Full or Part Time Equine Specialist for Busy Mental Health Eco-Therapy Clinic

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Description

Alliance Counseling and The Center at Heron Hill is seeking a full or part-time Equine Specialist (ES) to become part of our equine team to support equine-assisted psychotherapy and therapy services to children, adolescents and adults in a healing, farm-based, nature-based environment. THis is a part-time position with potential for growth to full-time.

The Center at Heron Hill is an established 60-acre therapy facility located in Canby, Oregon. We serve a wide variety of clients and we incorporate horses into our experiential, therapeutic sessions. We facilitate our equine sessions utilizing the EAGALA model.

The equine specialist is a member of the facilitation team and works in session with the Mental Health Therapist and team of horses. The Equine Specialist supports the session by maintaining safety considerations, exhibiting and understanding of natural horse behaviors and movement, and being experienced in the ways of horse and social aspects of the herd. The ES works with the licensed Mental Health Therapist to structure sessions, observe and share horse interaction and behavior. The Equine Specialist documents post-session any needed observations and special needs of the equine team.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

-The Equine Specialist must have 6000 hours (equal to approximately 3 years of full-time work) experience hand-on with horses

-Current EAGALA certification preferred but not required

-At least 100 hours of continuing education in the horse profession. Some of this education should include topics covering:

• Groundwork
• Horse Psychology
• Ability to read horse body language/nonverbal communication
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work as a team
• Commitment to on-going professional and personal development
• Alignment with the Mission of The Center at Heron Hill/Alliance Counseling Center
• Knowledge of therapeutic use of horses for human growth
• Overall knowledge and commitment to wellbeing and health of horses in session/on farm
• Assist and support the equine herd on the farm as part of the equine staff team

Folks with psychology, human development, social services or education degree and/or experience in these fields are encouraged to apply for opportunities for full time employment, which includes benefits.

For those who also meet the requirements to provide full-time employment via a mix of equine specialist work and skills training, the duties and responsibilities of the skills training role include the following:

The skills trainer works as a member of an interdisciplinary team to implement and monitor treatment for clients at Alliance Counseling Center. As a mental health facility, we require skills trainers to have training and understanding of the multi-faceted impacts of trauma in order to best help those we serve. The Skills Trainer must have the ability to work independently and collaboratively. This position involves participation and implementation of treatment goals established by the clinical mental health therapist to promote a strength-based, client centered approach to assisting clients in achieving established goals. The skills trainer works with clients both individually and in groups. Alliance Counseling Center is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively; understand mental health assessments, treatment and service terminology, case management, confidentiality, and individual, group, family and other counseling techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations and maintain a cooperative working relationship with others in a culturally diverse environment.
• Knowledge of community resources and treatment agencies enabling appropriate referrals for specific client needs
• Enter and retrieve data in our Electronic Health Record
• Demonstrated ability to implement program policies and procedures

EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN ORDER TO ALSO PROVIDE SKILLS TRAINING

Bachelors degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of full time professional experience working with adults, children and/or families in a mental health setting. Demonstrate the competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA), as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR). Certification must be kept current and in compliance with the OAR’s. Have completed a Mental Health First Aid course or something comparable, or a willingness to complete the course within 6 months of hire.

Individuals who are only applying for part-time work as an Equine Specialist do not need a Bachelors Degree.

COMPENSATION:

$24.00-$28.00 an hour

Employment type:  Part-time or full time depending on experience and the ability to provide both equine specialist duties and skills training. Part time will be for folks who are only able or want to apply for the role of Equine Specialist.

Benefit Information

$24.00 an hour for part-time

Up to $28.00 for full-time

Full time positions qualify for medical, dental and vision benefits through Blue Cross Blue Shield, 401K retirement program with company match, $300.00 in annual continuing education funding, paid time off and paid sick leave