Skerrett Psychology is Hiring

Work Site: Ridgeway, Ontario 

Status: Contract, part-time 

Start Date: Posted until a suitable candidate is found 

Hours: Weekdays 

Reference#: ATPS5 

Within the context of a systems and trauma-informed perspective and in accordance with established standards of professional practice, facilitates one-on-one Equine assisted therapy and learning programs for youth and adults. Establishes trust with clients and engages them at their level of readiness for change. Collaborates and consults with colleagues and participates in quality improvement initiatives. Additionally works collaboratively with the animal care specialist to ensure therapy animal partners are treated with the utmost respect and care. Accountable for monitoring and compiling data to support and develop this program beyond the initial pilot project.  

Education & Experience: 

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counselling, or Psychology with registration in Ontario.
• Three (3) years’ recent, related experience providing education or counselling services to youth and adults or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience.
• Five (5) years’ recent, related experience with the handling and care of horses.
• Three (3) years experience composing formal documentation (i.e., notes, reports) for professional purposes.
• Valid Ontario Drivers License and reliable vehicle.
• Asset: Ability to change output to meet client’s needs and/or ability.
• Asset: Comprehensive knowledge/experience with Indigenous context in Canada.
• Asset: Comprehensive knowledge of working with animals other than Equines.

Knowledge & Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of mental health and interpersonal issues.
• Advanced non-verbal and verbal communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of psychotherapeutic and counselling skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Equine handling and care.
• Experience working with Equines and other animals.
• Broad knowledge of normal growth and development.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct individual educational programs and/or counselling sessions.
• Ability to develop non-judgemental client relationships with clients from a spectrum of demographics.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with youth, adults, educational personnel, colleagues, lawyers, and other health care staff, both one-on-one and in groups.
• Well-developed problem-solving ability and capacity to navigate new situations independently.
• Listening and information seeking skills that promotes communication and leads to a co-operative approach to problem solving within group or one-on-one setting.
• Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events.
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with conflict situations.
• Demonstrated ability to provide consultation and crisis intervention.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Readiness to regularly work outdoors or in a barn setting.
• Basic computer literacy to operate computerized client care information system and word processing, spreadsheet, Internet and e-mail software.
• Schedule may include varying day-time shifts.

Duties:

• Delivers counselling therapy in the presence of/while interacting with Equines or other animals on the ground.
• Independently attends and facilitates said programs and counselling sessions.
• Independently schedules and facilitates said programs and counselling sessions.
• Must be able to prioritize client load to make sure that all clients are meeting programming requirements.
• Independently write reports to insurers, and other referral sources to support client needs.

Additional Information:

• The hours of work may change based on client needs and success of this pilot project.
• Skerrett Psychology Professional Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

Work Site: Ridgeway, Ontario 

Status: Contract, part-time 

Start Date: Posted until a suitable candidate is found 

Hours:  Regular Weekdays, with weekends as needed

Reference#: EAS5 

In this unique role, the animal care specialist will be responsible for the care of 2 – 4 equine therapy partners. Regular duties include feeding, mucking, grooming, as well as general barn and paddock maintenance. The role is part of an Animal Assisted Therapy program in which mental health therapy or education services are provided to youth and adults.

The ideal candidate will be a horse and animal expert with a keen interest in improving the mental health of humans. The equine animal specialist will need to be present and respectful during mental health therapy or education sessions. This role requires a non-judgemental attitude, the ability to maintain confidentiality, kindness, and dedication.

Education & Experience: 

• High School Diploma.
• Five (5) years’ recent, related experience with the handling and care of horses.
• Valid Ontario Drivers License and reliable vehicle.
• Asset: Evidence of formal training in animal care.
• Asset: Comprehensive knowledge of working with animals other than Equines

Knowledge & Abilities:

•  Comprehensive knowledge of Equine handling and care.
• Experience working with Equines and other animals.
• Well-developed problem-solving ability and capacity to navigate new situations independently.
• Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events.
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with conflict situations.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Readiness to regularly work outdoors or in a barn setting.

Duties:

• Feed horses, muck stalls, clean water buckets.
• Wash and groom horses as needed.
• Blanket horses, turn-in and turn-out.
• Perform maintenance and general labour tasks for stables.
• Document daily activities as required.
• Order feed and supplies.
• Respond to all maintenance emergencies as required.
• Assist to maintain barn, paddocks, rings, stalls, and fences.
• Assist with landscaping: sodding, watering, cutting grass, planting, weeding, raking.
• Assist with footing maintenance including fertilizing, mowing, harrowing.
• Clean and maintain driveway, paddocks, stalls, eaves troughs, roofs, feed storage, hay loft, and signage.
• Collect garbage.
• Paint.
• Snow/ice removal and salting.
• Capable of driving a tractor or farm equipment such as hay elevator as needed.
• Lifting up to 50lbs, operating farm machinery, exposure to dust and hay, exposure to the elements during all seasons, exposure to insects, potential exposure to stressful situations, potential for danger in dealing with large animals.

Additional Information:

• Skerrett Psychology Professional Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.