Outreach & Retention Specialist(CRED)

JOB TITLE:                           Outreach and Retention Specialist

FLSA:                                    Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT:                     Employment Services
REPORTS TO:                      Program Director

LOCATION:                           Bronx, NY
SALARY:                               $45000.00-48000.00/annually

SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Program Director, The Outreach and Retention Specialist will focus on participant recruitment and support case managers with program retention. The specialist should have the skills and personality to forge relationships with participants and encourage their participation and continuation in the program by ensuring participants have access to supportive services, especially during the follow up period, in coordination with case management staff. The specialist should be a “credible messenger” with strong community connections. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as a liaison between participants, employer partners, and employment services staff to ensure alignment on individualized service plans and long-term retention goals.
• Provide tailored coaching and follow-up support to participants facing challenges in the workplace, helping them navigate barriers to employment and adjust to workplace expectations.
• Conduct consistent outreach to prepare and support participants for employment success, including post-placement check-ins and milestone tracking.
• Guide participants in identifying career advancement opportunities and developing strategies for continued growth and stability.
• Collect and analyze feedback from internship and employment partners to inform continuous improvement of job readiness training and program offerings.
• Monitor and report on worksite conditions, job placement outcomes, and retention milestones at key benchmarks (e.g., 30, 90, and 180 days).
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation, including case records, progress notes, and all required reports in line with agency and funder guidelines.
• Respond to participant crises by coordinating referrals to appropriate services such as case management, mental health counseling, and other support systems.
• Collaborate with the employment services team to improve retention strategies and support overall workforce development goals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to enhance the effectiveness of employment retention and support initiatives. 
• Schedule and conduct structured 30, 90, and 180-day check-ins with participants and employers to evaluate job fit, performance, and satisfaction. 
• Track and analyze retention data to identify trends, potential risks, and areas requiring targeted intervention. Coordinate internal reporting and communication regarding participant retention status to ensure alignment across employment services teams.

 EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in workforce development, case management, or retention services
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Comfortable working with diverse populations and varying business environments
• Ability to work independently, manage time efficiently, and maintain detailed documentation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with case management or DYCD systems a plus
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus
• Must be able to work flexible hours as needed to accommodate employer or participant schedules
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required

AGENCY PROFILE & EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS:

Westhab Inc. is the premier organization of our kind in our region, providing housing and supportive services or more than 10,000 of the most vulnerable members of our community each year. We are staffed by an extraordinary group of hard-working professionals that are fully committed to our mission – Building Communities. Changing Lives. Working at Westhab is not easy. Our expectations for all staff are high. We believe that the people and the communities that we have the privilege to serve deserve our very best every day. We are results-driven organization that focuses on empowerment and impact. (EOE)