leader through continued education, research study, books, podcasts, and interaction with other professionals and leaders in the equine industry.
- Operate with the utmost integrity and standards of excellence to the team.
- Communicate with the team professionally and respectfully to address concerns or conflicts.
- Cultivate a culture of love, hope, excellence in service, respect, collaboration, and kindness which are the core values and the “Agape Way”
Qualifications & Required Skills
- PATH CTRI or CHA IRD Certification or working towards becoming certified
- Background in equine science, education/special, social work, ABA, mental health, or related field preferred
- First Aid, CPR, AED Certification for child and adult
- Knowledge of PATH Intl. accreditation standards and regulations
- Experienced in riding and understanding equine behavior and health
- Awareness of safety concerns related to horses and people
- Knowledge of various riding equipment, including proper use and fit
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
- Basic competency with technology, including email, GSuite, and Salesforce data entry
- Excellent problem-solving and time management skills
- Reliable, dependable and a self starter with a growth mindset
- Able to remain calm and professional when under pressure
- Passionate about fulfilling Agape’s mission and being a part of a team working environment