Heartland Girls Ranch is located in Benson, MN approximately 150 miles from the Twin Cities and 30 miles west of Willmar, MN. Founded in 1992, HGR is licensed by the MN Department of Corrections to work with girls, ages 12-21 years of age; and on average, serves 65-75 girls each year. HGR is a group home that provides housing, supportive services, mental health support, therapeutic equine programming and a dedicated school for the girls in our program. Girls referred to HGR are considered at-risk or have been victims of sex trafficking, sexual /physical/verbal abuse and/or are dealing with a variety of emotional, behavioral and mental health issues. HGR has capacity of 24 beds in the main facility and 10 beds in the HFF House.

Our Motto: “Healing Youth and Building Lives through Success” signifies our commitment to providing a safe place for
girls to experience success.

Position Title: Horse Program Assitant
Position Type: Full Time + benefits
Reports to: Horse Program Director
Other Contacts: Residents, Staff, Family Members, Guardians, County Workers, Attorneys, School Personnel, Therapist, Community Members, Veterinarians and other equine health practitioners.

Summary: The Horse Program Assistant is responsible for planning and supervising riding times and other equine activities for residents in our program. The Horse Program Assistant works under the direction of the
Horse Program Director to plan and assist with the operations of the Horse Program.

Philosophy: All staff are responsible for knowing and carrying out the philosophy and purpose of the Heartland Girls Ranch as determined by the Board of Directors. This includes developing a functional strength-based relationship with residents and helping to foster an environment that encourages high quality experiential learning that encourages and nurtures girls, providing opportunities to gain self-esteem through experiencing success and facing consequences for their own individual choices.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
 Responsible for planning and supervising or assisting with barn activities including: resident riding times, horse shows, or other barn activities in a manner that is in compliance with HGR procedures and rules regarding health and safety and under the direction of the Horse Program Director.
 Responsible for creating lesson plans and guiding residents’ horse activities to help achieve treatment plan goals and either attending or sending a written progress report to their staffing.
 Responsible to assist residents in their efforts to reach their individual goals and program expectations and to work within a team treatment process, to report progress as needed by communicating with program staff regarding residents development and progress in the horse program.

 Responsible to assist program staff with the supervision of barn chores.
 Responsible to assist with the maintenance of the arena, tack area, and barn office.
 Responsible for following the guidelines set by HGR’s horse insurance policy and procedure and following all recommendations set by the insurance company.
 Responsible to monitor all client activity to ensure compliance with HGR procedures and rules regarding health and safety. Including the ability to supervise and teach residents horsemanship and other areas of need, the ability to observe, manage and record resident behavior and the ability to de-escalate and control resident behavior using the least amount of force necessary.
 Responsible to use strength based and trauma informed techniques and recognize natural situations as they occur as an opportunity for the residents’ learning and growth.
 Responsible for the maintenance and security of the arenas, tack area and barn office.
 Responsible to assist with the care, upkeep, nutritional and medical needs of the horses, and dispensing horse medications as labeled or directed by a veterinarian.
 Responsible to assist with all equine activities in a therapeutic manner.
 Responsible to plan and organize Equine Activities in a manner that consistently shows consideration for the health and safety of clients, horses, staff, and the public and to be familiar with emergency procedures for fire, medical, behavioral problems, or other emergencies.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

 Required to attend quarterly staff meetings.
 Monitor all residents’ activity to ensure compliance with HGR policies and procedures regarding health and safety.
 Responsible for monitoring residents for illness and injury and following proper procedures in caring for and reporting these to the nurse or supervisor.
 May also be responsible for transporting residents to and from medical appointments.
 Responsible for being knowledgeable about each resident’s Individual Treatment Plan and goals, and for documenting all progress on goals and expectations in a timely and accurate manner. This Includes completing all required documentation such as logging, grading, and special incidents.
 Responsible for ensuring the barn is maintained in a neat, clean and safe fashion and will do his/her part in maintaining the barn and ensuring that the residents do their part in keeping the barn and grounds in a neat, clean and safe manner.
 Responsible for maintaining appropriate boundaries and balanced relationships with all residents and staff at HGR.
 Staff is responsible for maintaining a functional positive relationship with parents, schools, employers and social service agencies.
 If designated, staff is responsible to meet the dietary needs of the residents, by ensuring that they have well balanced, nutritious, well prepared meals that meet the individual’s dietary restrictions and needs. Staff is responsible to follow the pre-prepared menu.
 Staff are expected to punch in and out using a time clock at the office or either of the Resident houses.
 Staff are expected to be on time and to work their entire shift. Staff are to monitor their overtime and only work overtime that has been approved by their supervisor.
 Other responsibilities as assigned.

Additional Requirements (HGR will train as appropriate):
 Responsible for attending in-service, workshops and continuing education to complete 24 hours yearly, being CPR and First Aid certified and participate in restraint and medication training as required.

 Driver's License and ability to transport residents in an HGR vehicle.
 Staff is responsible for ensuring that the confidentiality of all residents, guardians and family members are respected and kept.
 Responsible for being knowledgeable of the Minnesota Department of Corrections licensing rules and to meet the requirements for the program and for expectations of programming (will train).
 Responsible for knowing, following and ensuring implementation of all regulations under which Heartland Ranch are governed. Specifically the Maltreatment of Minors Act, Physical Restraint and Children’s Residential Facilities Chapter 2960 (will train).
 Responsible for ensuring that the resident’s rights to confidentiality are protected as determined by the Minnesota Data Practices Act (will train).
 All employees of Heartland Ranch are mandated reporters. Staff will follow all procedures for mandated reporting in a professional, timely, and accurate way. Staff are expected to have a sound knowledge of what is required by being a mandated reporter and will adhere to these requirements (will train).
 Staff are expected to act professionally at the Ranch and in the community and to present themselves in a neat, clean and well-maintained manner.

Qualifications:
 Bachelor of Arts or Science in Equine Science, Agriculture, psychology, sociology or a related human service field or a combined 4 years college coursework and related experience.
 At least 1 year equine experience, which could include providing riding lessons or barn management.
 Experience working with at-risk youth is preferred.
 Ability to communicate with, motivate, instruct, guide and counsel individuals who are considered at-risk and challenging.
 Ability to effectively communicate and engage volunteers, residents, partners, and community members and effectively promote the Heartland Girls Ranch in a positive light to the community, agencies and the courts.
 Ability to coordinate and supervise staff and the overall operations of the HGR program.
 Ability to communicate clearly and effectively through verbal and written methods.
 Ability to work outside in varying temperatures year round and to be on your feet for long periods of time.
 Ability to manage an assaultive or physically aggressive resident (with training provided) if the need arises and the ability to be certified and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid.
 Ability to motivate people and maintain functional positive working relationships with co-workers by using strength- based approaches and modeling appropriate problem solving skills.
 Ability to work outside in varying temperatures year round and to be on your feet for long periods of time.
 Knowledge of word processing programs and basic Microsoft Office programs.
 Desire and ability to set personal goals to improve on ones self, including a priority for self-care.