Retention Specialist

Next Step - Varick Street Headquarters, 200 Varick St, New York, New York, United States of America

Posted Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Title: Retention Specialist

Program: Next Step

Salary Range: $50, per year

Program

Description:

Next Step is Project Renewal’s award-winning job placement program which places homeless, formerly homeless, and low-income individuals in competitive employment. Since 2000, Project Renewal has helped nearly 5,000 New Yorkers find and retain employment, achieve economic security, lead more fulfilling lives, and positively contribute to their communities. Our comprehensive approach allows us to work individually with each client to minimize barriers to employment and prepare them for the world of work.

Overall Responsibilities:

The Retention Specialist is a passionate advocate for individuals facing barriers to employment. This role requires a deep understanding of the challenges underserved populations face and a commitment to keeping them employed while providing support and resources needed. The Retention Specialist will cultivate and manage relationships with Next Step clients who graduate from our sector-based and non-sector based training programs and will work across functional lines to ensure retention goals and milestones are met.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build strong, supportive relationships with program participants from enrollment to job placement
• Coordinate activities designed to help graduates retain jobs and develop new skills to advance in their careers
• Maintain employment data such as wage increases, promotions, resignations, and terminations; and generating reports and statistics
• Communicate with clients’ case management staff to keep them up-to-date on clients’ workplace progress and to ascertain any developments which may affect clients’ workplace performance
• Support, track and document client’s retention progress in Salesforce database and meet monthly/quarterly goals
• Provide individualized career and supportive case management and guidance to clients, addressing their unique challenges and supporting their career goals
• Assist clients with job search strategies, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, and navigating workplace dynamics
• Maintain strong relationships with employer partners to ensure successful employer-partner relationships, including Project Renewal HR Department and Project Renewal sites
• Verify employment, obtain employment verification for various contract milestones
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• HS Diploma or equivalency (advanced degree preferred)
• Must have 3 - 5 years' experience in workforce development working with vulnerable populations, including individuals who have histories of homelessness, justice involvement, substance use, and mental illness
• Demonstratable career counseling, employment and partnership development skills
• Proven ability to proactively engage clients and maintain strong relationships throughout program participation, including during periods of low motivation or barriers to participation
• Experience working in a performance-based environment with outcome goals
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills