Equine Facilitated Education Programme / Supported Helper Programme Co-Ordinator at Festina Lene
Equine Facilitated Education Programme / Supported Helper Programme Co-Ordinator
Festina Lente Mission Statement
The mission of Festina Lente is to provide a range of integrated training, occupational, learning and employment opportunities to people with disabilities. These services are provided through equestrianism, horticulture, and community-based activities with an emphasis on choice, personal development, and progression. The services are provided through the following:
Equestrian Training Programme
Transition Training Programme
Festina Lente Riding School
Equine Assisted Learning
Equine Facilitated Education Programme
Therapeutic Riding Service
Saol Anois Day Service
Festina Lente Gardens
Festina Lente was established in 1988 and over the years has developed a wide range of equestrian related activities to people of all ages, from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of learning styles. Central to this is the role of the horse and its’ capacity to facilitate each person in their preferred activity or programme.
Job Title: Part-time Equine Facilitated Education Programme / Supported Helper Programme Co-Ordinator (CSP Supported Position)
Reporting to: ELC Manager
Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer
Main purpose
This position has three distinct objectives:
Firstly – through the medium of working with equines - to support young people at risk of social and / or economic disadvantage focussing on social and emotional learning. Young people attending local DEIS schools attend Festina Lente as part of their school timetable. This programme is called the Equine Facilitated Equestrian Programme (EFEP) https://www.festinalente.ie/equestrian-learning-centre/equine-assisted-activities/equine-facilitated-educational-programme/
Secondly – to support young people, teens, and adults with a disability to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to help in an equestrian environment with an aim to build confidence, self – esteem, independence, and teamwork. This programme is called the Supported Helpers Programme https://www.festinalente.ie/equestrian-learning-centre/equine-assisted-activities/supported-helper-stable-management-sessions/
Thirdly – to deliver Stable Management Lessons to mainstream riders for one and a half hours Tuesday to Friday.
As such the two main programmes are the Equestrian Facilitated Educational Programme (EFEP) and the Supported Helper Programme. All activities are ground based and do not involve riding the horses.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Your principal duties and responsibilities will be:
1. Working with between 1 – 4 young people each morning in the following activities:
· Social & Emotional learning horse activities
· Grooming
· Mucking Out
· Bringing Horses to and from the fields
· Preparing feeds and hays
· Leading
2. Developing equine based learning programmes that encompass new learning, variety, and personal goals amongst other factors.
3. Liaising with relevant personnel from the schools referring the young people, as well as parents/key workers for those attending the Supported Helper Programme
4. Maintaining and updating timetables
5. Liaising with Accounts on charged activities.
6. Keeping relevant records as is relevant to the programme.
7. Ensuring the welfare of horses that are involved in the programmes.
8. To comply with the Health & Safety requirements of the organisation and of legislation
9. To attend staff meetings and training as required
10. To build and maintain excellent working relationships with colleagues, learners & service users.
11. Provision of stable management sessions
This job description is not exhaustive and other duties may be assigned from time to time in
accordance with the needs of the service. This job description may be revised to take account of changing circumstances and requirements.
Other Duties will include:
· Providing support and/or supervision in the Equestrian Yard
· To contribute to the overall strategic planning of Festina Lente
PERSON SPECIFICATION: The person appointed to this role will ideally meet the following.
requirements:
· Relevant third level qualification in social care or equivalent
· Suitable and relevant experience of working with horses.
· A minimum of 3 years’ experience of working with young people in a supervisory capacity
· Experience with Equine Assisted Learning activities would be an advantage.
· Knowledge of Microsoft Office essential
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT : This position and contract are made available through the Community Services Programme, funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by Pobal. The Company’s current contract with Pobal will cease in December 2028 and all Pobal funded contracts will be subject to renewal at that time.
Salary: €15,000 – €18,000 depending on experience
Pension: Employees have access to PRSA scheme.
Annual Leave:
Your holiday entitlements shall be calculated at 8% of hours worked per annum and shall be given in accordance with the provisions of Part III of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997.
Compulsory Leave must be taken at:
· July/August (School Holidays)
· Mid-term breaks
· Christmas (School Holidays)
The remaining annual leave must be taken during school holidays (mid-terms, Easter, and July)- However, requests for annual leave will be carefully considered.
Working hours
19.5 working hours per week from Monday to Friday.
Travel & Subsistence:
A fleet of vehicles is available. However, there may be a requirement from time to time to travel in your own vehicle. When these occasions arise, expenses will be paid in accordance with Festina Lente travel rates.
Location of the position
Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co. Wicklow. (Relocation to Kilpedder, Co. Wicklow in 2025/2026)
HOW TO APPLY
Closing date for receipt of applications: Friday 3rd May 5.00pm 2024
Informal enquiries can be made by email to Clodagh Carey,
Application forms can be found on our website https://www.festinalente.ie/forms/festina-lente-job-application-form/
Interviews will be held on the week from Monday 6th till Friday 10th May 2024: times to be confirmed.
Please Note:
The Interview will consist of two parts: The formal and first part of the interview will consist of a panel interview and the second part will be a practical assessment of your horsemanship skills.
Both parts are likely to take approximately 45 minutes in total.
Please dress appropriately for the practical session. This clothing will be acceptable for the formal interview also.
SELECTION PROCESS
Selection will involve short listing of applicants for interview based on the criteria for the position as outlined in this job description.
A file may be formed for future vacancies.
FESTINA LENTE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY / GARDA VETTING / MANDATORY DECLARATION
Garda Vetting for all employees and volunteers is compulsory and those candidates invited for interview will be asked to complete a Garda Vetting form for submission at that time.
Festina Lente is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes suitably qualified applicants from all sections of society.