Child Development Specialist

Odyssey House is looking for a Full-Time Child Development Specialist!

Summary: Odyssey House's Mission is "Empowering people to heal and build better lives." We are dedicated to helping individuals and families reclaim their lives through effective substance abuse treatment, prevention, and mental health services. Our programs address education, job skills, healthcare, sober housing, behavioral management, and aftercare support to ensure lifelong success. We are proud to be the largest treatment provider in Utah, with the most innovative programs available. ‘We Are Recovery,’ and we mean it with all our hearts. 

Job Location: Salt Lake City

Pay: $17.00/hour

Schedule: Hours will be Monday through Friday, 8:45 am - 5:15 pm, with a 30-minute lunch break. No weekends. Training provided.  

Full-Time Benefits:

• $9k per year tuition eligible
• Access to a 24/7 EAP program (Employee Assistance Program) for Mental Health support and more!
• Opportunities for paid continuing education/training
• Monthly incentives and awards
• Flexible scheduling
• Casual dress and atmosphere
• Opportunities for bonuses, awards, raises, and promotions
• Incredible health insurance (medical, dental, vision, FSA, long and short-term disability)
• Immediate eligibility to participate in our 403(b) retirement plan, Employer 100% match up to 5% after 1 year   
• 35 paid days off (additional PTO accrual after 1 year)
• Stay well! If you have sick time left over at the end of the year, we will convert 1/2 of the remainder to vacation
• EXTRA time off and gift packages for PT and FT staff who stay more than 90 days! 
• Sabbatical Program - where we pay you to take a vacation after 5 years of service! 
• On-Demand Pay - Get a portion of your paycheck early for hours already worked! (conditions apply)
• UTA free passes available for your work commute 

Job Responsibilities:

• Become familiar with each child's treatment plan goals and oversee their daily progress
• Learn processes, methodology, and technologies, and consistently follow them
• Communicate with Lead Teachers and Clinical Staff as necessary
• Produce accurate progress notes on children's daily development
• Follow the classroom schedule during the shift
• Follow client safety and facility procedures
• Learn and adopt client de-escalation techniques and help children express their emotions in an age-appropriate manner.
• Document daily feedback logs for parents and communicate any pertinent information to parents and the clinical team regarding the child's needs and progress
• Role model parenting skills and positive reinforcement techniques with children for parents of children in our program.
• Follow Child Care Licensing Rules and regulations as well as CACFP (Child & Adult Care Food Program) guidelines.

Candidate Qualities:

• Passion for Community Service and helping others to realize their potential.
• Communication Skills to problem-solve directly with clients and other staff.
• Reliability to fill their support staff shifts and deliver on position responsibilities.
• Self-starter qualities to independently address issues and needs in our organization's community.
• Teachable - Willingness to learn and grow in their position.

• Must be at least 19 years of age and must be able to pass a background check.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have at least one year of experience working in childcare or teaching (preferred, not required)
• Must complete all required new hire training and become CPR and First Aid certified before first shift (training provided)
• Must LOVE children! You must be patient, kind, and compassionate.
• Please note that our interview process requires an in-person interaction with the children in our facility and must be conducted on-site at Children's Services.
• Must maintain a drug-free lifestyle 
• Must be able to complete all new hire requirements and training
• Ability to maintain clear and consistent professional boundaries with clients
• Must agree to employment eligibility requirements, including all vaccination requirements (flu, COVID-19 immunizations and vaccinations, and TB testing)

All employees of Odyssey House are required to adhere to: Odyssey House mission, philosophy, and scope of service; Division of Human Services Code of Conduct and all other relevant service contract requirement standards; ensuring a safe environment for all clients and staff; providing exemplary customer service to both internal and external customers; fostering a positive work environment; ensuring high-quality client care within the scope of the assigned position. 

Each employee is expected to clearly understand roles and responsibilities regarding the following: Specific job positions, time management, personnel file requirements, client record system, incident reporting, mandatory training requirements, maintaining proper client boundaries, and individual rights of clients and staff.

Physical Demands of the Job: Ability to lift up to 15 lbs., drive (or have adequate alternate transportation), sit for prolonged periods, and perform light to moderate physical activity at times.  

EEOC Statement: Odyssey House is an equal-opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.