Retention Specialist

John Howard Society of Ottawa; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefit plan

Four weeks vacation annually

Defined contribution pension plan

Job summary

John Howard Society of Ottawa is seeking a Retention Specialist to provide continuity of support during clients' employment journeys with monthly follow-ups. You will also monitor checkpoints and conduct check-ins based on client needs, visiting job sites as required and coordinating with employers.

The role requires a University Degree/College Diploma in the Social Sciences or related field, strong data/program experience, and bilingual French and English communication.

Qualifications

• Education: University Degree/College Diploma in the Social Sciences or related field.
• Experience with Employment Ontario Employment Services Programs preferred.
• Experience with data programs and case management systems.
• Bilingual French and English.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistency and continuity of support throughout the clients’ employment journey with monthly follow-ups.
• Complete monitoring checkpoints at required milestones and conduct check-ins based on client needs.
• Visit job sites in the community and meet with clients and employers when needed.
• Collaborate with team members and meet performance metrics set by the program.

Skills

Bilingual French English

Conflict resolution

Crisis response

Problem solving

Education

University Degree/College Diploma in Social Sciences

Tools

MS Office Suite

Database management

Job description

Salary Range: $53,633.18 To $60,705.12 Annually

Job Posting: Retention Specialist

6 month contract with the possibility of extension

TITLE: Retention Specialist

LOCATION(S): CERC/Carling/ Job Sites

SALARY:$53,663.18- $60,705.12 per annum **based on work experience

HOURS: 40-hour work week (35 working hours plus 2.5 hours allocated to daily half hour paid lunches and unpaid breaks).

EMPLOYER: John Howard Society of Ottawa

CLOSING DATE:30th October, 2026

About the environment

Employees at JHS Ottawa say the organizational culture is supportive, innovative, and focused on creating a caring environment for both clients, and staff. At JHS Ottawa, you will find an employer that celebrates the uniqueness of each of its staff members and is committed to promoting an engaging working culture where all employees are encouraged to live their strengths and realize their potential. JHS Ottawa will provide permanent new employees access to a benefit plan, four weeks vacation annually, a Defined Contribution Pension Plan after eligibility waiting period, and opportunities for continual learning and development.

About who we support

Our employees are supporting a diverse client group including youth and adults, all genders, from a wide cross section of social, ethnic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds who are representative of our broader community. We are accountable to the people we serve by providing the highest quality of service with integrity through the delivery of responsive, innovative and evidence-informed approaches.

About diversity at JHS Ottawa

The John Howard Society of Ottawa is committed to reflecting and responding to the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is seeking that diversity in applicants for this position. We welcome candidates from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and all candidates who contribute to furthering the diversity of ideas. We also recognize that people from diverse groups have different needs and require different solutions to gain equal opportunity for success in the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Coordinator, the Retention Specialist will provide consistency and continuity of support throughout the clients’ employment journey through monthly follow-up. This role will also complete all monitoring checkpoints at each required checkpoints and conduct the required check-ins based on client needs. As needed, the Retention Specialist will go out into the community to visit job sites and meet with clients and employers. The Retention Specialist will work collaboratively with all other team members to communicate any needs and next steps in the clients’ employment journey and beyond. Other tasks may also be assigned by the coordinator.

This role will work four days in the office from 9 AM to 5 PM and one day working from home from 10 AM to 6 PM.

There is an expectation that the incumbent will meet performance metrics set out in advance and required by the program.

As the successful candidate, you have:

Education: University Degree/College Diploma in the Social Sciences or related field.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Employment Ontario Employment Services Programs, preferred Retention Specialist experience
• Experience working with data programs and case management systems
• Bilingual- French and English
• Experience in Social Services
• Strong computer proficiency (including Word, excel, outlook, PowerPoint, and database management)
• Experience working with clients facing various barriers to employment.
• Experience in Conflict Resolution, Crisis Response and Excellent Problem-Solving skills

You’re a fit with our organizational culture, if you mirror our values in the way you work:

• You are committed to providing the highest quality of care for your clients, though responsive, innovative, and evidence informed approaches.
• Driven by curiosity, you adapt to achieve the best results for clients/communities you serve.
• Celebrating the uniqueness and lived experience of every person is part of your nature, and this conviction creates a sense of belonging, safety, and better outcomes for all.
• As a leader, you lead in a way that helps employees live their strengths and reach their potential.
• Lead with compassion and care for others, and help JHS build a culture of listening, mutual support, and meaningful connections.

We sincerely thank all applicants who express interest in JHS and this position- only those selected for an interview will be contacted.