Retention Specialist

At The Centers, meaningful work is grounded in a culture where people feel valued. As a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces winner, the organization is nationally recognized, based entirely on employee feedback, for trust, purpose, and care. This Retention Specialist position plays an important role in advancing our mission and supporting the communities we serve.

Job Summary

Responsible for keeping accurate and timely records of working job seekers, ensuring close contact, case management, up-to-date information, and analyzing employment retention data to inform program team members. Monitor working job seekers’ job performance, progress and possible challenges for retaining employment, address those challenges, develop retention strategies and maintain communication for up to 1 year. Responsible for developing, managing and matching job seekers to appropriate workforce internship sites, while assisting Workforce Interns in all activities related to obtaining and securing self-sustaining employment.  

Job Qualifications 

• High School Diploma or equivalent required with 4 years of relevant experience required.  
• Bachelor’s degree in related area preferred.  
• Exposure to or experience working with clients in transition to finding employment.  
• Must have demonstrated experience working with electronic platforms (i.e. Microsoft software, internet, databases, and virtual learning platforms).  
• Requires travel to other facilities and meetings. Must be able to travel between locations, without issues, by way of own means. Driver's license and personal vehicle strongly preferred.  
• Flexible schedule to work outside of normal business hours for program and job seeker needs and to attend trainings and meetings.  
• Bilingual in oral and written English, Spanish required.  

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain, at a minimum, monthly contact with workforce interns, employed clients and supervisors of working clients to manage any and all challenges that clients might face in retaining employment by providing necessary supportive services.   
• Develop and implement strategies for successful internship site partnership, job placements and employment retention efforts.   
• Travel to worksites to meet and support employed El Barrio graduates regularly for up to 1 year of employment.   
• Assist job seekers in serving as a liaison with employer and internship sites if needed, in issues related to retention with the goal of successful employment retention for long-term success.   
• Direct workshops and instruct classes within the Job Readiness / Job Search program, as needed and requested.   
• Conduct research, interviews and collect information necessary for, and produce, client success stories to be utilized in reports, grants and publications.   
• Maintain, analyze and explain statistics on all aspects of retention and internships for presentations, reports and compliance purposes for both internal and external stakeholders.   

About The Centers  

The Centers provide health, family, and workforce services at 11 locations throughout Greater Cleveland, creating life-changing solutions for people to lead healthier and more successful lives. We strive to be a service-oriented workplace that pioneers and co-creates solutions while fostering belonging in a community where our team members thrive.  

Our Workforce Center impacts local communities through the linkage of underserved job seekers with local employers through our culturally competent job readiness training, case management, national third party certifications, job placements and retention support with a large network of corporate partners. Through our training tracks in Customer Service, Hospitality, Pharmacy, and general job readiness in both English and Spanish, we are able to provide essential skills to our job seekers and to help prepare them for success in today’s workplace. 

Wellbeing and Benefits  

Providing quality benefits to our staff is important to us. Just as important is our staff’s well-being. That’s why we offer a number of choices to meet the different needs of our staff.  

• Choice of medical and dental plans 
• Health Savings Account 
• Flexible Spending Account for Health and Dependent Care 
• Vision 
• Support for continuing education and credential renewal 
• Life Insurance 
• Retirement Savings (401k) with a company contribution 
• Mental Health Support  
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Calm Subscription 
• Short and Longterm Disability