CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
***Nature and animal-assisted Therapy ***
Psychologist/ Clinical Psychologist/Occupational Therapist/Speech Pathologist with an interest in nature or animal-assisted therapies
We are searching for two allied health therapists to join our growing team. Are you tired of working in an office? Do you want to incorporate the therapeutic aspects of nature and therapy animals into your work? Our therapists enjoy the benefits of working outside on our beautiful 80-acre property, bonding with our therapy animals, and having a flexible schedule which includes peer collaboration, walk and talk therapy, and more!
Please note, you do NOT need to work with horses to fill this role. You must have an interest or training in at least one animal or nature-assisted therapy modality (including walk and talk therapy).
MUST:
Current registration under Medicare
Have training in, or plan to train in, at least one nature or animal-assisted therapy modality (including walk and talk therapy)
Commit to 12-15 billable hours per week
Be available for before and after-school hours (due to the demand of our clients)
Demonstrate enthusiasm about the healing power of nature- be comfortable working outside in all conditions (rain, heat, etc.)
Work with either exclusively children/teens, or, clients of all ages (we cannot support therapists who only see adults, as we have many child/teen clients)
Training or experience in supporting members of LGBTIQA+ communities
NDIS experience is appreciated
Neuro-affirming approach or willingness to learn is a must
If you are interested in offering equine therapy, you must have years of experience and a high level of competency. ***Due to safety reasons we cannot support therapists who have novice horse handling skills.***
A strong appreciation of the outdoors and nature is necessary. Therapy dogs are welcome and encouraged.
About us:
Our close-knit team of 7 clinicians strongly believe in the ability of nature immersion to strengthen the effects of therapeutic interventions. We utilise evidence-based interventions and closely collaborate with our clients. Therapeutic rapport is at the heart of our approach. As such we foster a neurodiversity-affirming, inclusive, and compassionate approach. We welcome and embrace diversity in all forms. LGBTIQA+ inclusion is a must for our community.
What we offer:
We welcome you to enjoy the lifestyle of the Byron Bay Hinterland while working on our beautiful property alongside a creek, wildlife, and native rainforest. Our psychologists offer evidence-based interventions (such as CBT, ACT) while immersed in nature, with the option to incorporate animal or nature-assisted activities into therapy sessions. Clinicians enjoy full administrative support, ease of scheduling, a flexible timetable, and a peaceful workspace surrounded by nature.
We welcome our therapists to deeply bond with our herd of brumbies and spend time in equine connection— through paddock hangs, groundwork sessions, our Qi Gong with the horses group, or simply being with our horses. This role facilitates a connection to our 80 acres of farmland, native rainforest, spring-fed creek, wildlife, and our horses.
We offer:
— One-on-one equine-assisted therapy supervision and mentoring if you choose to incorporate horses into aspects of your work.
— Regular group supervision
— Beautiful facilities to see your clients, or, choose your own outdoor location
— Choose your own clients and work schedule
— Flexible schedule suitable for parents (please note, you must be available to work out of school hours, as this is the bulk of our client demand)
— A supportive, welcoming, and dedicated team who often collaborate together
— A tailored caseload that reflects your level of experience and grows with you.
— Opportunities to shadow our senior clinicians, to further develop your professional confidence and clinical knowledge.
— Competitive above award remuneration ($120- 162 per session, depending on qualifications)
— Opportunities to run groups based on your interests
About the role:
As a member of our team, your role will include:
— Supporting clients in identifying goals and ensuring all necessary supports are provided.
— Planning, implementing, and evaluating client-centred interventions
— Supporting private paying, NDIS, and Medicare clients of all ages and most presentations
About you:
Our ideal candidate will have:
— A graduate degree in Psychology or equal qualifications OR equivalent speech pathology/occupational therapy training
— Full registration with AHPRA
— Membership with Australian Psychology Society or equivalent
— Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance
— A Working with Children Check
— A National Police check
— (Horse experience- ONLY if interested in incorporating equine activities into interventions)
If you feel that this is the right role for you, please email a current CV and cover letter directly to Clemmie Wotherspoon (Director) at clemmie@byronbayequinetherapy.com.au. If you would like to discuss the position further, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We hope to hear from you soon!
www.byronbayequinetherapy.com.au
VOLUNTEER WITH US!
(Waitlist only.) We love having committed and passionate volunteers become a part of our community, and are so grateful for their help. At the moment we only have capacity for volunteers who are competent in their horse handling skills. This means you are able to safely halter, lead and handle multiple horses. Some of our volunteers are studying therapy, others are experienced mental health clinicians interested in equine therapy. We believe in fostering an ongoing connection with our herd and our local community.
We ask volunteers to meet for an induction, and commit to five 1.5 hr shifts throughout the school term. Those interested in shadowing child equine therapy sessions may have the opportunity to shadow sessions (depending on client consent). Volunteers often participate in retreats and workshops in exchange for their assistance. This is a great way to increase your understanding of equine-assisted therapies, and explore the potential of this career pathway.
Please note- at the moment we can only accept horse volunteers with a high level of horse competency. Our director is on maternity leave and cannot supervise or train novice horse handlers.
If the thought of deepening your connection with our herd excites you, please email a current CV and a few sentences about yourself directly to Clemmie Wotherspoon (Director) at clemmie@byronbayequinetherapy.com.au.