Youth Retention Specialist

Participant Engagement & Retention

• Maintain supportive relationships with assigned youth participants.
• Monitor participant attendance, engagement, and progress toward program goals.
• Conduct regular one-on-one coaching sessions with participants.
• Identify individuals at risk of dropping out and implement intervention plans.
• Develop retention strategies that promote participant success and program completion.
• Maintain regular communication with participants through phone calls, text messages, email, and in-person meetings.

Case Management

• Assess participant needs and barriers to employment, education, and training.
• Create and monitor Individual Service Strategies (ISS) or Individual Development Plans (IDP).
• Coordinate referrals to supportive services including: Transportation assistance, Childcare resources, Housing assistance, Mental health services, Educational support, Financial literacy resources.
• Document participant progress and services provided in required case management systems.

Career and Academic Support

• Aid participants in establishing educational and career goals.
• Collaborate with instructors, counselors, and workforce partners to address participant concerns.
• Encourage participation in career development activities, workshops, and work-based learning experiences.
• Aid participants in transitioning to employment, post-secondary education, military service, or advanced training.

Barrier Resolution

• Identify attendance, behavioral, academic, and personal issues impacting retention.
• Conduct intervention meetings with participants and stakeholders as needed.
• Develop action plans to address performance concerns.
• Provide crisis intervention and resource navigation when appropriate.
• Advocate on behalf of participants to secure needed services and support.

Program Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete participant records.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and organizational requirements.
• Track retention metrics, outcomes, and participant milestones.
• Prepare reports and case notes in accordance with organizational policies and funding requirements.
• Protect participant confidentiality and sensitive information.

Community & Employer Partnerships

• Collaborate with community organizations and service providers.
• Participate in outreach and engagement activities.
• Support participants during internships, work experiences, apprenticeships, and employment placements.
• Maintain relationships with employers to support participant success and retention.