WIOA Retention Specialist

## Company Description We help job seekers and career changers prepare for and advance in careers with a focus on sustainable, high-growth, high-demand industries. Our committed and well-trained workforce professionals deliver comprehensive workforce solutions at integrated career centers, sector-focused centers and community, and partner sites. ## Job Description The WIOA Retention Specialist is responsible for ensuring the successful post-exit tracking and retention of participants enrolled in WIOA programs. This position focuses on completing required quarterly follow-ups, verifying employment outcomes, maintaining compliance with federal and state reporting requirements, and supporting long-term participant success. The role also provides clerical and administrative support to ensure efficient program operations. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: **1. Required Quarterly Follow-Up & Employment Tracking** - Complete required **four (4) quarters of follow-up** for all WIOA participants after program exit - Conduct follow-ups at designated intervals (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters after exit). - Contact participants and employers via phone, email, and other communication methods to collect employment status and wage information. - Maintain consistent contact efforts and document all attempts in accordance with policy. **2. Employment Verification & Documentation** - Obtain and review employment verification from employers, including: - Completion of **employment verification forms** - Verification of wages, hours worked, and employment status - Utilize **The Work Number** or similar verification systems when necessary. - Monitor and manage **Work Number usage and budget allocations by funding stream** to ensure compliance and cost efficiency. **3. Data Entry & System Compliance** - Accurately enter follow-up data, employment information, case notes, and activities into **SCWOS (South Carolina Workforce Opportunity System)**. - Ensure timely and accurate documentation of all follow-up services and outcomes. - Maintain organized, complete, and audit-ready participant records. **4. Participant Support & Retention Services** - Identify barriers affecting employment retention and provide appropriate referrals. - Offer guidance to support job retention and career advancement. - Maintain ongoing engagement with participants during follow-up period. **5. Employer Engagement** - Maintain professional relationships with employers to facilitate employment verification. - Communicate effectively regarding participant employment status and documentation needs. - Resolve discrepancies related to employment reporting. **6. Project Support** - Compile, analyze, and prepare program data, reports, and supporting documentation for management review. - Support grant, monitoring, audit, and compliance activities by gathering and organizing required records and documentation. - Coordinate meetings, training sessions, and stakeholder communications related to special projects and program activities. - Collaborate with internal teams to identify process improvements and support continuous program enhancement efforts. - Other duties as assigned by Project Director **7. Performance & Compliance** - Support achievement of WIOA performance outcomes, including employment retention and earnings measures. - Ensure all activities comply with WIOA regulations, state policies, and local procedures. - Participate in audits, monitoring, and data validation processes. **8. Collaboration** - Work closely with Career Advisors, Business Solutions Team, and Scholarship Consultant. - Participate in team meetings, case staffing, and program improvement initiatives. ## Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Workforce Development, Business, or related field **OR** equivalent combination of education and experience - Familiarity with WIOA programs and SCWOS preferred - Knowledge of WIOA performance measures and follow-up requi…