Equine Specialist Sen Teaching Assistant

**Equine Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant**

Are you an experienced TA who has also got a keen interest in horses, and the positive impact they can have on young people’s development? Interested in working creatively to facilitate and develop learning, outside in a farm environment?

We are looking for an individual who is confident in the field of working with young people, and with horses. You will need to enjoy being outside throughout the year, together with a team of therapy and education colleagues. Every day is different on the farm, and it can be busy and exhausting, and also very rewarding.

**Equine Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant Job Description**

Full time or Term time, farm based, near Guildford

The role holder will support a full range of Animal Assisted Therapeutic Activities working with a varied client base, with a particular focus of working with young people on alternative learning programmes with equine activities and learning. This includes working with complex needs and behaviours, including emotional, social, behavioural, learning and mental health needs. The role holder will support children and young people to undertake sessions and educational activities, in particular working with the curriculum with pupils of the Elysian Education, teaching safe practice around horses and riding. The post holder will undertake regular ridden and non-ridden sessions with equines, and work with (and train) equines with young people.

**Skills**

**Experience and Qualification**
- Degree or higher education in a relevant field or extensive experience working with vulnerable children and young people.
- At least 3 years’ experience of direct client work.
- Qualifications and experience in AAT or Equine Assisted therapy is beneficial (including online learning e.g. BSY/Centre of excellence).
- Experience of SEND education setting is preferred
- Experience of working with Emotional Social and Behavioural Difficulties is preferred
- Significant experience with equines, including general care and ridden work preferred
- Equine Care qualification is beneficial.
- Experience in delivering psycho education workshops or supporting groups incorporating animals will be an added advantage.
- Confidence and knowledgeable in caring for all animals.
- Sound knowledge of Safeguarding and good professional boundaries is essential.

**Additional Skills**
- Ability to project a positive public image of self and the organisation whilst exhibiting a culture of outstanding service and high ethical standards.
- Excellent communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English is essential
- Capable of establishing and maintaining constructive interpersonal relationships within the organisation.
- Demonstrated experience of working within a multi-disciplinary and/or diverse environment.
- Accomplished expertise in equine care and management.

**Overview of role**
- Supporting young people to undertake educational and therapeutic activities with animals on the farm, particularly horses.
- Facilitating equine sessions, including supporting both ground and ridden activities.
- Provide informal and formal assessment of new young people, and contribute to formulating therapeutic and educational goals, individualised for each young person. Undertake riding assessments of children and young people.
- Maintain any records necessary for the evaluation of service needs and efficiency and ensure that documentation is clear, accurate and in compliance with legal requirements.
- Maintain records and documents to ensure compliance with the Riding Establishment licence and general Health and Safety
- Undertake research relevant to the work as needed.
- Maintain an appropriate level of confidentiality at all times.
- Prepare and deliver structured Animal Assisted Therapy and/or Learning sessions for groups and individuals, including workshops and delivering learning plans/lessons where applicable.
- Where appropriate, provide coaching and training for students, junior or new staff.
- Where appropriate provide supervision of apprentices and/or volunteers.
- Oversee and undertake general liaison with young people, their carers/parents and relevant professionals within and outside the organisation with regards to general progress reporting and follow up.
- Contribute to the overall promotion activities of the organisation.
- Contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the organisations and general team agenda, which may include ensuring animals are healthy, happy and looked after, and/or developmental or maintenance tasks as part of a current or ongoing organisational agenda.

To Apply:
Elysian is committed to Safeguarding children and young people, and for that reason have a rigours safeguarding recruitment process in place.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £22,160.00-£27,641.00 per year

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person