Equine Therapist

Since 1948, Boys & Girls Haven has transformed the lives, hearts and minds of Kentucky’s most vulnerable youth and their families. Through a comprehensive continuum of care ranging from residential and in‑home foster care, independent living programs, career and life skills training, and preventative community‑based services, Boys & Girls Haven works to reduce disruption in children’s lives, to help heal the effects of abuse and neglect, and to promote well‑being among families.

Therapist – Equine/Animal Assisted Psychotherapist

Boys & Girls Haven is seeking a full‑time Equine/Animal‑Assisted Psychotherapist to provide trauma‑informed mental health services across Residential, Pre‑Independent Living (Pre‑IL), Independent Living (IL), and Outpatient programs. This clinician will deliver primarily equine and animal‑assisted psychotherapy grounded in trauma‑informed care, attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and experiential modalities. Traditional office‑based therapy may be utilized as clinically appropriate; however, the primary modality will be equine/animal‑assisted psychotherapy integrated with evidence‑based treatment approaches.

The therapist will work as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team and contribute to a trauma‑resilient organizational culture.

Monday‑Friday 9 am‑5 pm (hours will vary depending client need, expect some later evening hours)

• Provide weekly individual psychotherapy using equine/animal‑assisted modalities.
• Facilitate therapeutic groups (equine and/or animal‑assisted).
• Provide family therapy as indicated.
• Deliver outpatient services utilizing experiential and traditional modalities.
• Complete biopsychosocial assessments and other assessments as required.
• Develop and update individualized treatment plans (minimum every 60 days).
• Document services in compliance with Medicaid, licensing, and organizational standards.
• Participate in crisis intervention and on‑call support as needed.

• Participate in weekly treatment team meetings.
• Collaborate with residential, Pre‑IL/IL, and outpatient staff to ensure clinical alignment.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and required clinical supervision.
• Participate in bi‑weekly equine clinical consultation/supervision.
• Support integration of equine/animal‑assisted principles across programs.

• Education Requirements: Qualified Mental Health Professional
• Experience Requirements:
  • A minimum of three years of therapy experience with children.
  • Experience with horses and animals in a therapeutic setting is preferred.
  • Have training in Natural Lifemanship Modality or be willing to attend training in Natural Lifemanship Modality.
  • Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills and desire to continually grow in those areas of responsibility.
  • Demonstrated personal knowledge, skills, and qualifications consistent with Boys’ Haven goals and Cabinet for Families and Children regulations.
  • Personal capability to work in a team model, including the flexibility and willingness to fill in for other team members when needed.
  • Desire, ability and initiative to receive training to grow in job knowledge and skills.

Boys & Girls Haven is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, age, or 0ther protected statuses.

The employee is expected to adhere to and to act as a role model in the adherence to all BGH policies, procedures and performance expectations.

Employment at BGH is for no definite term and considered at‑will, meaning that either the company or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without cause or notice. This job description does not in any way constitute or imply a contract of employment.

Boys & Girls Haven offers a competitive compensation package and a full range of benefits, including:

• Affordable health, dental, life, insurance
• 401(k) company match at 50% up to 6%
• Paid Time Off policy, including 24 days off per year (including holidays)

Boys & Girls Haven is a Drug‑Free Workplace and will conduct pre‑employment drug testing as well as testing for cause or suspicion.