Part-time PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Easterseals Southwest Florida; Nokomis (FL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Easterseals Southwest Florida is seeking a Part-time PATH CTRI to lead and grow The Ranch's Therapeutic Riding Program. This role includes planning lessons, managing teaching, and supervising volunteers in weekly sessions.

You will document progress, ensure safety, maintain horse and rider welfare, and collaborate with the Barn/Equine Program team to deliver high-quality, inclusive services to clients and participants.

A passion for teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement is essential.

Qualifications

• PATH CTRI Certification required.
• First Aid/CPR certification preferred.
• Knowledge of PATH INTL accreditation standards.
• Experience in riding and understanding equine behavior.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with Word, Excel, Outlook Calendar.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate weekly therapeutic riding lessons for individuals and groups.
• Document weekly progress and attendance.
• Maintain up-to-date participant paperwork and information.
• Design safe, effective, participative lesson plans.
• Coach and instruct riders and volunteers.
• Oversee lesson preparation and cleanup.
• Maintain horsemanship knowledge and safety standards.
• Collaborate professionally with team to uphold program ethics.

Skills

PATH CTRI Certification

First Aid/CPR certification

PATH INTL accreditation standards

Equine care knowledge

Communication skills

Technology literacy

Time management

Team collaboration

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook Calendar

Job description

Part-time PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor - 10 hours per week.

The position will lead to the enhancement and development of The Ranch's Therapeutic Riding Program. The responsibilities will include lesson planning, overall teaching management, overseeing lessons, participant direction, equine management relating to the program, evaluation, and recording, whilst maintaining a passion for excellence and delivery in a participative way. A high standard of communication, organization, professionalism, self-motivation, commitment, integrity, and inclusiveness is essential in delivering the program. This position requires the applicant to be an effective member of a dynamic team that achieves our mission, providing high-quality services and standards to our clients and participants.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Facilitate weekly individual and group therapeutic riding lessons.
• Document all weekly participants' progress and attendance.
• Ensure participants' paperwork and information are up to date.
• Design and implement safe, effective, and participative lesson plans focusing on the progression of riding and life skills.
• Provide coaching and instruction to both riders and volunteers.
• Oversee preparation and clean up after classes.
• Maintain knowledge of horsemanship and riding skills through continuing education.
• Communicate with the team professionally and respectfully, cultivating a culture of collaboration and excellence in service.
• Ensure that the horses are handled correctly and that behavior and health issues are noticed, recorded, and communicated to the Barn Coordinator.
• Conduct lessons in a safe and effective manner and respond appropriately to any incidents.
• Complete incident reports and communicate concerns to the General Manager promptly.
• Maintain a working knowledge of equine first aid, common ailments and issues, and be able to identify these potential issues.
• Be able to work with new horses in evaluation and training sessions alongside the Barn and Equine Program Coordinator.

Qualifications and Required Skills:

• Current PATH CTRI Certification.
• First Aid/CPR certification is preferable
• Knowledge of PATH INTL. Accreditation standards and regulations
• Experience in riding and understanding equine behavior and health
• Awareness of safety considerations about horses and clients
• Knowledge of appropriate riding equipment, including proper use and fit.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Competent with technology and computer literacy, such as Word, email, Excel, and Outlook Calendar.
• Be prepared to learn and use other computer programs.
• Excellent problem-solving and time management skills.
• Reliable, dependable, and self-motivated to develop the Therapeutic Riding program
• Able to remain calm and professional in unforeseen circumstances.
• Passionate about being part of a team and working closely with other staff members to uphold the organization's culture and ethics of integrity, unity, excellence, respect, and inclusion.