TRAC (Therapeutic Riding at Centenary) Program Assistant

Deadline: JOB SUMMARY The TRAC Program Assistant (PA) supports the Director of TRAC on-site during program hours and with administrative and other duties as assigned outside of program hours. The PA is responsible for all administrative documentation related to Therapeutic Riding At Centenary (TRAC)’s program-wide adherence with PATH Intl. Standards as well as handling volunteer and participant communications and scheduling as assigned. The position requires excellent judgement, situational awareness, teaching skills, and management skills. It is a position of trust, requiring a high level of maturity to make intuitive, independent decisions in accordance with TRAC’s program procedures and best instructional practices, and with the policies of the CU Equine Studies Department. The PA must consistently demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to promote TRAC’s mission in a professional, positive manner to all stakeholders and the public. The PA wants to be part of a dynamic team environment and understands that in the equine-assisted services field, this often means “pitching in” with a variety of tasks. The PA achieves results by collaborating with others, listening deeply to others, and engaging with others, including volunteers and instructors-in-training, to develop their interests and strengths. The PA demonstrates knowledge and technical competency as a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and applies this to the position. The PA leverages their outstanding teaching skills to help expand TRAC’s effectiveness and capacity. The PA serves as the mentor instructor for students working towards their CTRI certifications when assigned to do so. The University reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND TASKS: General Duties and Tasks: The PA ensures the TRAC program’s administrative and procedural adherence to all standards of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) The PA fields program and volunteer inquiries, responding to or directing them in accordance with procedures. The PA organizes and executes Volunteer Orientation and Trainings and serves as the primary point person for volunteer scheduling. As such, the PA is responsible for ensuring adequate volunteer support at all TRAC program activities and events. The PA ensures volunteer engagement during all TRAC shifts, mentors and supports volunteers, and ensures that all equines are tacked and ready for program at the designated time. The PA oversees safety and ensures tidiness/clean-up at all TRAC shifts. The PA teaches therapeutic riding lessons and serves as lead instructor at special programs (summer camps, field trips, group visits, special populations) as assigned. The PA mentors TRAC Instructors-in-Training as assigned, ensuring that TRAC’s programming is safe, effective, and enjoyable for participants. The PA represents TRAC at outreach events, which may involve traveling to off-site locations and/or presenting remotely. The PA provides general support to the Director of TRAC with all elements of program function, academic classes, and with special projects as assigned. JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES By “staying on top of things,” the PA helps to ensure that the program is always ready to serve and in compliance with PATH Intl. Standards. This supports the provision of safe and effective services in a positive program culture for all TRAC stakeholders. The PA ensures the excellence of all communication related to the TRAC program, both internally and externally, and in all modalities utilized by the TRAC program/Centenary University for communication. The PA executes volunteer recruitment, training, and retention efforts, ensuring sufficient volunteer support for every shift. This includes providing initial and on-going training to volunteers in an invested and professional manner, engaging with instructors-in-training and volunteers to help ensure a meaningful and productive volunteer experience during every shift. Provides supervision in all TRAC activities and as assigned by the Director of TRAC, allowing for continuity of services in the absence of the Director of TRAC as well as for expansion of services. Serves as lead instructor for three weeks of summer camp, which includes oversight of schedule and day-to-day camp operations. Assists with the TRAC horses’ overall schooling and grooming maintenance to ensure they are program-ready and looking their best as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Professional verbal and oral communication skills, including timely follow-up using professional communication channels. Experienced with administrative tasks related to record-keeping. Advanced horse handling skills, as pertains to field/stall retrieval; grooming, tacking; recognizing signs of illness or unsoundness; warming up equines and handling for equine assisted services. Reliable transportation. Excellent communication and teaching skills. Supervisory skills – especially executing sound judgement when supervising shifts/activities, when mentoring instructors-in-training, and when assessing tasks for volunteers outside of program positions (tack cleaning; special projects; bathing horses) Task oriented, ability to think ahead and anticipate program flow from a posted schedule. Knowledge of PATH Intl. Standards EDUCATION/SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE/PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS Required: PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) BA/BS in Equine Studies, Education, Human Services, Animal Health, or related field Preferred: PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning PATH Intl. Mentor Instructor and/or Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor WORKING CONDITIONS During the academic year, the program hours include Weds 4 – 8 PM, Thurs 4 – 8 PM, Fri 1:30 – 8 PM). Summer hours vary, Mon. – Fri. on-site, and include summer camp hours (Mon – Fri 8 AM – 1 PM during three camp weeks). The Program Assistant is an on-ground position, with administrative and hands-on program upkeep tasks taking place on-ground during the first year of this position. Remote work may be permitted on occasion and considered in future. Additional weekend and evening hours may be required. Barn and office environment Remote work may be approved for administrative tasks, but a minimum of 5 hours per week outside of program hours should take place on-site at CU Equestrian Center Work outside in all weathers Lift up to 50 pounds Walk/job briskly for up to one hour at a time while serving as lesson volunteer Work in dusty conditions with allergens For more information about working at Centenary, please click here.