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Equine Therapy Manager - SC106
Applications are invited for the above Full-Time Permanent Position.
The Organisation:
Stewarts is a voluntary organisation providing comprehensive community-based services to people with an intellectual disability. We support people with a wide range of support needs across residential settings, day services, supported independent living, job advocacy and vocational training.
Purpose of the Post:
The Equine Therapy Manager will have responsibility for providing managerial and professional leadership in the managing of the equine centre and farmlands. To organise, co-ordinate and implement an Equestrian/Horseboy programme for adults and children with an intellectual disability and/or autism which will meet their needs, interests and abilities and which offers them choice.
Candidates must meet the following criteria relevant to the role:
A qualification in Horseboy Method 1,2 and 3 or a qualification in other Equestrian Studies or BHSAI.
Have successfully completed a degree in Social Care, Nursing, Science, Design or Training & Education.
A minimum of five years’ experience working in a management role is essential.
A full clean driving licence (B, EB or C1)
In-depth knowledge of the New Directions (Interim) Standards and knowledge of national policies in the disability sector.
Ability to work strategically ensuring effective planning and delivery of service within budget.
Ability to build effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, including staff, families, HSE etc.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Excellent computer literacy and information technology skills.
Report writing skills with strong attention to detail.
Salary and qualifications are in accordance with Department of Health consolidated pay scales €62,414 to €71,418 LSI per annum Pro Rata
Applications should apply through our Careers Portal by clicking here
Campaign Ref: SC106
All queries in relation to this post should be emailed to recruitment@stewartscare.ie
Closing date: 13th October 2023
Please include a CV and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria.
Applications will be short-listed based on the information supplied.
A panel may be formed, from which future permanent and temporary positions may be filled.
Role:
Equine Therapy Manager - SC106
Duration of Post
Full-Time Permanent contract
Location
Kilcloon
Reporting Relationship
Director of Care – Day Services or person nominated by them
Job Purpose
The post holder will have responsibility for providing managerial and professional leadership in the managing of the equine centre and farmlands. To organise, co-ordinate and implement an Equestrian/Horseboy programme for adults and children with an intellectual disability and/or autism which will meet their needs, interests and abilities and which offers them choice.
Scope of the Role
There will be responsibility within Day Services for influencing future service delivery and development. This is in line with best practice, using a Person Centred approach in accordance with New Directions Standards.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
General Duties
Have a strong working knowledge of the New Directions standards as they apply to the role.
To contribute to the development of policies and procedures to ensure safe and effective service delivery.
To be responsible for the allocated service budget.
Managing all Equine Staff and Volunteers.
Responsible for daily stable management duties, including mucking out, feeding, watering etc.
Responsible for reoccurring tasks relating to the order of feed and bedding, routine farrier visits, tack maintenance, manure disposal etc.
To be responsible for the organisation, co-ordination and implementation of equine activities for the organisation in line with Stewarts Care Policies and Procedures.
Encourage and facilitate the participation of as many service users as possible in an Equestrian Programme.
To assist with the preparation of Services Users for any equine activities or games.
Make recommendations on all purchases of equipment for the Equestrian Centre and farm.
Be responsible for the maintenance of all equipment used during equestrian sessions, the equestrian yard, farmlands and farm equipment.
Clean, disinfect and maintain to a standard set by management equine accommodation, yards, exercise areas and paddocks, feed room, tack room, laundry and storage facilities, staff tack and rugs, including maintenance.
Follow training programmes as appropriate to individual horses, including earning trust, leading in hand and basic stable manners, lunging and long reining, breaking, schooling and riding.
Be responsible for the care of the horses in compliance with animal welfare legislation.
To maintain the equestrian centre in a clean and orderly manner.
To lead and participate fully in all quality assurance improvements.
Identify specific areas in which improvement can be made in effectiveness of care and develop and implement a plan to achieve these improved standards.
Collaborate with Director of Care – Day Services in preparing, implementing, and evaluating quality assurance requirements.
To ensure that day attendees are appropriately safeguarded and to develop, oversee, monitor, and address risks associated with safeguarding. To work in collaboration with the appropriate staff with responsibility for safeguarding, the designated officer and risk manager.
Resource management, planning, staffing, rostering, staff development, supervision, facilitating communication and professional leadership.
Organise family days, ensure communication and good relationships with family.
To supervise in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team the delivery of optimum care to service users.
Ensure that day attendees and others are treated with dignity and respect.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of care standards, protocols and guidelines consistent with the highest standards of service user care.
Maintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality, ethics and legislation.
Lead and implement change, with particular development of an individual approach to care.
Supporting the core values and the mission statement of Stewarts Care.
Education & Training
Ensure that all staff receive induction/orientation/ in service and other educational programs.
Promote a culture of continuous professional and personal development. The post-holder must lead by example in this area.
To actively pursue self and professional development including attendance at professional meetings, refresher courses and to be aware of all new professional developments.
To work closely with the Education and Training Department.
To contribute towards service development and identification of education needs.
To ensure all staff are up to date in core competency training through regular gap analysis.
Ensure that staff are aware of specific training in their key areas.
Administrative
Exercise leadership in the running of the assigned area(s).
Hold regular meetings with staff in your area(s) of responsibility to review standards to ensure efficient and effective delivery of service.
Ensure the effective management of industrial relation issues, grievance and disciplinary issues relating to staff at the request of and in consultation with the HR department.
Conduct supervision and performance management reviews with staff.
Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace.
Assist in maintaining the necessary clinical and administrative records and reporting arrangements/contribute to quality assurance by assisting in data collection.
Ensure compliance with legal requirements, policies and procedures affecting service users, staff and other organisational matters.
Health and Safety
Comply with the policies, procedures and safe professional practice of the Irish Healthcare System by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
Familiar with and co-operate with policy procedures and department guidelines such as risk management, infection control and adhering to infection control guidelines.
Play a central role in maintaining a safe environment for day attendees, staff and visitors e.g., through the development of risk assessment and risk management, including regular audit.
Assist in observing and ensuring implementation and adherence to established policies and procedures e.g., health and safety, infection control, storage and use of controlled drugs etc.
Observe, report and take appropriate action on any matter which may affect day attendee’s care or may be inhibiting the efficient provision of care.
Ensure completion of incident, risk and safeguarding documentation.
To take responsibility for the effective management of risk.
Ensure all Health and Safety measures and procedures are observed and adhered to. Employ safe methods and use of equipment as necessary, assisting veterinary surgeon and farrier as required.
Monitor physical condition and behaviour patterns of horses and report any abnormalities to the Line Manager
To ensure the safety of service users at all times adhering to the Organisations Policies & Procedures.
To adhere to organisation’s Policies & procedures and guidelines in relation to best practice on the safe handling of horses.
To ensure that farmlands are used and maintained in line with Government and Health & Safety Regulations
To ensure fire and safety precautions are implemented and maintained.
To ensure adequate knowledge of emergency action and plans.
Report any faulty lighting, heating, drainage etc to your line manager. Maintain all equipment correctly and report any damage or faults.
Ensure security of buildings and exercise areas.
Ensure that all accidents/incidents, are reported as per the organisation’s policies.
Confidentiality
In the course of your employment, you may have access to or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of residents or staff or other centres business. Such records and information are strictly confidential. In addition, records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them.
Qualifications & Experience
Candidates must meet the following criteria relevant to the role:
A qualification in Horseboy Method 1,2 and 3 or a qualification in others Equestrian Studies or BHSAI.
Have successfully completed a degree in Social Care, Nursing, Science or Training & Education.
A minimum of five years’ experience working in a management role is essential.
A full clean driving licence (B, EB or C1)
In-depth knowledge of the New Directions (Interim) Standards and knowledge of national policies in the disability sector.
Ability to work strategically ensuring effective planning and delivery of service within budget.
Ability to build effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, including staff, families, HSE etc.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Excellent computer literacy and information technology skills.
Report writing skills with strong attention to detail.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Equine Therapy Manager - SC106
Remuneration
Remuneration is in accordance with Department of Health consolidated pay scales: €62,414 to €71,418 LSI per annum Pro Rata
Working week
The hours allocated to this post are 39 hours per week, exclusive of lunch breaks. The working week may consist of five over seven days.
The allocation of these hours will be at the discretion of the Director of Day Services and in accordance with the needs of the service.
Probation
All employees will be subject to a probationary period of 6 months, with an extension if required to 9 months. This probationary period applies to all employees irrespective of their role or type of role.
Garda Vetting
Stewarts Care will carry out Garda vetting on all new employees. An employee will not take up employment with the organisation until the Garda Vetting process has been completed and the organisation is satisfied that such an appointment does not pose a risk to the service users and employees.
References
Stewarts Care will seek up to two written references from current and previous employers, educational institutions or any other organisation with which the candidate has been associated. Stewarts reserves the right to determine the merit, appropriateness and relevance of such references and referees.