Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor

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Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm is a nonprofit organization that uses horses and riding instruction to help people with and without disabilities. This job opening is for a multi-faceted instructor to teach horsemanship and life lessons to people with and without disabilities, including grooming, tacking, and care of animals, riding techniques appropriate to each rider’s abilities, and proper care and handling of horses on the ground. Teaching will be conducted as private, semi-private, and group lessons in half-hour and hour-long sessions, and will be scheduled by management, including space and horse assignments. We are looking for horsemanship-focused individuals who are willing to work with volunteers.

Employment Type: Full-time, part-time, and seasonal (summer) positions  available

Schedule

• Weekday mornings (5 hours)
• Saturdays 8am-3pm

Requirements and Qualifications

Applicant must have a current MA Riding Instructors license, or have the interest and ability to pursue a MA license. We are looking for instructors who would be interested in working with people of varied abilities. The job would best be suited for someone with a strong work ethic, a good sense of humor, compassion and enthusiasm for the organization and its mission, and an open mind for new and innovative ways to use horses to help people. 

Help us spread our mission! Ironstone Farm is a therapeutic horse farm located in Andover, MA.  We serve people of all ages with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disabilities through our equine-assisted therapy programs. Grow to understand our potential donor pool and hold a vital role in planning events and coordinating other activities to encourage donations and help us move toward our goal of helping improve people’s lives. Work on a close-knit, enthusiastic team. Stretch and improve your communication and leadership skills and organizational capabilities in this pivotal role. 

Job Summary

The Development Assistant will support Ironstone Farm’s fundraising efforts through research, event planning, and donor stewardship. This position provides opportunities to learn and develop skills across a broad set of development responsibilities, including individual, corporate and institutional giving. The Development Assistant will report to the Executive Director. 

Employment Type:  This is a 20-hour-a-week position. Hourly wage commensurate with experience. Candidate must be willing to work some evening and weekend hours as needed.  

This a perfect opportunity for someone with entry-level development experience looking to grow into a possible manager or director position. Also a great opportunity for any seasoned development professional that might be taking a step back from full-time work but wants to stay engaged in the field. 

Primary Duties: 

• Create and maintain donor records in the donor database
• Assist with routine data analysis to ensure the accuracy of data and planning 
• Assist in gift documentation and creating a donor thank you campaign 
• Support donor stewardship projects, including updating acknowledgment letters
• Support the Executive Director and Event Planner in all aspects of planning and executing major fundraising events each year
• Spearhead gathering events and opportunities at Ironstone Farm to steward stakeholders and volunteers
• Perform research and contribute to strategies for prospective individuals, corporate and institutional donors
• Prepare materials for donor meetings and draft donor communications
• Assist with marketing and communications as needed
• Administrative responsibilities and other related job duties as assigned

Experience, Competencies, and Education: 

• 2-3 years of administrative experience, preferably in nonprofit or development-related work
• Previous data entry and database experience preferred
• Exceptional writing and editing skills
• Ability to work well independently and in a team environment
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Website management experience a plus

• Responsible for creating and managing an effective individual plan of treatment for each client, that is, daily documentation and periodic re-evaluation, and meetings with parents and other professionals involved.
• Responsible for evaluation of new clients, interpretation of data, writing reports, and meeting with parents.
• Write daily treatment notes, progress reports every two months or as required by the physician or insurance, discharge reports, and insurance reports as required for each client.
• Obtain the appropriate billing slips, properly document treatment given, and obtain needed signatures.
• Responsible for assessing proper equipment needed, setting up, and putting away all equipment used during therapy or evaluation.
• Assist in periodic clean-up times to maintain overall optimal clinic functioning.

Required Licensure/Certification

• Current MA license as a Physical, Occupational, or Speech Therapist.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification
• Completion of Ironstone Farm Employee Orientation

Qualifications

Experience in pediatrics is preferred, but not a requirement. Excellent written and verbal skills. Excellent analytical and observational skills; experience in using clinical observations in assessment. Flexibility and willingness to be part of a team, that is, contributing in team/staff meetings, substituting for others’ clients. Ability to take responsibility for one’s own learning; demonstrate an understanding of the uniqueness of Ironstone Farm and the therapeutic program. Joy in interacting with children; belief that all children are good and that we are responsible for assisting them to be their best selves.

Mandatory Requirements

Must attend scheduled quarterly all-staff meetings and monthly therapist staff meetings. Assimilate all new policies, procedures, and ongoing training as needed for job development

Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour