Retention Specialist

Position: Retention Specialist

Reports to: Director of Programs

Position Type: Full Time, Exempt

Location: McCormick Place Lakeside Center

2301 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive E1002

Chicago, Illinois 60616

About UHCHI:

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to upskill incumbent hospitality professionals, build new talent for the hospitality industry, and place people into unionized career pathways. We recruit, train, and retain skilled employees and provide ongoing professional development and support to individuals in the Chicagoland area who will deliver high-quality guest services to our employer partners and the public.

Our organization:

UNITE HERE Chicago Hospitality Apprenticeship Fund (“the Fund”) is a labor-management Taft-Hartley Fund and 501(c)(3) workforce development organization. We are a new, thriving non-profit organization based in the wonderful city of Chicago! We are seeking an individual who is interested in contributing to the development of an organization and is committed to its growth. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and a vibrant, respectful, and thoughtful work environment!

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

The Retention Specialist for UNITE HERE Chicago Hospitality Institute (UHCHI) is responsible for ensuring the successful long-term placement of individuals from vulnerable populations in the hospitality, food service, and tourism sectors. This role involves providing ongoing support, guidance, case management and resources to help participants thrive in their new roles and overcome any challenges that may hinder their success. The Retention Specialist acts as a crucial link between the employee, the employer, and community resources, fostering a positive and supportive environment that promotes job stability and personal growth.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

• Proactively identify and assess applicants’ potential barriers to success, which may include issues related to transportation, childcare, housing, or personal well-being.
• Connect applicants and participants with essential support services, including housing assistance, transportation, childcare, and mental health resources.
• Maintain a comprehensive network of community partners and social service agencies to ensure applicants and participants have access to the resources they need to succeed both in and out of the workplace.
• Manage case load, averaging 30 active clients, and supporting them in achieving successful employment outcomes.
• Document individual employment plans (IEP) and needs assessment for each client, including managing case notes and tracking client progress.
• Maintain a comprehensive network of community partners and social service agencies to ensure employees have access to the resources they need to succeed both in and out of the workplace.
• Provide one-on-one coaching to newly placed participants, helping them acclimate to the workplace culture and industry demands to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Acknowledge and celebrate key retention milestones at the 30, 60, 90, 180-day, and 12-month marks.
• Use milestone celebrations as a natural opportunity to reinforce the client's progress and discuss future goals. For example, at the 180-day or 12-month mark, you could talk about opportunities for cross-training or taking on new responsibilities.
• Represent UHCHI at identified sourcing events, as needed.
• Ability to support event planning activities.
• Be able to work some flexible hours (e.g., evening, and occasional weekends)
• Additional duties, as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• 5 years of previous Experience working with vulnerable populations in a supportive or advocacy role.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with diverse individuals.
• Ability to maintain accurate, up-to-date, and confidential records of all client interactions, interventions, and progress.
• a working knowledge of case management principles, especially those rooted in accountability, responsibility, and integrity.
• Intermediate level computer skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• A working knowledge of case management principles, especially those rooted in accountability, responsibility, and integrity.
• Excellent verbal communication skills are required.
• Experience with database usage is a plus.
• Willingness to support UNITE HERE Chicago Hospitality Institute (UHCHI) Team and follow procedures in fields such as workforce development, customer/client service.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision, vacation and sick time, paid holidays, and a retirement plan.

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. May be required to work some evenings.

UHCHI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Full Benefits including Health Insurance, Dental, Vision and Pension.