Equine Practitioner

Kenora Chiefs; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Equine Practitioner to deliver culturally safe equine therapy and care. This role involves managing horses, supervising guests, and collaborating with health care providers to ensure effective program delivery. The ideal candidate will have extensive horse handling experience and a deep understanding of Indigenous cultural issues. Join a passionate team dedicated to creating impactful experiences for clients and contributing to the wellness of First Nation communities. If you are motivated, energetic, and possess strong interpersonal skills, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of horse handling experience and ability to ride.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage horses and supervise guests during equine therapy programs.
• Collect and compile data for program evaluation and reporting.

Skills

Horse handling

Program planning

Communication skills

Cultural awareness

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Education

Background in Education, Social Work or Mental Health

Current CPR/AED with HCP and First Aid Certification

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

Position Description:

Reporting to the Equine Manager, in conjunction with the Manager of Equine Therapy, the Equine Practitioner will deliver culturally safe, equine therapy and care to horses and to the member First Nation communities. The Equine Practitioner will provide coverage for the Equine Manager and other members of the Equine program team as needed.

Position Title: Equine Practitioner

Department: Equine Therapy Program

Term: Full time-Irregular Hours

Location: 371 Strecker Road, Kenora, Ontario

Reports to: Equine Manager

1. Scheduling and day to day operations

Ø Manage horses and supervise guests during horse-based recreation, wellness and cultural programs for children, youth and adult guests. This includes horse-time (petting and grooming), pony rides, basic riding lessons, trail rides, and EAL.

Ø Care and maintenance of horses (eg. feeding, hoof care, grooming and re-setting horses)

Ø Interacting with small groups of children, youth and adults

Ø Cleaning horse facilities (eg. stables)

Ø Working with initiative in a small team

Ø Willingness to cover for other roles at the Youth and Family Wellness Camp as requested

Ø Attend meetings as requested by the Equine Manager

2. Liaison with Health Care Providers and Organizations under the direction of the Equine Manager

Ø Work closely with Health Care Providers in the community

Ø Provide referrals to various community programs and supports if needed

Ø Provide referrals to outside agencies and supports as needed.

Ø Act as a client advocate when needed

3. Program Evaluation and Reporting

Ø Collect and compile data for reporting requirements; explore avenues to streamline reporting and ensure effective collection of necessary health indicators in alignment with the KCA member communities, KCA and both federal and provincial governments and funding if requested.

Ø Participate in problem solving issues related to program design, delivery, evaluation and client related issues, monitor performance of the program through appropriate audits and review of operational statistics

Ø In consultation with KCA member communities’ leadership, conduct needs evaluation, program planning, development of performance and accountability indicators, and compile and report on results if requested

Ø Based on observations, assessments, and monitoring of trends and news, participates in needs assessment and organize training to meet staff and program needs and to continually update and revise orientation and training materials if requested by other members of the KCA team.

Ø Have a KCA performance appraisal done as per KCA policy

Ø Participate in the Accreditation process at KCA

4. Personal Attributes

· Understanding of and ability to maintain client and business confidentiality and familiarity with PHIPA

Ø Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team

Ø Possess cultural and political awareness and sensitivity

Ø Flexible

Ø Demonstrated sound work ethics

Ø Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance

Ø Highly motivated

Ø Energetic and ambitious

Ø Good interpersonal skills

Ø Ability to work with children, youth and adults

Ø Physically fit for manual work

5. Qualifications

Ø Experience in program planning and evaluation and performance management

Ø Horse handling experience of + 5 years, ability to ride a horse

Ø Knowledge of Anishinaabe culture and the social determinants of health specific to First Nations populations

Ø Ability to apply a bi-cultural lens to work activities

Ø Experience and understanding of Indigenous cultural issues, the geographical realities and social conditions within northern remote Indigenous communities

Ø Strong computer skills

Ø Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ø Effective organizational and critical thinking/ problem solving skills

Ø Must maintain ongoing professional education

Ø Current CPR/AED with HCP and First aid certification

Ø Valid Driver’s license

Ø Trained, or willing to be trained, as an Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) facilitator

Ø Able to obtain a police clearance for working with children

Ø Have a driver’s license and a reliable vehicle

Ø Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language would be an asset

Ø Background in Education, social work or mental health would be an asset

We're looking to grow our teams with people who share our energy and enthusiasm for

creating the best experience for our clients and within KCA. Discover What’s Possible!

Please forward resume cover letter and 3 references by May 23, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. to:

Human Resource Department

Kenora Chiefs Advisory

P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor

Kenora ON P9N 3X4

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

*We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted

** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting