clinical therapist

clinical support staff

case manager

cook

substance abuse counselor

First Step House

First Step House has provided decent treatment for a long time.  They have helped many people change their lives.  And, the First Step House administrative side is very hard to work for.  Their efforts to be named one of the best employers in Utah is a smoke screen marketing campaign to recruit employees and hide what it is really like here.  If it feels suspicious to have big hiring bonuses and 32 hour work weeks pushed as a primary reason to work for one of the best employers in Utah, there might be something to that feeling and a reason to look behind the curtain.  First Step House had an article in the local paper not long ago that advertised what a great culture they had created for employees.  The employees featured in that article coincidentally left the organization under questionable circumstances shortly after publication.
I'm writing this to balance the facade from First Step House I see on linkdin and elsewhere.  The HR leadership pushes the recognition they sought out as best employer in Utah.  At the same time that same HR leadership fails miserably through negligence and incompetence to support employees who need and ask for support.  If you want to find the actual best non profits in Utah to work for, they may be the organizations not trying so hard and spending so much time, energy, and money to convince you on social media.

Working at First Step House has been a great experience thus far and I have no intention to leave any time soon. As a new clinician, the staff and management has been very supportive in making me a better therapist. There is always someone available to ask for help if needed. 
I work at the outpatient facility, and work 4 10 hour shifts Monday-Thursday from 11am to 9pm. Having three day weekends has been valuable to me. The benefits are also great and allow for plenty of PTO, which allows for a solid work-life balance. 
Working with this population has been incredibly rewarding. However, it is important to remember that with working with a vulnerable population comes a unique set of challenges. Boundary setting and the ability to not take your work home with you are extremely important skills to have in this environment. 


Every day that I come to work I am challenged and learn something new. First Step House has given me the opportunity to extensively grow while surrounded by a group of competent, supportive individuals.

I should start by saying I work on the administrative side of the house, so my job is a lot less emotionally demanding than those who work directly with clients. I started at FSH only recently, but I have nothing but good things to say. Every job at FSH is making a meaningful and measurable difference in the lives of individual people and the health of our larger community. Management recognizes that we are all people first and employees second. You can tell that everyone here really loves their job and wants to see the organization succeed. Compensation is definitely on the higher side for a nonprofit and for similar jobs in the area. Plus, the 36-hour work week is providing me with the best work/life balance I've ever experienced. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
I enjoyed working with a team of competent, supportive and highly motivated individuals.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
It is occasionally stressful to serve a population of people who are often experiencing difficult physical and mental health crises. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
I would describe the work environment and culture at FSH as fun, supportive, engaging and collaborative. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I spend my day meeting with the residents on my caseload, collaborating with the community partners that also serve my residents, organizing events and community outreach activities, running mental health skills groups and documenting my sessions with my residents.

Job can be very rewarding when working with clients. The downside is incompetence, lack of a backbone, and true leadership abilities with program managers and supervisors.  Fellow co-workers can also be difficult to deal with and hinder your ability to focus on the work. Some employees, non leadership, believe themselves to be above others and can do and say as they please with out accountability. Supervisors lack ability to fully train or provide support when requested. There is zero accountability for employee actions. Client needs can also be put to the side and not made a priority. Outside of this, working with clients in need out weights the cons of First Step House employees. 

First Step House has been a life changing experience for me. Not only has it pushed me to be a better person, it has increased my professional capabilities and continues to motivate me to strive for growth. It is a very challenging environment, don't get me wrong, but the work is extremely rewarding. 

As far as management is concerned, they are definitely human and make mistakes, like everyone else, but they also take responsibility when it is justified. Promotions are hard since most people don't like to leave.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the years of tenure I have had here and look forward to future years.

Although I don't work directly with clients, I do get to work with the staff that do make a difference. This company backs its mission statement and serves to become better each day to fulfill the vision and future of the organization. Such a great work culture! I enjoy working with my team and everyone here. I have learned so much from leadership which has allowed me to grow and develop in my role. Working here has definitely been a change from the other companies that I've worked for, and a very positive change. I come to work thinking about others and outside of myself. First Step House also has amazing benefits. Truly a great organization that I am honored and proud to be apart of.

I truly love my job here! I would recommend it to anyone passionate about working hard, personal growth, and giving back to their community. No job is perfect, and I think FSH is one of the few companies I have worked for that truly prioritizes their employees and gives back at any opportunity they can! Plus, in the non-profit and social services industry, it's hard to find a company with the same AMAZING benefits! I promise you won't find a better organization or group of individuals you like working with more than here at FSH. I can honestly say, I do love my job!

They do not look at you as an individual or valuable or did they see how much I had to offer and bring to the table. They pick favoritism and when I came to them with an issue that staff members were having inappropriate interactions with clients I was fired! Not only did they do that those staff members are still there working with a vulnerable population. In recovery you are supposed to hold people accountable for there actions and to teach them a new way! I loved my job and I absolutely love and cherish working in this field. But it’s hard because I feel losing my job unfairly takes a piece of my soul

What is the best part of working at the company?
The benefits are Amazing! They allow me to be human and make mistakes. 



What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Making sure all the client's needs are met in a timely manner. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Calm, quiet, forgiving, compassionate

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Go in and talk to clients about their addiction struggles and ways they can change their circumstances.  Once I have established a relationship with the client and if they want to attend treatment, I sign them up on the waiting list.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Clinical therapist 4 salaries reported	$76,563 per year
Clinical support staff 14 salaries reported	$22.25 per hour
Case manager 18 salaries reported	$56,650 per year
Cook 5 salaries reported	$20.32 per hour
Substance abuse counselor 1 salary reported	$61,000 per year

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