Retention Specialist- Full time Contract

YMCA of Three Rivers • Stratford, ON

1d • CA$0 - CA$46,750 • Onsite

About The Position

Are you an enthusiastic, goal-driven individual who thrives in a fast-paced, target focused environment? Are you passionate about supporting individuals to achieve long term success through meaningful engagement and ongoing support? Do you excel at building relationships, mentoring clients, and delivering impactful community programs? If this resonates with you, join us as Retention Specialist and make a lasting difference in the lives of our clients and community.

The YMCA of Three Rivers is one of the community’s largest non-profit organizations. We are dedicated to the enrichment of our communities through the development of people and families. Through our work, we foster belonging and wellbeing, and dedicate ourselves to building a healthy and vibrant community every day. We believe connected communities are thriving, healthy, and strong. We have the assets to affect positive social change and we know the YMCA of Three Rivers Youth Programs are an important piece of our work. That’s where you come in...

Reporting to the Supervisor of Employment Services Program, The Retention Specialist plays a key role in supporting strong employment outcomes and long-term job retention, working in close collaboration with Employment Coaches to strengthen client success.

This is a results-driven role that requires strong time management skills, the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, and a consistent focus on meeting monthly and annual performance targets. Success in this position depends on maintaining high productivity while upholding a client-centered and collaborative team approach.

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in social services, human resources, business, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in employment services, client engagement, retention, customer service, or related fields.
• Experience in target-driven or performance-based environments.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining client relationships.
• Proficiency in CRM systems.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Understanding of data integrity, reporting, and confidentiality requirements.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Results-oriented with a strong focus on achieving retention targets.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate in a second language.
• High attention to detail, particularly in documentation and reporting accuracy.
• Ability to build trust and long-term relationships with clients.
• Strong facilitation and client engagement skills.
• Collaborative team player with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Obtaining a clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check and providing three professional references.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Employment Ontario or similar programs is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Actively engage with employed clients to support retention at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month milestones.
• Conduct structured follow-ups to confirm ongoing employment status and secure required documentation.
• Identify barriers to sustained employment and provide proactive support or referrals.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with clients to support long-term job stability.
• Monitor client progress and ensure timely intervention to improve retention outcomes.
• Ensure all 1, 3, 6, and 12-month retention documentation is collected, verified, and submitted accurately and on time.
• Maintain high standards of data integrity within case management systems (e.g., CaMS, ESCases).
• Update systems within 24 hours with accurate client, employer, and retention activity information.
• Review documentation for accuracy, ensuring alignment with payroll dates, hours worked, and program requirements.
• Ensure compliance with privacy legislation and internal data security policies.
• Maintain accurate case notes and records for audit and reporting purposes.
• Monitor personal and program-level performance against retention targets and take corrective action where needed.
• Support verification of outputs and correction of data inconsistencies across systems.
• Attend and actively contribute to internal and external meetings, case conferences, community partnerships, workshops and info sessions.
• Collaborate with community agencies and service providers to support client success.
• Support Employment Coaches with follow-up activities for active clients.
• Contribute to presentations and outreach initiatives with community groups, employers, and stakeholders.
• Share best practices and contribute to improving retention strategies and program outcomes.
• Support a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Identify trends in retention challenges and recommend improvements to strengthen service delivery.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Vacation earnings of 4% on each pay (Increases to 6% after 5 years of continuous employment)
• 3 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned.
• Bereavement days are also available.
• Well-being days that can be used as they are earned
• Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and services
• A free YMCA membership for yourself and your family which can be used to access our fitness centers
• Discounts on programs and services offered by the YMCA including childcare services
• Opportunity to participate in a group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment (employees contribute 5% of their gross earnings per pay which is matched by the Y). After three consecutive years of full-time service, participation in the YMCA pension plan is mandatory.
• Comprehensive group benefit package (after 3-months from start date) that includes: Prescription drugs, Basic dental coverage, Professional services such as Registered Massage Therapist, Physiotherapist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Chiropractor and Naturopath, Vision care.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree