Retention Specialist- Full time Contract

YMCA of Three Rivers; Stratford; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Well-being days

Employee Assistance Program

YMCA membership for you & family

Program discounts

Job summary

The YMCA of Three Rivers in Stratford, Ontario is seeking a Retention Specialist on a full-time, contract basis. You will support employment outcomes and long-term job retention by working with Employment Coaches to strengthen client success.

This results-driven role requires strong time management, a client-centered approach, and a commitment to meeting monthly targets. Weekend/evening requirements and travel within the region may occur.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in social services, HR, business or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in employment services, client engagement or retention.
• Experience in target-driven environments is an asset.
• Ability to build and maintain client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Actively engage with employed clients to support retention at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month milestones.
• Conduct structured follow-ups to confirm ongoing employment status and required documentation.
• Identify barriers to sustained employment and provide proactive support or referrals.
• Build trust-based relationships to support long-term job stability.
• Monitor progress and intervene to improve retention outcomes.
• Collaborate with Employment Coaches and community partners.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Second language communication

Education

Post-secondary education in social services / HR / business

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Retention Specialist- Full- Time, Contract

Location: Stratford, ON

Work Hours:37.5 hours per week

**Weekends and evenings may be required

Employment Type:Full Time, Contract

Number of Vacancies:1

Anticipated Start Date:September 14, 2026

Deadline to Apply: September 1, 2026

Total Rewards Package: We believe that everyone has the potential to shine! Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being.

Time Away from Work for your Well-being - At the YMCA of Three Rivers, we value work-life harmony. Part-time team members start with:

• Vacation earnings of 4% on each pay (Increases to 6% after 5 years of continuous employment)
• 3 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned. Bereavement days are also available.

Wellness - The YMCA of Three Rivers is committed to the health and wellness of our teams. Full time employees receive…

• Well-being days that can be used as they are earned
• Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program which provides free andconfidential counselling, resources and services
• A free YMCA membership for yourself and your family which can be used toaccess our fitness centers
• Discounts on programs and services offered by the YMCA includingchildcare services

Pension Plan - All full-time employees have the opportunity to participate in a group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment, employees contribute 5% of their gross earnings per pay which is matched by the Y. After three consecutive years of full-time service, participation in the YMCA pension plan is mandatory.

Healthcare and Dental Benefits - The YMCA of Three Rivers offers full time employees a comprehensive group benefit package (after 3-months from start date) that includes: Prescription drugs, Basic dental coverage, Professional services such as Registered Massage Therapist, Physiotherapist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Chiropractor and Naturopath, Vision care.

Are you an enthusiastic, goal-driven individual who thrives in a fast-paced, target focused environment? Are you passionate about supporting individuals to achieve long term success through meaningful engagement and ongoing support? Do you excel at building relationships, mentoring clients, and delivering impactful community programs? If this resonates with you, join us as Retention Specialist and make a lasting difference in the lives of our clients and community.

If this is you, join our team and make an impact on the lives of people in our community.

The YMCA of Three Rivers is one of the community’s largest non-profit organizations.We are dedicated to the enrichment of our communities through the development of people and families. Through our work, we foster belonging and wellbeing, and dedicate ourselves to building a healthy and vibrant community every day. We believe connected communities are thriving, healthy, and strong.We have the assets to affect positivesocial change and we know the YMCA of Three Rivers Youth Programs are an important piece of our work. That’s where you come in...

What you will do…

Reporting to the Supervisor of Employment Services Program, The Retention Specialist plays a key role in supporting strong employment outcomes and long-term job retention, working in close collaboration with Employment Coaches to strengthen client success.

This is a results-driven role that requires strong time management skills, the ability toperform effectively in a fast-paced environment, and a consistent focus on meeting monthly and annual performance targets. Success in this position depends on maintaining high productivity while upholding a client-centered and collaborative team approach.

What you will bring…

Major Responsibilities/Principal Accountabilities

• Actively engage with employed clients to support retention at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month milestones.
• Conduct structured follow-ups to confirm ongoing employment status and secure required documentation.
• Identify barriers to sustained employment and provide proactive support or referrals.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with clients to support long-term job stability.
• Monitor client progress and ensure timely intervention to improve retention outcomes.

Checkpoint Documentation & Data Management

• Ensure all 1, 3, 6, and 12-month retention documentation is collected, verified, and submitted accurately and on time.
• Maintain high standards of data integrity within case management systems (e.g., CaMS, ESCases).
• Update systems within 24 hours with accurate client, employer, and retention activity information.
• Review documentation for accuracy, ensuring alignment with payroll dates, hours worked, and program requirements.

Systems, Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with privacy legislation and internal data security policies.
• Maintain accurate case notes and records for audit and reporting purposes.

Monitor personal and program-level performance against retention targets and take corrective action where needed.

• Support verification of outputs and correction of data inconsistencies across systems.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Attend and actively contribute to internal and external meetings, case conferences, community partnerships, workshops and info sessions.
• Collaborate with community agencies and service providers to support client success.
• Support Employment Coaches with follow-up activities for active clients.
• Contribute to presentations and outreach initiatives with community groups, employers, and stakeholders.
• Share best practices and contribute to improving retention strategies and program outcomes.
• Support a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Identify trends in retention challenges and recommend improvements to strengthen service delivery.
• Other duties as assigned

What you will bring…

Education & Experience

• Post-secondary education in social services, human resources, business, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in employment services, client engagement, retention, customer service, or related fields.
• Experience in target-driven or performance-based environments.
• Experience with Employment Ontario or similar programs is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining client relationships.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in CRM systems.
• Understanding of data integrity, reporting, and confidentiality requirements.

Core Competencies

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Results-oriented with a strong focus on achieving retention targets.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate in a second language.
• High attention to detail, particularly in documentation and reporting accuracy.
• Ability to build trust and long-term relationships with clients.
• Strong facilitation and client engagement skills.
• Collaborative team player with a commitment to continuous improvement.

What you will gain…

You will be part of and an organization that has a massive impact across our community. You will be joining a local organization, but you will also be a part of a global movement. Your work will have an impact and the community we all call home will be a little better every day because of you. We provide several continuous professional learning opportunities at no cost to you.

This role requires regular travel across the region, which may not always be easily accessible through public transit. The employee must be able to arrange their own transportation to these sites. A valid G driver’s license and full time vehicle access are strongly recommended.

Please note: As an organization committed to the safety and well-being of children, youth and other vulnerable populations, we prioritize the protection of those under our care. All employees must meet specific requirements, including obtaining a clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check and providing three professional references.

The YMCA of Three Rivers proudly serves the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. Our purpose is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and valueshere.

The YMCA of Three Rivers embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers. The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation and privacy laws. In keeping with privacy laws, we are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices. For more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy, please visit ourwebsite.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our Career Page.