LTR has thrived since 1974, built on a strong community of dedicated volunteers, horses, and employees. When available, opportunities to join our herd will be posted below.

Program Coordinator 

Hours: Full-time position/40 hour-week 

Report To:  Executive Director 

Supervises: Instructors, Therapists, Volunteer Coordinator, Barn Manager Volunteers 

Scope of Responsibility: The Program Coordinator role is a leadership position at LTR Center and is responsible for overseeing the successful planning and execution of the organization’s programming.  Operates under minimal supervision and with considerable latitude for independent judgment and actions in all program areas in accordance with PATH Intl.   Standards of Accreditation; Responsible for preparing for and maintaining PATH Intl. Accreditation status ensuring safe delivery of center program services.  Acts as liaison between participants, their parents or caregivers, welcoming and onboarding new participants.  Coordinates and manages communications between LTR and participants.  Ensures an outstanding experience for participants and their families while at LTR.  Encourages instructors to deliver safe and effective lessons.  Manages instructor schedule and daily workload, provides feedback and guidance to staff as needed.   Keeps the Executive Director apprised of emerging challenges or other safety issues. 

Staffing and Supervision Responsibilities: 

  1. Supervise year-round programming staff (instructors, therapists, interns, etc.) to ensure maintenance and growth of programs as well as safety standards, providing annual written evaluations and professional development support.  
  2. Assess program needs for staffing.  
  3. Manage instructor orientation, training, and recognition, reprimands and recommendations. Maintain files for all instructors, interns and other programming staff. Oversees instructor schedule. Conduct instructor meetings to review program concerns and delegate responsibility when appropriate. Ensure instructors work within PATH Intl guidelines. 
  4. Create an annual program schedule to be utilized by parents, students, volunteers, instructors, barn management, and others to facilitate seamless delivery of classes.  
  5. Guide/mentor staff, CTRI and ES candidates through the PATH Intl. certification process if necessary. 
  6. Ensure appropriate volunteer coverage for all programs working with the volunteer coordinator. 
  7. Review weather and property conditions to ensure safety of horse, staff and participants (building, fencing, driveway and walking areas) 

Programming 

  1. Develop, implement, and coordinate program sessions year-round and form policies geared toward the capabilities, needs, and interests of LTR program participants in their families, keeping with LTR goals and mission.  
  2. Oversees student initial evaluations, registration process and student schedules. Coordinates communication with parents, teachers, therapists, and students on all pertinent matters. 
  3. Based on instructor skills, match students accordingly. 
  4. Create and maintain appropriate records for program participants, safeguarding information appropriately, manage instructors to ensure proper recording of rider notes. 
  5. Maintain the safety of programs for both staff and clients. Provide policy development and implementation, as well as supervision, regarding safety procedures (including prevention of safety issues and follow up). Complete/review all incident and accident reports and send copy to the Executive Director. 
  6. Ensure written objectives and lesson plans are developed for each student and that progress reports are completed for each.  
  7. Teach therapeutic horseback riding classes or act as Equine Specialist as needed.  
  8. Coordinate with the Director of Operations regarding the selection, acquisition, and training of therapy horses. Coordinate horse care concerns and recommendations with the Director of Equine Operations, Barn Manager and attending veterinarian.  
  9. Ensure that tack, equipment, and facility is maintained to comply with PATH Intl accreditation standards and general safety. 
  10. Develop and maintain contact with other therapeutic riding centers and related professional organizations. Represent Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation and therapeutic riding to the community or other professional groups as requested. 
  11. Schedule and prepare PATH Intl accreditation and instructor certification process with the Executive Director. Maintain PATH Intl. accreditation through membership and continuing education.  

Other: 

  1. Prepare monthly program report for Executive Director and Board of Directors 
  2. Attend/schedule/plan regular staff meetings in tandem with ED. 
  3. Work with ED in annual budget preparation and manage/monitor operational budget regarding programming. 
  4. Assist in organizational strategic planning and implementation of initiatives. 
  5. Assisted by administrative support, provide invoicing information to the LTR bookkeeping firm for student billing and payments. 
  6. Maintain appropriate standards for and implementation of behavior management techniques, crisis response, child-centered planning, and attendance records. 
  7. Seek and engage in professional development activities related to supervision, special needs, policy, or program development, implementation, and assessment. 

Qualifications: 

  1. Education:  Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Communication Disorders, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Recreation Management, or a related field is preferred. Maintain current PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification (or Advanced or Master certification). 
  2. Experience and Knowledge: Minimum of five years of instructing experience in various aspects of riding and horsemanship, to include a minimum of two years’ experience working with people with disabilities, preferably in PATH Intl. Accredited Center and two years’ experience training horses under professional supervision. Demonstrated success in working with children/adults with a range of developmental and/or mental health disabilities. Experience de-escalating behaviorally challenging or crisis situations. Program and curriculum development is required.  
  3. Skills and Abilities: Professional, flexible and adaptable in varied circumstances. Strong organizational and management skills. Strong riding, riding theory/horsemanship skills, knowledge of horse care, barn, and stable management.  Strong collaboration and communication skills and a commitment to the Equine-assisted Services industry. Ability to prioritize tasks in a busy, growing organization. 
  4. Demonstrated effectiveness communicating with parents/caregivers of children and adults with special needs is required. The ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others, as a team member and in a supervisory role, is required. Ability to project enthusiasm and demonstrate ability to motivate others.  
  5. Commitment to continuing professional development and education. 
  6. Strong technical and computer experience required including MS Office Suite, Salesforce (Equiforce) or other databases.  

  

LTR, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.  

Please send a copy of your Resume or CV and Cover Letter to Laura Smith at LSMITH@LTRF.org. All applicants will agree to a background check.