Correctional Counselor

Odyssey House of Utah · South Salt Lake, UT · Today

OTHR$19.5/hrFull-time

About the role

Odyssey House of Utah, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is recognized as the best mental health and addiction treatment center in Utah. This role is critical to both clients and the organization, offering opportunities to learn and start a career in the criminal justice, social work, and addiction fields with flexible schedules to accommodate school and family life. Odyssey is a large and growing agency with a strong culture of promoting from within, making it common for employees to advance to leadership roles.

The Criminal Justice Program (CJP) aims to create structure for inmates while incarcerated and provide wrap-around community support before their release. Services are free to inmates and include Correctional Addictions Treatment Service (CATS), Interim Drug Offender Group Services (DOGS), and Prime for Life®. These programs have demonstrated significant success, including a 76% reduction in new-charge bookings one year post-CATS, a 90% reduction after two years, and a 99% reduction after three years, along with improvements in employment status and reductions in homelessness.

Responsibilities

Assess clients' needs and connect them with appropriate resources.
Accurately document services and maintain client safety.
Provide client skills development services and coordinate care with clinical and correctional staff.
Develop and implement therapeutic interventions, hold clients accountable to goals, and reward progress.
Engage with clients one-on-one to support long-term success and communicate with their support systems.

Requirements

Passion for community service and helping others realize their potential.
Strong communication skills to problem-solve with clients and staff.
Reliability in fulfilling support staff shifts and responsibilities.
Self-starter qualities to independently address issues within the organization.
Teachability and willingness to learn and grow in the position.
Experience working in recovery and facilitating groups.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or graduation from a relevant program preferred but not required.
Ability to pass Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Background Screening.
Adherence to Odyssey House mission, philosophy, and service standards, including maintaining a safe environment for clients and staff.

Qualifications

Previous experience in recovery or related fields.
Experience facilitating groups.
Willingness to learn and grow professionally.

Skills

Client assessment and resource connection.
Documentation and record-keeping.
Care coordination with clinical and correctional staff.
Development and implementation of therapeutic interventions.
One-on-one client engagement and support.

Benefits

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

Pay

$19.50 per hour.

Schedule

Sunday through Thursday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Physical Demands

Ability to lift up to 15 lbs.
Drive or arrange adequate alternate transportation.
Sit for prolonged periods.
Perform light to moderate physical activity at times.

Core Values

Integrity (I): We do what is best for clients and the community. Always.
Wholeheartedness (W): We are sincere in our commitment to a better life for all.
Connection (C): We seek opportunities to engage with one another.
Personal Growth (G): We are curious about how to be better versions of ourselves.