Therapeutic Riding Coach – Full-Time

To provide equine assisted sessions to children, teenagers and adults with a disability through a combination of Therapeutic Riding & Equine Assisted Activities.
Job Title: Therapeutic Riding Coach
Location: Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow
Reporting to: Equestrian Learning Centre Manager
Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer
JOB DESCRIPTION: The principal duties and responsibilities include:
Delivery of a combination of mainstream coaching and therapeutic coaching lessons in a timely, professional, effective and safe manner.Delivery of all sessions in accordance with Festina Lente's guidelines.Develop and implement achievable relevant session goals for each client (consultation with referral source may be required).Develop and implement achievable relevant goals for each client including client records as appropriate.Selection and checking of appropriate tack and relevant equipment.Performing appropriate, correct and safe mounting and dismounting procedures in the case of Therapeutic Riding.Ensuring that all sessions begin and end on schedule.Maintaining an environment ensuring volunteer safety that are assigned to you.Communicating with the volunteers in a positive and respectful manner.Requesting volunteer feedback and encouraging volunteer interaction on a regular basis.Maintaining a neat arena and ensuring all relevant equipment is tidied away after sessions.Attending staff meetings and training as required.Building and maintaining excellent working relationships with colleagues and clients.Research and develop new ideas for session plans.Liaising with the Equestrian Learning Center Manager to ensure ongoing quality of sessions.Complying with the Health and Safety requirements of the organisation.This job description is not exhaustive and other duties may be assigned from time to time in accordance with the needs of the service. This job description may be revised to take account of changing circumstances or requirements.PERSON SPECIFICATION The person appointed to this role will ideally meet the following requirements:
An appropriate coaching qualification e.g. BHS Stage 2 Teaching.Some experience of working with people with additional needs.Experience of Horse Welfare aligned to science based horse learning theory and have a very strong understanding and experience of working with horses.Enjoys the outdoor environment and be physically able and fit for the strenuous nature of the post.Clear evidence of self-management and organisation skills.Proven experience of working within a team structure and a strong ability to self-manage in a dynamic and active environment.Committed to encouraging continuous improvement and learning.Manage own workload effectively while responding creatively and flexibly to new demands.Have the capacity to integrate well with, and contribute to, an evolving organisation.Physically and emotionally capable of working with challenging young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.Have fluent English.Has an excellent knowledge and proficiency of IT systems, computer literacy and administration tasks.PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Must enjoy working with children, teenagers and adults of all learning abilities and styles.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to adapt communication styles to suit the needs of individual riders.An ability to maintain calm and composed in a busy and demanding environment.An ability to multitask and adapt to change as a feature of the working day.High level of energy and an ability to sustain a very active role.Confidence in one's own strengths and ability.Self-motivated with excellent leadership skills.Willingness to learn and an openness to alternative approaches.An ability to respond professionally and patiently to behaviours that challenge.Highly organised, with a high level of concentration and attention.Committed to working hard.Proven ability to work on own initiative within a flexible, co-operative team structure.Solution focused.Committed to on-going self and professional development.CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Salary: The salary for this position is between €30,000 and €34,000 (commensurate with experience).
Pension: Employees have access to PRSA scheme.
Working Week: Monday to Friday.
Working Hours: 39 hours.
Accommodation: If needed offsite accommodation may be available – terms and conditions to be agreed upon successful application.
Travel & Subsistence: There may be a requirement from time to time to travel outside normal working hours. A fleet of vehicles is available; however, travel will be paid in accordance with Festina Lente travel rates in the event that your own personal vehicle is needed.
Annual Leave: Your holiday entitlements shall be calculated at 8% of hours worked per annum; entitlement to 10 public holidays will be added to annual leave entitlement to facilitate the needs of the yard. Compulsory Leave must be taken in:
Duration of contract: Permanent Part-Time.
Location of the position: Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co. Wicklow.
The Interview will consist of two parts: The formal and first part of the interview will consist of a panel interview and the second part will be two practical assessment of your horsemanship skills and of your coaching skills both riding and non-riding. Client profiles will be forwarded to you in advance with suggestions of activities.
Interview including practical elements are likely to take approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours.
Please dress appropriately for the coaching session. This clothing will be acceptable for the formal interview also.
SELECTION PROCESS Only applications received on the relevant application form will be considered. Applicants who do not fulfil the criteria as specified will not be considered.
Selection will involve short listing of applicants for interview based on the criteria for the position as outlined in this job description.
FESTINA LENTE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY / GARDA VETTING / MANDATORY DECLARATION Garda Vetting for all employees and volunteers is compulsory and those candidates invited for interview will be asked to complete a Garda Vetting form for submission at that time.
The successful candidate will be provided with a copy of the Festina Lente Child Protection Policy and will be required to sign their acceptance of the contents of this document.
A Mandatory Declaration Form must be signed in advance of commencement of employment.
A file may be formed for future vacancies.
Festina Lente is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes suitably qualified applicants from all sections of society. FESTINA LENTE MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Festina Lente is to provide a range of integrated training, occupational, learning and employment opportunities to people with disabilities. These services are provided through equestrianism, horticulture and community-based activities with an emphasis on choice, personal development and progression. The services are provided through the following:
Equestrian Learning Center's wide – Equine Assisted Programmes.Transition Vocational Training Programme.Saol Anois Day Service.Walled Gardens Programme.
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