Do You Want to become a Therapeutic Riding Instructor?

Therapeutic Riding Instructor in Training- Helen Woodward Animal Center

Rancho Santa Fe, CA

$19.75 - $22.00/hour

Part Time (About 24 hours per week includes weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed)

Do you have an advanced riding background? Have you instructed children, adults, or both on the handling and care of horses? Are you passionate about working with individuals with special needs to develop their potential through the dedicated practice of riding, directing, and bonding with horses? If so, you should read on!

Helen Woodward Animal Center is expanding our therapeutic team! In this unique opportunity you will be able to grow with an amazing department while improving the lives of individuals each day! We will help you develop the needed- skills to service the community with confidence and work towards acquiring a PATH Int'l certification. Helen Woodward Animal Center is one of only a handful of facilities in Southern California to be a certified member of PATH International.

This role is an ideal position for an instructor or advanced rider of several years. A background working with individuals with special needs would also prepare you for success in this role. The Therapeutic Riding Instructor opportunity will provide exposure to proper therapeutic techniques, PATH Int'l safety standards, and building sincere connections within the San Diego community.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITES:

The Therapeutic Riding Instructor in Training is responsible for shadowing instructors and the Program Manager each day to gain valuable experience in ensuring the safety and welfare of riders, horses, and volunteers at all times during therapy sessions. This role will require an individual to be attentive, knowledgeable, and proactive towards a client's personal disabilities and behavioral tendencies.

The Therapeutic Riding Instructor in Training will assist instructors in the preparation and coordination of lesson plans in a manner consistent with the client's capabilities and progression and assist in teaching both group and individual lessons. As a part of this role you will support the recruitment and training of horses for the therapeutic program.

You are expected to promote and maintain a respect-first environment for clients, guests, and co-workers. A sense of teamwork is essential to success in this role. This individual should be willing and able to perform various therapeutic duties or customer interactions at any time with an energetic and professional spirit.

Ensure quality animal care and records are maintained in a manner that ensures accuracy, confidentiality, accessibility, and safe keeping.

Other requirements include:

• Current PATH Intl certification as registered-level instructor preferred, mentorship for certification is available
• 3-5 years of recent work with horses required, advanced level of riding is preferred
• 2 years experience of volunteering and/or working at a PATH Intl affiliated or premiere Accredited Therapeutic Riding program
• Strong written and verbal communication and organization skills required
• Attention to safety, surroundings, and details is crucial
• Driving duties may be required

Helen Woodward Animal Center is a Smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted in any HWAC building or vehicle.