Outreach & Retention Specialist, Youth & Young Adult Workforce

Who We Are

The Marks JCH of Bensonhurst, known as the JCH, is a center of community life in Brooklyn, rooted in Jewish values and fostering an inclusive environment. We help at every life stage, providing critical services that lift people out of poverty, as well as innovative programing that educates and inspires our community members. The Marks JCH is a full-scale human service agency, providing social services, older adult services, resettlement support, job placement in addition to being a Jewish community center offering children’s, youth, family, and cultural programs. Marks JCH prides itself on its 360-degree holistic service model, providing services for the whole family, meeting the needs of low- and moderate-income New Yorkers, specializing in helping refugees and immigrants.

Department Overview

The Marks JCH is a citywide leader in workforce development — job training, placement, and retention services — for some of NYC’s most vulnerable populations. We are a go-to workforce development resource for low-income immigrants. Over the last 15 years, the Marks JCH has trained 4,500+ people for new jobs; provided ESL to 20,000+ clients, and placed 9,000+ clients in jobs. We have decades of experience with job training, placement, and retention. Through its Summer Youth Employment Program and other initiatives, the Marks JCH has introduced approximately 5,000 youth to the world of work

Position Overview

The Outreach and Retention Specialist is responsible for supporting program growth and ensuring the ongoing engagement and retention of youth participants (16-26 years old.) With at least 2 years of relevant experience, strong community ties, and the ability to relate effectively to youth, the Outreach and Retention Specialist will focus on participant recruitment, providing support to Case Managers in improving program retention, and acting as a credible messenger within the community. This position is key to increasing participant engagement, ensuring access to essential services, and conducting client follow-ups to promote long-term success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participant Recruitment: Lead efforts in recruiting new participants for the program by reaching out to schools, community organizations, and other local entities. Develop and implement strategies to attract youth who are eligible and in need of the program’s services. Promotion of the program through Social Media and various online platforms. Coordinating initial assessment and intake with participants.
• Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to raise awareness of the program. Serve as a credible and trusted messenger within the community to establish the program as a valuable resource for youth.
• Program Retention Support: Work closely with Program Case Managers to ensure participants remain engaged throughout the program. Provide assistance in identifying and addressing potential barriers to retention, and offer solutions to help participants stay committed to the program.
• Increase Participant Engagement: Develop and implement strategies to increase the engagement and involvement of current program participants. Foster positive relationships with participants by providing regular check-ins, feedback, and encouragement.
• Access to Supportive Services: Ensure participants have access to additional services they may need (such as educational support, mental health services, transportation, etc.) by collaborating with relevant community resources and organizations.
• Client Follow-Up: Conduct regular follow-up with participants to track their progress, address any concerns, and ensure they are receiving the necessary support. Monitor the success of interventions and work collaboratively with the team to make necessary adjustments.
• Data Tracking and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, recruitment efforts, client engagement, and retention data. Provide regular updates and reports on participant recruitment, engagement, and retention efforts to project management.
• Provide Peer Support: Act as a mentor and role model for participants, offering guidance and support in navigating the program and their personal development.
• Outreach Events and Activities: Coordinate and attend community outreach events, job fairs, and informational sessions to engage potential participants and raise awareness of program offerings.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: At least 2 years of experience in community outreach, youth services, or a similar field, with a strong focus on recruitment, engagement, and retention.
• Community Connections: Strong existing relationships within the community and the ability to engage with youth and families.
• Youth Engagement: Ability to relate effectively to program youth, understanding their needs, challenges, and interests to foster a sense of trust and belonging.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to engage and motivate diverse youth populations, parents, and community members.
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively, with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize outreach and retention efforts.
• Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address participant needs, retention challenges, and program barriers.
• Cultural Competency: Experience working with diverse populations and a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing youth in the community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in case management, community-based work, or program coordination, especially with youth-focused programs.
• Familiarity with local support systems, resources, and services available to youth.
• Experience with data tracking tools and reporting systems.
• Conversational Russian is preferable.

Work Environment:

• Full-time position, salary commensurate with degree and experience ($45,000 - $55,000)
• Travel to local employers, healthcare facilities, and community events may be required.
• Occasional evening or weekend work for employer meetings or job fairs.

Send resume and cover letter to Farangiza Razakova, Director Youth & Young Adult Workforce, Farangiza@JCHB.ORG