Payrate: $18.75- $19.75 Hourly
MAJOR DUTIES: The Equine Specialist works under the supervision of the Program Director. This position is part of a treatment team that creates an environment of safety to partner equines with counseling services in experiential therapy. In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent performs the following duties independently:
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Support ranch with preparing for sessions and caring for equines;
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Work collaboratively with MHP to develop experiential activities to support patient needs;
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Support with horse selection;
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Consistently evaluate equine behavior to watch for safety concerns in and out of sessions;
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Develop and implement a system for equine work logs;
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Strong knowledge base of PATH Intl Standards to ensure compliance, safety standards, and equine welfare;
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Support with volunteer training and scheduling;
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Work as part of a treatment team;
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Maintain complete and up to date files in equine partners including but not limited to:
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Developing and implementing equine portfolio’s for therapeutic horses; and
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Developing schooling schedules and consistently assessing equine partners for overall health and wellness.
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Develop and maintain tack maintenance logs;
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Consistently assess, support, and maintain safety standards for facility;
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Support and implement agency policies and procedures;
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Represent the Agency in the community at various meetings with the approval of the program director; and
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Other duties as assigned.
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Hold EAGALA or PATH Intl. certification as an equine specialist;
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Strong understanding of PATH intl. standards for therapeutic horsemanship;
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At least 1 year of experience providing therapeutic services partnered with equines;
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Strong horsemanship skills and knowledge of equine health and welfare;
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Proficient in Microsoft and other electronic systems;
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A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent;
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Familiarity with Washington State regulations related to the provision of mental health services (RCW 71.05) and chemical dependency services (WAC 246-341) required;
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Current unencumbered driver license and proof of current car insurance
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Good verbal and written communication skills;
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Great attendance; and
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Ability to work well with others in a treatment team.
This position requires that the incumbent meet all educational and experience requirements for an equine specialist.
The incumbent supports with developing a safe environment to partner individual therapy and group therapy with equines. In addition to strong equestrian knowledge the incumbent must have the competence to works in a treatment team that supports patients who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral and psychological problems. The incumbent needs sound judgment, creative thinking, strong ethical decision making ability when following standards developed by EAGALA and PATH Intl.
Contacts are with members of the treatment team, patients, volunteers, equines, other representatives of various community agencies specializing in the treatment of mental health disorders, and other industry professionals providing equine assisted services. All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of patient records.
While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee is regularly required to stand/walk for up to 120 minutes at a time 4 to 5 times per day. The employee will have to reach with arms, stoop, kneel, sit, speak clearly, crouch, lift up to 50 lbs., hear, use hands and fingers to manipulate writing utensils, equine tack, and keys on a keyboard. The employee may be required to effectively operate an automobile on a regular basis.
Working hours are spent outdoor at the ranch where counseling services partnered with horses takes place. Employee may have opportunity to work from home and onsite in offices or meeting rooms at times although the majority of work is done outside at the Ranch. Occasional visits to community agencies and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities may be required.
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Healing Animal Partners Program Director