Part-Time Permanent | Weekend Availability Required | Hiring Two Positions
Important Requirement: Please Read Before Applying
Applicants must have extensive, recent horse handling experience to be considered for this position. If you do not have horse experience, or if your most recent hands-on horse experience was not within the last year, please do not apply. This role requires therapists to work safely and confidently in an equine-assisted therapy environment, and strong horse handling skills are an essential qualification for the position.
About the Role
We are currently hiring two part-time permanent Equine-Assisted Therapists to join our clinical team. This position is ideal for a qualified mental health professional who is passionate about combining evidence-based therapeutic practice with equine-assisted interventions.
The successful candidate will provide therapeutic services to children, youth, adults, and families in a farm-based clinical environment. This role requires strong clinical judgment, confidence working around horses, and the ability to support clients with a wide range of emotional, behavioural, developmental, and mental health needs.
At least one weekend day is required as part of this position.
Key Responsibilities
The Equine-Assisted Therapist will be responsible for:
- Providing individual, family, and/or group therapy sessions within an equine-assisted therapy setting
- Completing intake appointments, assessments, treatment planning, progress notes, and clinical documentation
- Developing client-centred treatment plans based on presenting concerns, clinical goals, and therapeutic needs
- Using appropriate evidence-based modalities to support emotional regulation, attachment, trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, behavioural concerns, social skills, and family dynamics
- Safely integrating horses into the therapeutic process where clinically appropriate
- Maintaining professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards at all times
- Collaborating with clinical leadership, administrative staff, families, schools, and other professionals when appropriate
- Monitoring client safety and emotional well-being during sessions
- Participating in clinical consultation, supervision, team meetings, and ongoing training as required
- Following all organizational policies related to client care, documentation, safety, confidentiality, incident reporting, and risk management
Required Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Registered and in good standing with their applicable governing college, board, or regulatory body
- Master’s degree in Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Psychotherapy, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related mental health field
- Bachelor of Social Work may be accepted for registered social workers, where permitted by the applicable governing body
- Professional liability insurance, including coverage appropriate for equine-assisted therapy or willingness to obtain this coverage prior to starting
- Minimum 2 to 3 years of clinical experience providing therapy, counselling, or mental health services
- Extensive hands-on horse experience, including safe handling, leading, grooming, reading equine body language, and working confidently around horses
- Recent horse experience within the last year is required
- Experience completing clinical documentation, treatment plans, progress notes, and risk assessments
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, emotional regulation, attachment, child and youth mental health, and family systems
- Ability to work independently while also participating as part of a clinical team
- Strong communication, professionalism, organization, and clinical decision-making skills
- Availability to work part-time hours, including at least one weekend day
Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications are considered strong assets:
- Experience providing therapy to children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Experience supporting clients with ADHD, anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, behavioural challenges, sensory needs, or developmental differences
- Training in one or more therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, EFT, play therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, attachment-based therapy, family systems therapy, somatic therapy, or trauma-focused interventions
- Training or certification in equine-assisted therapy, equine-assisted psychotherapy, equine-facilitated wellness, or a related model
- Experience working in a farm, barn, riding, therapeutic riding, or equine-assisted learning environment
- Experience working with families, caregivers, schools, or multidisciplinary teams
- Crisis intervention training, suicide risk assessment training, or de-escalation training
- Experience with children, youth, or adults with complex needs
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a skilled mental health professional who is clinically confident, emotionally grounded, and highly comfortable working around horses. They understand that equine-assisted therapy requires both strong therapeutic skills and strong equine safety skills.
They are warm, professional, reliable, and able to create a safe therapeutic environment for clients while also maintaining appropriate clinical boundaries and risk management standards.
Position Details
Job Type: Part-time, Permanent
Number of Positions Available: 2
Schedule: Part-time hours, including at least one weekend day
Work Location: In person
Client Population: Children, youth, adults, and families
Setting: Farm-based equine-assisted therapy environment
Requirements Before Starting
Successful candidates may be required to provide:
- Proof of registration with their governing college, board, or regulatory body
- Proof of professional liability insurance
- Vulnerable Sector Check
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Proof of education and credentials
- References related to both clinical experience and horse experience
How to Apply
Qualified applicants are invited to submit their resume and cover letter.
Please ensure your application clearly outlines:
- Your clinical qualifications and registration status
- Your therapy experience and modality training
- Your horse handling experience
- The date and nature of your most recent horse experience
- Your availability, including weekend availability
Applications that do not demonstrate recent, hands-on horse experience within the last year will not be considered.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: $22.50-$55.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- Therapy and/or counseling: 3 years (required)
- horse handling: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Registration with OSWSSW, OASW or equivalent. (required)
Work Location: In person
