Retention Specialist

Retention Specialist  Full-Time Des Moines, IA

National Able Network® is a mission-driven nonprofit organization committed to expanding access to workforce development, training, and economic opportunity for individuals and communities throughout the Midwest. Our work is grounded in partnership, accountability, and a belief that strong systems and strong people together create lasting impact. National Able Network recently acquired a new grant in Iowa and has an exciting opportunity for a Retention Specialist to start effective 7/1/2026.

The Retention Specialist is responsible for recurrent contact and support for the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Program (WIOA) clients who have entered the paid workforce. This position will identify and follow up with clients who have obtained employment and maintain connection and support with their employment retention; will maintain accurate, timely and complete documentation for all client interactions. Will partner with the Business Services team to establish relationships with local businesses and industries to identify employment opportunities for the WIOA clients.  

Responsibilities:

• Conduct ongoing post-placement retention and follow up efforts; Contact clients on a weekly to biweekly basis, depending on caseload size and need; Assess, maintain, and submit accurate, timely and complete case notes, documentation for clients with employment
• Manage and track follow up data for clients who have exited from the WIOA program & determine if employment needs are being met
• Evaluate client’s employment status, offer encouragement, and evaluate whether additional support is warranted; Inform clients of services and support available
• Encourage and assist clients to supply documentation required for the W-2 program including but not limited to pay stubs or statements and other verification of employment. May also assist Career Coach to obtain signatures on W-2 eligibility documentation(s). Promptly notify Career Coach of any issues that arise in order to maintain or reobtain employment for the client
• Prepare reports; Provide labor market data and job development services as needed
• Explain eligibility and scope of services for the WIOA program; Collect and analyze data to determine eligibility for various training programs
• Develop a retention strategy to increase and monitor attendance and participation of WIOA clients; Identify job openings in the local job market and maintain job bank for clients
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Experienced professional having wide ranging experience with multiple employment database software and operating systems to document and record client activities
• Strong service-orientation and interpersonal skills; Empathetic, develops rapport and works successfully with a diverse population of clients, co-workers, potential employers, and other external agencies
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Must be flexible to communicate utilizing various communication tools (i.e. in-person, email, phone etc.); Must be able to facilitate discussions
• Strong problem-solving, organizational and conflict-resolution skills, along with high attention to detail and consistent reliable follow-through 
• Ability to adapt and respond appropriately to crises
• Strong interviewing skills and ability to job match

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Services or other job-related field, from an accredited college or university preferred OR 6 years of relevant business experience required 
• Knowledge of business and industry opportunities in the local market
• 2 years of experience in social services, counseling, job development or related field with an employment focus. Workforce Development experience preferred

Benefits:

• Competitive Medical & Dental benefits
• Company-sponsored Vision benefits, Short-Term Disability / Basic Life and AD&D insurance
• Paid Time Off (up to 25 days based on 40-hour work week)
• Generous Holiday Pay
• 401(k) w/Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Loyalty Benefit: Additional 10 days of PTO after every 5 years of FT service

Interested candidates should submit a resume with cover letter and salary expectations

EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability