Equestrian Program Assistant

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY Catholic Charities is one of the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive nonprofit human services organizations in Northern California, annually reaching more than 60,000 vulnerable individuals of all faiths in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin Counties. With a staff of approximately 450, reaching peaks of nearly 600 with seasonal hires, a budget of $54.3 million, and a current governing board of 27, this venerable, fully-accredited, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit addresses some of the most pressing community needs - homelessness, generational poverty, immigration, inequality, hunger, aging in isolation, and communicable disease -- to name a few - with compassion and services of highest quality. PROGRAM & POSITION SUMMARY Founded in 1855, Catholic Charities St.

Vincent's School for Boys provides residential treatment and all-around care to minors, ages 7-17. A combination of therapeutic, educational, rehabilitation, and recreational programs address the multiple and diverse needs of each child. The boys live in four residential houses, which are staffed 24 hours a day, on the St.

Vincent's campus. The Therapeutic Equestrian Program, recenlty named The Eagleson Equestrian Center (EEC), was introduced in 1985 to address unique challenges the boys face and to support the healing process. All equestrian activities are supervised by trained Natural Lifemanship equestrian practitioners, including learning to ride horses, guided group rides through trails on the 770-acre St Vincent's campus, grooming, and caring for the horses.

The EEC teaches equestrian skills, life skills and fosters empathy and a sense of responsibility for another living being. Retired horses live the remainder of their lives with dignity, receiving care and attention in the paddocks on the St. Vincent campus.

The program also includes care and attention for two cats, goats, and chickens. The Equestrian Program Assistant reports to the Equestrian Program Manager and provides services to the livestock and facility when directed, as needed. This position also assists with the Equine Facilitated individual and group sessions provided to minors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Ability to handle, ride, and lunge horses using best practices HORSE/LIVESTOCK HEALTH, CARE, FEEDING, SAFETY & MEDICAL COORDINATON Is responsible for assisting the feeding of horses/livestock in the Equestrian Program Observes horses/livestock for any injuries or medically related problems. Administers first aid to sick and/or injured horses/livestock, as appropriate. Participates in Equestrian On-Call system in order to ensure 24-hour emergency care of horses/livestock on an as-needed basis.

Reports problems and horse/livestock health needs to the Equestrian Program Manager. Ensures that horses/livestock have water available on a 24-hour basis. Ensures that all pasture gates, stalls barn doors, tack room and animal housing are locked and secure.

Report any unsafe and/or non-working items to maintenance department and the Equestrian Program Manager so that the items receive immediate repair. Ensures that all stalls are clean and manure free. Provides supervision and assists with Equine Facilitated individual and group sessions, both mounted and unmounted.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience: Equestrian/livestock experience. Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or related field preferred. Bilingual preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of animal husbandry Ability to provide regular & predictable attendance. Ability to retain a professional and respectful demeanor. Valid California Driver's License Proficiency in language skills and in attention to detail.

Orientation to teamwork, problem solving and accuracy. Commitment to confidentiality and respectful service. Ability to ride and lunge a variety of horses at the walk, trot, and lope/canter.

Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Frequent bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and walking. Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling. Frequent repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Heavy work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The worker is required to have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles or heavy equipment. Occasionally driving off-road.

If driving a car is required for the position, incumbent must have a valid California driver's license and be able to provide proof of DMV record and personal insurance (if required.) WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is part of a residential treatment center for children and adolescents.

The work environment is primarily a barn, arena, tack room, as well as the fields and trails on which the horses graze, live and ride. Noise level in work environment is usually moderate in accordance with typical equestrian settings frequented by children. May include inadvertent contact with clients with mental health issues who demonstrate behaviors such as use of profanity, shouting, running away, self-harm and violence.

May be exposed to odors such as perfumes, cleaning products. Often exposed to odors associated with horses, such as manure and horse sweat. Often exposed to outside weather condition, including high heat and heavy rain.

Often exposed to dust, dirt and allergens. The work environment may include driving an agency vehicle. DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.

They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. In accordance with the requirements of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), Catholic Charities SF does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities.

Furthermore, Catholic Charities SF does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under title I of the ADA CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and is committed to providing equal employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, legal domicile status, veteran status, disability or AIDS/HIV status or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

This is a full-time position Union status: Non-union Fingerprinting clearance: Required TB Screening: Required First Aid Certificate: No First Aid required COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination: Required Pay Range: $25-$28