Program Supervisor

Hospital for Special Care; Middletown (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center is seeking a Program Supervisor to lead day-to-day operations, ensuring safe, high-quality equine-assisted services aligned with PATH Intl. standards. You will supervise staff, manage scheduling, and coordinate participant intake, documentation, and risk management.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to balance participant services with herd management and facility needs to support program growth.

Qualifications

• PATH International registered or advanced instructor certification or obtain certification within 6-10 months of hire.
• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification.
• Three (s3) years management or supervisory experience in an equine-assisted activities setting.
• Experience supervising staff and volunteers, including training, scheduling, and performance oversight.
• Extensive and comprehensive knowledge of standard practices in equine management and care including conditioning, training and herd health.
• Experience teaching mounted and unmounted lessons.
• Proficiency in computer systems, scheduling software, and electronic record management.
• Effective written, communicative, and analytical skills.
• Current and valid driver’s license.
• Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning certification (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of daily program operations, including staff supervision, scheduling, and participant services.
• Serve as key point of contact for individuals, families and referring agencies seeking equine-assisted program opportunities.
• Lead strategic planning for existing and new programs, aligning with community needs and resources.
• Enforce PATH Intl. safety protocols and manage risk across program operations.
• Partner with the Equine Specialist to manage herd development and retirement planning.
• Support marketing, outreach, and networking to build program awareness within the community.

Skills

Staff supervision

Scheduling

Communication

Analytical skills

Driver's license

Education

PATH Intl instructor certification

First Aid/CPR/AED

Equine Specialist (MH/L) — preferred

Tools

Scheduling software

Electronic records management

Computer systems proficiency

Job description

Position Location:

Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center

Position Location:

Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

First Shift

Department

Manes and Motions Riding Center

We are dedicated to creating an environment of care and engagement that makes us one of the most desirable places to work, providing exceptional care to each patient each and every day!

Qualifications

• Required: PATH International registered or advanced instructor certification or obtain certification within 6-10 months of hire.
• Required: First Aid/CPR/AED Certification.
• Required: Three (s3) years management or supervisory experience in an equine-assisted activities setting.
• Required: Experience supervising staff and volunteers, including training, scheduling, and performance oversight.
• Required: Extensive and comprehensive knowledge of standard practices in equine management and care including conditioning, training and herd health.
• Required: Experience teaching mounted and unmounted lessons.
• Required: Proficiency in computer systems, scheduling software, and electronic record management.
• Required: Effective written, communicative, and analytical skills.
• Required: Current and valid driver’s license.
• Preferred: Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning certification.

Job Summary

The Program Supervisor oversees the day-to-day operations of the Center, ensuring all services are delivered safely, effectively, and in alignment with PATH International standards and Center policies. Responsibilities include operational leadership in staff supervision, scheduling, risk management, herd and facility coordination, participant intake and communication, documentation compliance, and the implementation of mounted and unmounted therapeutic programming.

The Program Supervisor serves as the primary liaison for participants and families, supports quality assurance initiatives, contributes to program evaluation and reporting metrics, and assists leadership with budget oversight and resource allocation. This position requires strong independent judgment, supervisory capability, and the ability to effectively balance participant services, equine management, operational efficiency, and strategic program growth.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position requires ability to tolerate sitting for no greater than 1-1/2 hours (90 minutes) at a time for meeting attendance, desk work and driving; forward reaching and turning to access low or high file drawers, shelves or equipment.
• Strength and endurance are required to handle the physical demands of the farm work environment. Must be able to pick up items from floor level (up to 50 pounds).
• Fine manipulation is required for writing and computer usage.
• Occasional driving up to 1-2 hours.

COGNITIVE DEMANDS

• Position requires independent problem identification, problem solving techniques, and adaptability. Abstract reasoning and quick decision making is required. A high degree of selective attention, discernment, perception and concentration is necessary.
• Position requires writing proficiency including attention to detail, adherence to all elements of style, composition organization, and ability to express self clearly.
• Position requires a high level of communication skill including expression of abstract/complex ideas, use of negotiation, active listening and an ability to dialogue with multiple parties. Must be able to teach and assess the skills of staff members.
• Position requires reading and auditory comprehension of abstractions and an ability to make inferences.
• Enhances the synergy developed across organizational departments in spite of different roles and functions.
• Able to effectively work with members of the staff (including volunteers) from any part of the organization.

WORK DEMANDS

• Job requires high-level of independent judgment, multitasking and ability to function with minimal supervision.
• Timely processing of information and quick decision-making skills are required. Interpersonal skills & ability to function as part of a team are essential.
• The Program Coordinator must have the ability to function effectively during periods which may be considerably stressful.
• Position requires ability to interact frequently with both internal and external customers and to handle difficult issues/situations with diplomacy, tact and confidentiality.
• Adjusts and prioritizes schedule to adapt to events as needed.
• Position requires working both indoors and outdoors, as dictated by program needs.
• Position requires moderate exposure to inclement weather conditions including dust and allergens, as related to an equestrian environment.
• Position requires working around and with others.
• Schedule fluctuation is frequent, and flexibility is required.
• There is minimal exposure to body fluids and blood borne pathogens.
• Position ensures that all program operations have suitable horses, prepared and ready to work.

Essential Functions

• Provide leadership and oversight of daily program operations, including staff supervision, scheduling, and participant services.
• Serve as key point of contact and consultation for individuals, families and referring agencies seeking equine-assisted program opportunities.
• Lead strategic planning for existing and new programs, ensuring alignment with community needs, organizational objectives, and available resources.
• Uphold and adhere to PATH Intl. standards by enforcing safety protocols, maintaining regulatory compliance, and proactively managing risk across all program operations.
• Partner with the Equine Specialist to strategically manage herd development, including horse selection, evaluation, utilization, and retirement planning.
• Support marketing, outreach efforts, and networking initiatives that build program awareness within the community. Participate on committees and task forces as warranted or assigned.