Employment Retention Specialist

Employment Retention Specialist

PCPI is a community-focused not-for-profit organization committed to helping individuals build meaningful careers, secure employment and achieve economic independence. Through employment and career development services, settlement support, and human skills training, we empower diverse communities — including youth, newcomers and internationally educated professionals — to succeed in the Canadian labour market.

Our success is driven by a client-centred, results-oriented approach, supported by knowledgeable and caring staff, accessible resources, and innovative programming that responds to the changing needs of the labour market and the communities we serve.

One of our core programmes is Employment Ontario Integrated Employment Service (IES). The IES programme is committed to helping clients achieve sustainable employment and economic independence. It aims to provide individualized support that empowers clients to succeed in the workforce, from initial job placement to long-term retention.

We are seeking a motivated and results-driven Employment Retention Specialist to join our IES team. This role plays a critical part in ensuring clients successfully retain employment and progress toward long-term stability, while supporting the organization in achieving its Performance-Based Funding (PBF) targets.

The ideal candidate is organized, client-focused, and solutions-oriented, with strong administrative and relationship-building skills. They are passionate about helping individuals navigate workplace challenges and maintain employment success.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Retention Specialist (RS) supports clients who have recently entered employment by providing structured follow-up services that promote job retention and long-term employment success.

The RS maintains regular contact with clients and employers to monitor progress, identify workplace challenges, and coordinate support that helps clients remain employed. The RS also works collaboratively with Career Consultants/Retention Specialists, and employer partners to ensure clients receive timely support and that all program requirements related to PBF checkpoints and service documentation are met.

Reporting to the Programme Manager, the Retention Specialist (RS) plays a strategic role in strengthening by helping individuals with multiple employment challenges, who enter the labour market remain employed. This RS will develop a positive relationship with each IES client, through regular follow-ups to encourage, motivate, and support them to maintain employment, and mediate as needed to help them gain independence and self-sufficiency as appropriate.

The RS will work closely with Career Consultants & Retention Specialists to manage checkpoints and to respond to clients’ questions related to on the job supports, mediate as needed, provide constructive feedback, monitor clients on the job progress and record all actions in the project portal.

All client interactions, supports, and outcomes are accurately documented in the program’s case management system to ensure compliance with Employment Ontario program guidelines and performance expectations.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

Client Retention & Support

• Conduct structured follow-ups with clients at established program checkpoints to monitor employment stability and retention outcomes.
• Identify and address employment challenges that may impact retention, including workplace accommodation, transportation, work attire, tools, scheduling, or other barriers.
• Provide encouragement and practical guidance to support clients in maintaining employment and navigating workplace expectations.
• Facilitate workplace mediation or problem-solving discussions when appropriate to support successful employer–employee relationships.
• Connect clients with financial support and community resources that help them sustain employment.
• Encourage clients to develop workplace confidence, problem-solving skills, and long-term employment goals.
• Maintain regular checkpoint contact with clients to monitor employment status and ensure successful retention.

Program Monitoring and Administration 

• Monitor client checkpoint milestones to ensure program deliverables and PBF performance indicators are achieved.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client activities, supports, employment status, and outcomes in the portal case management system.
• Support program reporting requirements by assisting with data tracking, file documentation, and outcome monitoring.
• Contribute to the development of outreach strategies and service planning activities that support program targets.
• Identify risks that may affect checkpoint completion and implement mitigation strategies to improve retention outcomes.
• Remain informed about labour market trends, sector developments, and evolving participant needs.

Financial Support and Resource Coordination

• Coordinate the provision of financial support that assists clients in maintaining employment, in accordance with program guidelines.
• Procure employment-related items such as transportation passes, work clothing, tools, or safety equipment when required.
• Track client financial support and ensure expenditure aligned with program budgets and approval processes.
• Maintain accurate financial documentation, receipts, and records for audit and reporting purposes.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work collaboratively with Employment Consultants, Retention Specialists, and Community Engagement staff to ensure coordinated and seamless client support.
• Maintain positive relationships with employers to monitor client performance, gather feedback, and address workplace challenges.
• Participate actively in team meetings, case conferencing, and service planning meetings discussion.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen service delivery and program outcomes.
• Participate in professional development and training opportunities to maintain current sector knowledge.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Summary of qualifications

• University degree in Human Services, Social Work, Career Development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in employment services, workforce development, case management, or client retention support.
• Experience managing budgets, tracking financial support, or procuring resources.
• Demonstrated ability to support individuals facing employment barriers.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple client files simultaneously.
• Experience coordinating client supports, tracking program data, and maintaining accurate documentation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage clients, employers, and community partners effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with case management systems, digital reporting tools and social media platforms.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and apply problem-solving strategies in complex client situations.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive service delivery.
• Professionalism and strong work ethic aligned with the service standards of PCPI.

Key Competencies

• Key Client-Centred Service: Demonstrates empathy and commitment to supporting clients’ employment success.
• Results-Oriented: Focused on achieving program outcomes and meeting PBF targets.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains accurate documentation and compliance with program requirements.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with colleagues, employers, and community partners.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing client needs, labour market conditions, and program priorities.
• Problem-Solving: Proactively identifies and addresses employment retention challenges.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

·    Technology-enabled office environment.

·    Primarily in-person service delivery work environment

·    Some travel within the GTA for employer site visits and client support.

·    Frequent interaction with diverse staff, clients and community partners.

Why Join Us

At PCPI, you will join a mission-driven organization committed to making a meaningful impact on clients’ employment outcomes. We offer a collaborative and supportive work environment where staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, grow professionally, and make a tangible impact on the community. Your knowledge, experience, and commitment to client success will directly support individuals as they build stability and independence through employment.

Compensation & Benefits

PCPI offers a competitive salary of $53,000 - $55,000 per year, comprehensive health and dental benefits, and a 2% RRSP contribution upon successful completion of probation. A valid police record check is required for all employees.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

PCPI is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and identities.

Accessibility & Accommodation

PCPI provides an accessible recruitment process and workplace. We welcome applications from persons with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process upon request.

If you require accommodation during the application process, please contact Michael Dacuycuy at dacuycuy@careerplan.net. We will work with you to meet your needs.

If this sounds like an opportunity for you to apply your education, skills, and experience to the position, and to join a team of professionals, then we want to hear from you.