Programme Background:
In partnership with KWETB, the Equestrian Training Programme is 2-year full time vocational training programme which enables the learner to develop the knowledge, skills and competence in a broad range of equine skills which will enable the student to work in a variety of equine sectors. Successful graduates will be awarded a QQI level 4 Major Award in Horsemanship.
We are seeking to recruit a suitably qualified person to support a young adult who learns best in low stimulation environments. This role is ideal for someone who truly values neurodiversity and truly appreciates and understands that sensory sensitivity is merely a different way of processing the world around them.
Position Title: Equestrian Training Programme (ETP) Additional Needs Facilitator
Position Description: To facilitate the Equestrian Training Programme, ensuring the ongoing success and expansion of the programme in conjunction with the ELC department within Festina Lente.
Department Name: Equestrian Learning Centre
Reporting to: Equestrian Training Programme (ETP) Team Leader
Based at: Festina Lente Equestrian Learning Centre. The primary base for the position will be in our HQ at Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow (relocating to Kilpedder, Co. Wicklow in 2 to 4 years).
Contract Type: Full-time Permanent, 39hr week (Monday to Friday)
Position Goals: As part of the programme faculty, individualised facilitation of the programme modules in support of student learners with additional and complex learning needs, safeguarding their participation and ultimate achievement of their QQ1 Level 4 Major Award in Horsemanship.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Equestrian Training Programme Facilitation
- To deliver the Equestrian Training Programme on an individualised basis tailored to the learning needs and styles of student learners with additional and complex learning needs, including all yard-based activities, QQI modules and other activities as set out in the programme timetable, in conjunction with the Equestrian Training Programme Team Leader,
- Developing, planning, implementing and reviewing individualised therapeutic interventions in the areas of social communication, sensory integration, emotional regulation, anxiety management, in support of the learning environment for students with additional and complex learning needs,
- Together with the other members of the ETP facilitation team, co-deliver QQI training modules at level 4 on the National Framework of Qualifications, in conjunction with SOLAS and in accordance with the QQI validated programme descriptor,
- To contribute towards the annual evaluation of the delivery of the training programme with respect to tailoring the learning experience to student learners with additional and complex learning needs.
Student and Stakeholder Engagement
- To ensure student learners who join the programme with additional and complex learning needs have an opportunity to engage in fair and consistent assessment for the purpose of achieving the named QQI awards,
- To provide a high standard of individualised support and intervention. This may include liaison with external services including advocating on behalf of students and their family where appropriate.
- To collaborate with students with additional and complex needs, documenting all engagement, intervention, support plans, progress notes, reports referrals to agreed professional standards and communicate verbally and /or in writing the support/recommendations/intervention programmes to the team in line with agreed policies and procedures.
- To liaise with the ETP Team Leader regarding the timing of transitions between the different modules of the programme from individualised delivery, progressing to classroom participation as appropriate.
- Together with the wider student cohort, facilitate the additional support needed to enable student learners additional and complex learning needs to engage in monthly educational community-based activities and to ensure the health and safety of student learners during these off-site events in conjunction with the ELC,
- To support student learners with additional and complex learning needs with career development and facilitate work enrichment placements for students,
- To act as a mentor and advocate for student learners additional and complex learning needs involved in the programme to support them to achieve individual goals in collaboration with the ELC team,
- To facilitate and evaluate person centred planning, in the form of individualised training plans and progress reports,
- To liaise with student learner’s family members/guardians and/or support persons as appropriate,
Programme Administration
- To maintain and update training and assessment records for learners in line with the QQI accredited Quality Assurance Programme and the SOLAS Training Standards System,
- To liaise with Equestrian Training Programme Team Leader in the monitoring and assurance of programme quality to apply consistently the quality assurance procedures set out by the SOLAS Training Standards System and as agreed with QQI.
Education and Training
- Identify and address learning needs required in this role to further enhance programme facilitation within Festina Lente for student learners with additional and complex learning needs,
- Participate in committees as directed by the Equestrian Training Programme Team Leader
Health & Safety
- Observe, report and take appropriate action on any matter which may be detrimental to student learners’ safety and wellbeing,
- Complete incident reporting and near miss events,
- Complete and review risk assessments, including the development of a positive risk management plan for student learners,
- Adhere to all internal policies and procedures and to all relevant Health & Safety legislation.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Proven experience in programme facilitation, with particular focus on young adult learner engagement with additional and complex learning needs and positive behaviour solutions in a learning environment,
- A thorough AND progressive understanding of Non-Intellectual Disability (ID) Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) including Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism with respect to supporting social interactions, communication styles, the presence of repetitive or restricted behaviours/interests.
- Proven ability to mentor and empower student learners with additional and complex needs, promoting positive engagement and person-centred decision-making,
- Proven experience in facilitating person centred planning and behaviour support for individuals with additional and complex learning needs,
- Exceptional organisational skills with attention to detail for record management and programme evaluation,
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills both individually and across a team setting,
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse groups,
- Commitment to fostering a culture of social inclusion,
- Enjoys the outdoor environment and be physically able and fit for the strenuous nature of the post.
Education and experience
- An appropriate third level qualification in a related field e.g. Social Care/Health Care/Youth Work/Psychology,
- Proven experience of working in the area of disability, mental health, youth work or another related field,
- Equestrian experience (min): proven experience of working with horses in a coaching/teaching environment in terms of horse behaviour,
- Equestrian experience (desired): a relevant equestrian BHSAI qualification and proven equestrian coaching experience,
- Full and clean Irish driving licence.
Language: Fluent English
Work Authorisation: Ireland, required
Benefits of Employment:
Compensation: The salary will be commensurate with experience.
Benefits Include:
- Access to professional training and continuous development programmes.
- Access to Educational Support
- HSF Health Plan, FC01
- Bike to work scheme
- On-site parking
Closing date: 3rd July 2026
Email CV plus cover letter to [email protected] : +353879633348
https://www.festinalente.ie
Equal Opportunities Statement: Festina Lente is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from diverse and underrepresented communities.
FESTINA LENTE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY / GARDA VETTING / MANDATORY DECLARATION Garda Vetting for all employees and volunteers is compulsory and those candidates invited for interview will be asked to complete a Garda Vetting form for submission at that time. The successful candidate will be provided with a copy of the Festina Lente Child Protection Policy and will be required to sign their acceptance of the contents of this document. A Mandatory Declaration Form must be signed in advance of commencement of employment.
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Wellness program
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Bray, County Wicklow: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
