GREAT PATH CTRI Instructor

The Arc Caddo-Bossier; Shreveport (LA); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arc Caddo-Bossier is seeking a PATH International CTRI to deliver high-quality equine assisted services through the GREAT Program. This position may be part-time or full-time and involves teaching individual and group lessons, managing program horses, and supervising volunteers.

You will work with the Director and staff to ensure safety, develop lesson plans, perform horse handling tasks, and support fundraising and events.

Qualifications

• PATH CTRI certification is required.
• CPR certification is required (training can be provided).
• Experience in horse management and equine instruction.
• Knowledge of PATH Intl. standards and therapeutic riding best practices.
• Ability to work with volunteers and manage safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Teach mounted and unmounted horsemanship and therapeutic riding skills.
• Develop lesson plans and assess student progress.
• Supervise and recruit/train volunteers.
• Maintain safety standards for riders, horses, and volunteers.
• Assist with facility management and program operations.
• Coordinate with Director and program staff on scheduling and assessments.
• Support fundraising and outreach events.

Skills

Passion for disability care

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Horse management

Willingness to learn

Group/individual instruction

Organization and prioritization

PATH Intl. standards

Weekend/holiday feedings

Education

PATH CTRI certification

CPR certification

Horse management experience

Equestrian instruction

Safety protocols knowledge

Job description

The PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) is a part-time or full-time position responsible for the delivery of high-quality equine assisted services to children and adults with disabilities. This role supports The Arc Caddo-Bossier's GREAT Program mission of building unlimited opportunities for people with disabilities through equine assisted services. The instructor will teach individual and group lessons, assist in the management of program horses, recruit, train and supervise volunteers, assist with facility management and ensure safe, effective therapeutic riding programs that improve participants' quality of life.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Volunteers during assigned lessons and activities

Required Skills

• Passion and dedication for people with disabilities and equine assisted services
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Professional appearance and conduct with ability to remain calm under stress
• Strong horse management, health, and safety knowledge
• Willingness to learn and adapt
• Ability to teach individual and group lessons effectively
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of PATH Intl. standards and therapeutic riding best practices
• Weekend and holiday feedings rotated with other staff

Education and Experience

• PATH Intl. CTRI (Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor) certification required
• CPR certification (training can be provided if needed)
• Experience in horse management and equestrian instruction
• Knowledge of current industry trends, precautions, and contraindications for students with disabilities
• Understanding of safety protocols and emergency procedures

Agency Expectations of Employee

• Adheres to The Arc Caddo-Bossier Policy and Procedures and Core Values
• Maintains a positive and respectful attitude
• Communicates regularly with Director about program issues and student progress
• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload
• Implements instructional strategies that align with GREAT Program's mission and goals

Essential Job Functions

Instructional Programs

• Work with Director to implement GREAT's programs, maintaining high standards and safety protocols
• Develop safe and challenging lesson plans for students, providing skill development based on parental and instructor's goals
• Teach mounted and unmounted horsemanship and equestrian skills
• Determine individual mounting and dismounting procedures for each student
• Assist with student assessments, placements, and class scheduling
• Communicate regularly with parents or guardians regarding riders' progress and assessments
• Provide and assist with all therapeutic riding programs including feeding, grooming, cleaning stalls and arena, tack distribution, saddling, warming up, preparing arena, setup and takedown of equipment, horse leading or side walking, and mounting and dismounting
• Stay current on industry trends, precautions, and contraindications for all students
• Provide supervision and oversight of equine assisted activities taught by employees/volunteers seeking PATH Intl. instructor certification as assigned by Director
• Assign volunteers to appropriate positions for each lesson
• Work with Program Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, and barn staff to implement and maintain proper training of volunteers
• Assist in volunteer training and recruitment as needed
• Practice, model, and teach GREAT standard horse handling techniques and safety procedures at all times

Equine Management

• Aid in the screening and selection of program horses as determined by Director
• Provide ongoing evaluation of behavior and soundness of horses
• Aid in ongoing schooling and conditioning of program horses within PATH Intl. CTRI standards as assigned by Director
• Perform stall and pasture cleaning, horse turnouts, and feeding program duties
• Feed horses on designated weekends (approximately once monthly; weekend and holiday duties split between employees)
• Assist Barn Manager in proper record keeping for horses
• Meet with veterinarian or farrier as needed
• Communicate equipment and supply needs (feed, medicines) to Director
• Evaluate equipment ensuring proper fit, good condition, and safety standards
• Provide basic first aid for injured or sick horses
• Assist with transport of horses to special events or veterinary appointments

Facility Management

• Ensure that riding arenas, mounting areas, and equine activity areas are safe, groomed, dust-free, and hazard-free
• Assist in cleaning barn area by blowing concrete and sweeping or vacuuming tack and feed rooms
• Sweep facility walls and arena fence
• Clean water buckets
• Sweep and dust offices and bathrooms

Fundraising and Special Events

• Work with Director on fundraisers, arena rentals, and special events
• Work with Program Coordinator and Director on grant writing
• Speak at churches, schools, community events, etc. about the program and volunteer opportunities

Administration

• Work with Program Coordinator in maintaining student applications and medical releases
• Report and document any incident, accident, conflict, or concern that may occur
• Maintain accurate records in compliance with program standards

Compliance and Quality

• Adhere to all PATH Intl. standards and best practices
• Maintain compliance with safety regulations and therapeutic riding protocols
• Ensure all activities meet quality standards for therapeutic riding instruction

Continuing Education

• Maintain and track continuing education hours to keep PATH Intl. certifications current
• Attend conferences and trainings to continue knowledge and stay current in the industry
• Participate in staff development initiatives and professional growth opportunities

OSHA Standards

• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors for multiple hours
• Ability to work a standard workweek with flexibility to respond to program needs including weekend feeding duties
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, turn, and twist throughout the workday
• Ability to perform physical activities including grooming and tacking horses, cleaning stalls, setting up equipment, and assisting with mounting/dismounting
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and temperatures
• Ability to handle repetitive tasks and physically demanding work
• Ability to see and hear well enough to ensure safety of students, horses, and volunteers
• Ability to work in an environment with moderate noise levels, dust, and animal-related elements

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Volunteers during lessons and activities; oversight of staff/volunteers seeking certification (as assigned)