Equestrian Facilitator-Supported Helper / Equine Facilitated …, Wicklow

Equestrian Facilitator-Supported Helper / Equine Facilitated Education Programme & Stable Management

To support young people and adults with an intellectual and/or physical disability to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in an equestrian environment

Job Description:

Programme Background:

As part of its commitment to social inclusion for people with disabilities, Festina Lente Equestrian Learning Centre offers a variety of equine-based programmes.

Position Title: Equestrian Facilitator-Supported Helper / Equine Facilitated Education Programme & Stable Management

Position Description: To support young people and adults with an intellectual and/or physical disability to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to help in an equestrian environment with an aim to build confidence, self – esteem, independence and teamwork.

Department Name: Equestrian Learning Centre

Reporting to: Head of Equine Assisted Services

Based at: Festina Lente Equestrian Learning Centre. The primary base for the position will be in our HQ at Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow (relocating to Kilpedder, Co. Wicklow in 2 to 4 years).

Contract Type: Part-Time Pobal Supported Contract

Position Goals: As part of the programme faculty, individualised facilitation of the programme modules in support of student learners, in a number of areas of equine care and stable care.

Supported Helpers Programme Facilitation

To support assigned day service member in maximising their personal independence and social and emotional competencies during their time in the Supported Helpers Programme,To act as an advocate for each Supported Helpers in the programme.

Stable Management Facilitation

To support assigned day service member in mucking out stables, cleaning Tack/equipment, Sweeping of the yard,To support assigned day service member in feeding / preparing hay netsLeading horses / ponies to and from the fieldsDelivery of stable management sessions

SHP/EFEP Sessions

Plan, facilitate, and evaluate ground based equine activities and learning sessions as part of the Equestrian Facilitation Education ProgrammeUse ground-based, experiential activities with horses (no riding) to achieve learning outcomesCreate a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environmentSupport assigned day service member’ personal, social, and emotional development through reflective practiceWork collaboratively with co-facilitators, educators, therapists, and support staffObserve and document assigned day service member engagement, progress, and outcomesAdapt sessions to meet diverse needs, abilities, and learning stylesMaintain clear session plans, risk assessments, and assigned day service member recordsEnsure all activities comply with health & safety, safeguarding, and organisational policiesUphold high standards of animal welfare and ethical equine practiceParticipate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing professional development

Communication

To liaise with other Equestrian Facilitated Education Programme (EFEP) and other Supported Helper Programme Facilitators in relation to the preparation of activities,To liaise with assigned service members family members/guardians and/or support persons as appropriate,To liaise with the Equestrian Learning Centre team to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of the horses.

Programme Projects

Assisting with the equine programme management team as they contribute to the overall strategic planning of Equestrian Learning Centre.

Programme Administration

To maintain and update supported helper records for learners in line with Festina Lentes Quality Assurance systems,To liaise with the Programme Coordinator in the monitoring and assurance of programme quality.

Training and Development

Attending all designated equine, facilitation skills and disability awareness workshops in support of skills development,Identify and address learning needs required in this role to further enhance programme facilitation within Festina Lente for supported helpers.Active participation in team and staff meetings.

Health & Safety

Observe, report and take appropriate action on any matter which may be detrimental to student learners’ safety and wellbeing,Complete incident reporting and near miss events,Complete and review risk assessments, including the development of a positive risk management plan for student learners,Adhere to all internal policies and procedures and to all relevant Health & Safety legislation.