Youth Retention Specialist at Equus — New Orleans, LA

Participant Engagement & Retention

• Develop and 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

• Assist participants in establishing educational and career goals.
• Support attainment of credentials, certifications, diplomas, or GEDs.
• Collaborate with instructors, counselors, and workforce partners to address participant concerns.
• Encourage participation in career development activities, workshops, and work-based learning experiences.
• Assist 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.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, Education, Workforce Development, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• 2+ years of experience working with youth, young adults, workforce development programs, education, social services, or case management.
• Experience supporting individuals facing barriers to education or employment preferred.
• Knowledge of workforce development programs, career pathways, and community resources is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong relationship-building and youth engagement skills.
• Ability to motivate and coach diverse populations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and positive youth development practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management/database systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.