Child Development Specialist

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Odyssey House is looking for a Full-Time Child Development Specialist to support children and families through evidence‑based substance abuse treatment, prevention, and mental health services in Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City.

Monday – Friday, 8:45 am – 5:15 pm with a 30‑minute lunch break. No weekends. Training provided.

$17.00 per hour.

• $9,000/year tuition eligibility
• Paid continuing education/training opportunities
• Monthly incentives and awards
• Casual dress and atmosphere
• Health insurance: medical, dental, vision, FSA, long & short‑term disability
• Competitive 403(b) match after 1 year
• Accrue up to 34 paid days off annually
• Wellness perk: convert ½ of unused sick time to vacation at year‑end
• Sabbatical program after 5 years of service (we pay you to take a vacation!)
• On‑demand pay – access earned wages early (conditions apply)
• Extra time off & gift packages for employees after 90 days
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and more

• Become familiar with each child’s treatment plan goals and oversee daily progress
• Learn and consistently follow processes, methodology, and technologies
• Communicate with Lead Teachers and Clinical Staff as needed
• Produce accurate progress notes on children's daily development
• Follow the classroom schedule during the shift
• Follow client safety and facility procedures
• Use de‑escalation techniques and help children express emotions appropriately
• Document daily feedback logs for parents and communicate pertinent information to the clinical team
• Model parenting skills and positive reinforcement techniques with parents participating in the program
• Adhere to Child Care Licensing Rules, regulations, and CACFP guidelines
• Drive a 15‑passenger van as required

• Passion for community service and helping others realize their potential
• Strong communication skills for problem‑solving with clients and staff
• Reliability to fill support staff shifts and deliver on responsibilities
• Self‑starter proactive in addressing issues and needs
• Teachable – eagerness to learn and grow in the position

• Minimum age 21
• Pass a background check
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Foster a love for children – patient, kind, compassionate
• At least one year of experience in childcare, daycare, or teaching (preferred)
• Interview requires in‑person interaction with children on‑site at Children’s Services
• Maintain a drug‑free lifestyle
• Maintain clear, consistent professional boundaries with clients
• Agree to employment eligibility requirements
• Complete new‑hire training and obtain CPR and First Aid certification before first shift
• Complete all new‑hire requirements and training

Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre‑employment screenings, including background checks, fingerprinting, and, where applicable, sex offender registry screenings. Recruitment for driving roles is subject to a Motor Vehicle Record review and a valid Utah driver’s license.

All employees must adhere to Odyssey House’s mission, philosophy, and service contract standards; uphold the Division of Human Services Code of Conduct; maintain client safety; provide exemplary customer service; foster a positive work environment; and ensure high‑quality client care.

Physical demands: ability to lift up to 15 lbs, drive (or alternate transportation), sit for prolonged periods, and perform light to moderate activity.

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