Occupational Therapist

Summary:

NCEFT is hiring a licensed Occupational Therapist to work with children and adults with a variety of diagnoses. Basic responsibilities include evaluating new clients and developing and implementing client-centered plans of care, in either in-clinic or equine therapy settings. Training and American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Certification support provided. Full-time preferred, part-time available. Reports to the Program Director.

Job Description and Requirements:

• Review potential client screening forms and determine appropriateness for NCEFT programs.
• Develop and implement treatment plans, including long- and short-term goals.
• Maintain up-to-date medical records for all patients. 
• Re-evaluate clients every 3-6 months, or as needed, to review treatment plan and goals or change patient status.
• Write progress reports for clients as required by physicians, insurance companies, parents, etc.
• Collaborate with Adaptive Riding instructors to establish a transition plan for patients moving from Therapy to Adaptive Riding.
• Work closely with Side-Walkers and Horse Handlers to ensure smooth delivery of services.
• Communicate all scheduling needs and changes to the team.
• Practice and document emergency procedures/dismounts at least once during the first week of every month.
• Participate in NCEFT’s fundraisers and events.
• Provide one case study per session for publication in the NCEFT Newsletter and other publications PRN.
• Maintain professional liability insurance.
• Maintain continuing education as required by license.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently lift up to 35 pounds from the ground to waist height to assist clients and lift occasional items, such as saddles, ground poles, feed buckets, etc.
• Ability to walk and stand on uneven surfaces for up to 7 hours per day (perform tacking or leading horse for session if part of lesson plan, R&R horses to and from their stalls through a 12-acre farm/ranch facility.
• Possess the agility and dexterity to rapidly move toward or away from full-sized horses to protect the safety of the rider and/or side-walkers.
• Ability to jog, without stopping, approximately 150 yards on an uneven surface, while leading a horse or side-walking.

Qualifications:

• Current license as an Occupational Therapist (2+ years of experience preferred).
• Thorough knowledge of standards of practice, and demonstrated competence in the provision of services.
• Thorough understanding or demonstrated interest in learning the principles and practices of hippotherapy.
• Completion or planned completion of American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) registered therapist status.
• Current or planned membership in American Hippotherapy Association (AHA).
• Ability to foster teamwork and represent the mission of NCEFT.
• Knowledge of the standards and requirements of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) preferred.
• Ability to mentor interns/students preferred.

Pay Range:

• $44-60 per hour based on experience (negotiable). 

How to Apply:

Please email resume and cover letter to NCEFT’s Program Director, Chris Swan, MSPT, HPCS, at jobs@nceft.org

NCEFT is an equal opportunity employer.