Education/Experience:

● Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related field.
● Licensure or actively working towards licensure, with supervision.
● Certification in ARCH Facilitation (required within 6 months of hire).
● Other certification (Eagala, Natural Lifemanship, Path are acceptable and welcomed with completion of ARCH training within one year).
● Certification in First Aid and CPR (required within 12 months of hire).
● High energy and passion for Acres for Life’s mission.
● Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
● Experience in the mental health field within scope of practice and population focus.
● Demonstrated ability to de-escalate situations and manage crises.
● Knowledge of HIPAA, Mandated Reporting, and proper documentation practices.
● Familiarity with ethical codes, standards, and best practices in the mental health field.
Job Responsibilities/Functions:
● Conduct clinical intakes, obtaining necessary paperwork, conducting informed consent procedures, and outlining treatment goals.
● Provide mental health services for individuals, families, and groups using the ARCH Model in an outpatient setting.
● Assess and assign diagnoses, recommending additional evaluation if necessary.
● Manage client cases, coordinating with third parties when appropriate.
● Seek supervision and collaborate with treatment teams.
● Ensure accurate and timely documentation and client file compliance.
● Maintain compliance with licensing boards and participate in continuing education.
● Collaborate with team members on session planning, treatment goals, and debriefing.
● Assist with animal care and facilities support as needed.
● Conduct tours, presentations, and staff exhibitions as requested.
● Support community development and networking efforts.
● Attend meetings, trainings, and CEU opportunities.

Complexity:

This position involves varied and complex duties requiring problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills. Duties may change at any time under the discretion of the Leadership Team and/or Board of Directors.

Supervision:

The Mental Health Professional works under the direction of the COO and may assist in supervising interns as requested.

Position Type and Expected Hours:

This is a full-time position with hours that may exceed 45- 50 per week due to volunteer aspects and in-kind services, including occasional weekends.

Mental/Visual/Physical Effort:

Job duties can be mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding. Close attention to detail and concentration are required. Manual dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to work inside and outside in all elements are essential.

Travel:

Travel may be required for continuing education, conferences, and speaking engagements.

Responsibility for Safety/Accuracy/Confidentiality:

The Mental Health Professional must adhere to HIPAA compliant procedures and maintain confidentiality. Errors in judgment could have serious consequences for client care and Acres for Life operations.

Contacts with Others:

Regular internal and external communication requires tact, courtesy, and adherence to proper procedures and etiquette.

Education/Experience:

• 6,000 hours (roughly 3 years full-time) of hands-on equine experience
  
• ARCH Certification (to be completed within 6 months of hire)
  
• First Aid & CPR Certification (must be obtained within 12 months of hire)
  
• Strong energy and passion for Acres for Life’s mission
  
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with great attention to detail
  
• Professional demeanor and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, managing multiple tasks and projects
  
• Proven experience with diverse horse temperaments and backgrounds
  
• Knowledge in ground work, horse psychology, husbandry, body language, and herd dynamics
  
• Ability to maintain boundaries while supporting mental health aspects of therapy and complying with confidentiality and HIPAA requirements
  
• Commitment to ongoing education and training

Key Responsibilities:

• Understand and adhere to Acres for Life’s ethics, standards, and practices
  
• Ensure physical safety for clients, horses, and staff during sessions
  
• Collaborate with the QMHP to conduct Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning (EAP/L) in an outpatient setting for individuals, families, and groups
  
• Assist in planning, setting treatment goals, debriefing, horse selection, and focusing session objectives with the QMHP
  
• Offer equine insights and perspective during therapy sessions
  
• Monitor safety during sessions, with the ability to intervene when necessary, and communicate effectively with the mental health team
  
• Contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the facility (office space, barn, pasture, etc.), including animal care as needed
  
• Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to session start, providing animal care and facility support. 
• Ensure horse notes are updated and posted within 48 hours of sessions, stored properly, and contain all required information
  
• Assess and select appropriate horses for daily activities, report concerns to the COO and ES team, and ensure horses are fit for the day’s work
  
• Communicate regularly with the COO and ES team about horse needs and any concerns
  
• Stay up-to-date with best practices in equine therapy through continuing education
  
• Participate in program development and contribute ideas for improvement
  
• Be flexible to work in all weather conditions, both indoors and outdoors
  
• Lead tours and informational sessions at the facility, and conduct off-site presentations or staff exhibitions as requested
  
• Stay current with continuing education requirements to maintain Acres for Life’s Core Competency and ARCH certification
  
• Participate in team meetings and Acres-led staff training
  
• Get to know each horse’s unique personality and behavior
  
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
  
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
  
• Volunteer and provide in-kind support for the program as needed
• Support community engagement efforts, including fundraising, attending events, and promoting Acres for Life’s mission, such as participation in the Annual Many Hat Gala (as directed by the CDO)

Complexity:

The role requires a diverse skill set, including problem-solving, teamwork, and excellent communication. Duties are varied and may require quick thinking, coordination, and a high level of detail. The job description outlines primary responsibilities but may evolve at the discretion of the leadership team or board of directors.

Supervision:

The Equine Specialist works under the direct supervision of the COO. This role does not involve direct supervision of staff unless assisting with intern supervision, as requested by the COO.

Position Type and Expected Hours:

This position has both part-time and full-time options with potential for hours to exceed 40 per week due to volunteer and in-kind service expectations. Hours may include early mornings to late evenings, Monday to Saturday, and occasionally Sunday. The schedule will be coordinated with the COO.

Mental/Visual/Physical Effort:

The role can be mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding. It requires focus and attention to detail, as well as the ability to handle multiple tasks. Physical activities include sitting, standing, walking on uneven terrain, lifting, stretching, and performing other manual tasks. The ability to work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions is necessary.

Travel:

The Equine Specialist may need to travel for continuing education, conferences, or speaking engagements related to equine education and certification.

Responsibility for Safety/Accuracy/Confidentiality:

Given the nature of the work, the Equine Specialist must maintain strict adherence to safety protocols. Errors in judgment can have significant consequences for client care and organizational operations. The role involves access to confidential client records, and adherence to HIPAA compliance is essential to protect the privacy and integrity of client data.

Contacts with Others:

The Equine Specialist will engage with internal and external parties, including clients, families, veterinarians, and farriers. The role requires professionalism, courtesy, and adherence to proper communication protocols.