✨Join a group of passionate advocates on our mission to improve the lives of at-risk youth!  Rite of Passage Team is hiring for an Equine Assistant at Childhelp, Alice C. Tyler Village in Lignum, Virginia✨

 Childhelp is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that specializes in the treatment of children aged 5-14 with mild to severe trauma or neglect, psychiatric disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders.  Our unique location on a 270-acre farm provides a nurturing treatment setting with a variety of therapy resources.  We bring the light of love and healing into the lives of countless abused and neglected children, and those suffering from psychiatric and behavioral disorders.  We take a holistic approach to serving our children along with meeting their physical, emotional and educational needs. Becoming a member of our Childhelp team is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to create a meaningful career with a mission driven organization.

Pay: Pay based on experience.

Perks & Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and company paid Life Insurance within 90 days, and 401k match of up to 6% after 1 year of employment, Paid Time Off that can be used as soon as it accrues and more! ROP-benefits-and-perks-2

What you will do: Join our Ranch team in helping traumatized children learn to succeed.  Use your horse experience to change the lives of at-risk youth!  Our dedicated team cares for the horses, facility and supports our therapist in an Equine therapy program serving our resident children.

Responsible for performing routine ranch activities including stall and pasture cleaning, providing assistance with care of the horses including feeding, turn arounds, grooming, basic first-aid, medication administration and more.

To be considered you should: Be at least 21 years of age ~ Possess a high school diploma or equivalent ~ Minimum of one (1) year of full-time experience working with horses in a professional setting ~ Strong horse handling skills with a focus on safety ~ Knowledge of basic equine first aid/wellness and care  ~  Ability to assist in safely leading equine activities with at risk children  ~ Be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screen, physical, and TB test.

Preferred qualifications for higher end of pay range: 

Knowledge of ranch equipment, machine operation and ability to drive manual tractor Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from four-year college or university and one to two years related professional equine experience and/or training preferably in an equine therapeutic setting Current CHA, PATH, or EAGALA certifications  Experience in EAP/equine therapy, animal assisted therapy, or therapeutic riding  Ability to ride at a CHA level 3 or above. Riders must be under 180 pounds Experience working with children/adolescents with emotional/behavioral disturbances in a residential treatment facility for children ages 5 – 14 years

Schedule: Four days 10s.  Need to have the ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and afternoon/evenings.

Apply today and Make a Difference in the Lives of Youth!

After 40 years of improving the lives of youth, we are looking for passionate advocates to continue the legacy of helping young people become successful adults. As an Equine Assistant, you will have the unique opportunity to create a positive, safe and supportive environment for the youth we serve while building a career rich in growth opportunities and self-fulfillment.

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