Retention Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:           RETENTION SPECIALIST (Westchester County)

FLSA:                     NON-EXEMPT

DIVISION:            EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

REPORTS TO:      PROGRAM MANAGER

SALARY:                $45,000.00 to $53,000.00

SUMMARY:

Under supervision of the Program Manager, the Retention Specialist provides employment focused counseling, case management along with a major focus on pre and post-employment follow up services. The retention specialist models appropriate skills, behaviors and attitudes that support participants' ability to become employed and independent through the employment services program, which is designed to assist clients with all levels of barriers to employment prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. The retention specialist has a diverse role that requires active involvement with other team members of the employment and shelter staff to ensure that participants successfully achieve employment goals.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts and reviews assessments of skills and work behaviors and develops individual retention plans to address identified needs of participants
• Actively prepares participants for world of work through necessary post-employment skills training based on the needs, interests and abilities of the participants
• Coordinates the participants' job development and placement goals with the employment service team
• May be relied upon to recruit participants for program and takes responsibility for intake, screening and eligibility determination of participants.
• Develops relevant relationships and communicates effectively with schools, community partners, VESID, employers, and participants' families to help with retaining employment
• Helps participants in time of crisis to obtain necessary services that support independence, including counseling, case management and ongoing employment assistance.
• Maintains case records in an appropriate manner and complies with all regulations related to reporting and documentation requirements.
• Upon job placement, provides travel training, on-the-job training, and orientation to the job site, counseling, social skills development, workplace safety instruction, advocacy and any other required support to the participants
• Provide worksite visits to provide follow up, collect employment verification and or provide employment support to ensure retain employment
• Provides ongoing individual counseling to participants focused on goals established in individual employment plans
• Provides specific training and counseling to participants in social skills related to job placement
• Completes reports depicting accurate 30 and 90 day employment retention outcomes and goals
• Must be able to accurately track and distribute post-employment incentives and metrocards 

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s Degree preferred and two years’ experience in casework, or employment and training programs, or Associate Degree and four years of relevant work experience. Ability to communicate effectively with people of all socioeconomic backgrounds; ability to identify participant needs and appropriate support services; ability to motivate program participants; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and ability to organize and prioritize work to be performed.  Must have strong computer skills in Word and Excel. Evenings/weekend work may be required.

AGENCY PROFILE & EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS: 

Westhab is a prominent community development organization, providing housing and supportive services for 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 a results-driven organization that focuses on empowerment and impact. If you want to apply for this opportunity, it should only be because you feel ready for the challenges and expectations that come with joining this kind of team. (EOE)

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA):

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ensures safe and healthful working conditions to workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.  Westhab complies with all applicable OSHA standards, rules and regulations in addition to keeping our workplaces free of serious recognized hazards.