Retention Specialist

**Overview**

As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of the National Capital Region responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide lasting solutions. Serving thousands of people across our region annually, we are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential. This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of responsibility, honesty, caring, respect, and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

**Working for the Y**

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals. Some of the benefits of working for the Y include:
**What we offer**

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to change lives and make our communities home to the healthiest children, teens, adults, and families.

**Our competitive wage and benefit package include**:

- Free YMCA gym membership;
- Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps);
- Access to our YMCA Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, and financial advice, among other 12 suites of services;
- Health and Dental Insurance;
- Long-term Disability and Life Insurance;
- Access to our Canadian YMCA Retirement Fund pension plan;
- Up to 25 vacation days per year including two float days, and one birthday vacation;
- Maternity leave benefits for up to 18 months.
- _Some benefits may vary based on employment terms_

**What do you offer?**

The Retention Specialist will be a part of a team that provides Employment Consulting services to unemployed individuals within the National Capital Region with an emphasis on serving Ontario Work clients and those demonstrating extensive barriers to employment. The Retention Specialist will be involved with the client's case management including needs and risk assessment, contracting, implementation, and follow-up as it pertains to employment goals and other member needs. Identification and assessment of clients’ need for job coaching will also be required. Facilitates, develops, and evaluates individual training with regard to pre
- and post-employment and job maintenance issues.

As part of a team, the Retention Specialist will assist in meeting the strategic achievement of all desired outcomes and targets. The Retention Specialist will assist in monitoring job placement subsidies, and collecting documentation in order to process payments for employers. The Retention Specialist will be responsible to support Case Managers for all served streamed C clients and ensuring employment retention for 12 months. This will require performing key checkpoints at 1, 3, 6, and 12-month monitors. Collection of sensitive information for proof of employment will be needed such as pay stubs, employer notes, etc.

**Some of the tasks of this position include**:

- Assisting clients in the development or appropriate work habits, behaviours, and attitudes for the workplace.
- Actively recruiting employers and seeking out job placement opportunities, including identifying and contracting new prospective employers in industries/labour markets that members have identified as areas of interest.
- Developing and monitoring training plans and agreements with clients and employers.
- Acting as a liaison between clients and employers.
- Conducting ongoing research and outreach to employers, community resources, and programs.
- Maintaining a caseload of approximately 130-160 participants annually.
- Providing 1 year of job retention support to employed participants and collecting documentation to verify their employment status.

**What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?**

At the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

**Education**
- Degree or Diploma in Employment Counseling, Social Service Worker/Social Work, or related program

**Language**
- Fluent in English, oral and written
- French is an asset

**Experience, Skills and Abilities**
- Related experience might inc