ABOUT JFS
For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to "repair the world." Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best.
OUR VALUES
Be a Mensch: We are ethical, kind, and admirable. We assume good intent and act with integrity. We are thoughtful and deliberative in how we support our clients, each other, and the community. “Choose generosity over judgment—every time”
Be Purpose-Built: We create spaces and programs that respect clients’ individuality and opens access. We strive to meet the individual where they’re at and give them the tools to be successful
Be Resolute: We work with tenacity to identify problems, seek out solutions, and get things done. Even small steps forward are acts of resilience.
SUMMARYThe Retention Specialist plays a critical role in supporting newly employed clients as they transition into the workforce. Working within the Career Services team at Jewish Family Services of WNY, this position focuses on helping refugee and immigrant clients maintain long-term employment by providing regular follow-up, identifying and addressing potential barriers, and facilitating communication between clients and employers. The Retention Specialist conducts structured check-ins with clients and employers, helps resolve workplace challenges, and coordinates with internal staff to ensure clients have access to supportive services. This role also involves tracking retention milestones, documenting client progress, and offering employment incentives to encourage job stability. The ideal candidate will be culturally competent, organized, and skilled in both interpersonal communication and problem-solving.
RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
A representative summary of tasks to be performed is provided below. The employee may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The duties and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the mission, values, and operating principles of Jewish Family Services.
Conduct structured follow-up check-ins with employed clients on a monthly basis for the first 90 days of employment, then quarterly up to one year, to assess progress and job satisfaction.Initiate and maintain contact with employer’s post-placement to gather feedback on employee performance and address any concerns that may impact job retention.Serve as a mediator when needed between clients and employers to resolve misunderstandings, cultural or communication barriers, or workplace conflicts.Identify and respond to challenges affecting job stability, including transportation issues, workplace adjustment, or scheduling conflicts, providing direct support (e.g., bus passes) or coordinating internal referrals for additional services.Coordinate closely with job developers, case managers, and other internal staff to ensure clients receive holistic and timely support that promotes sustained employment.Document all client and employer interactions, follow-up outcomes, service referrals, and incentive distributions accurately in the agency’s case note system.Track retention milestones (e.g., 30, 60, 90 days, 6 months, 1 year) and administer retention incentives according to program guidelines.Monitor trends in job retention challenges and provide feedback to the career services team to support program improvements and employer relationship strategies.Help clients set short- and long-term employment goals and connect them to additional supportive services or training opportunities when appropriate.Represent JFS professionally in interactions with clients, employers, and community partners, maintaining a strengths-based, culturally competent approach.Participate in team meetings, trainings, and planning sessions to stay informed about program updates, client needs, and community employment trends.Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of Jewish Family Services of WNY’s career and community services programs.QUALIFICATIONSEducation and Experience:Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent experience.Background working in the employment or human resource fields highly desirable or experience in an inside or outside sales function, including account management experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Exhibited ability to effectively work within an inclusive and culturally and linguistically diverse environment.Strong internet research and computer skills, especially with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and web-based health information systems.Bilingual skills desirable. English speaking and writing fluency required.
Competencies:
Judgment and Decision Making - Considers relative pros and cons of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.Time Management – Uses time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates efforts on the more important priorities; gets more done efficiently and effectively.Communication Intelligence - Listens to others, able to communicate issues clearly and credibly with widely varied audiences and overcome resistance; fosters open communication and manages emotion in positive waysAdaptability & Flexibility - Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilitiesClient Focus - Understands and meets customer needs, whether internal or external, providing a high level of service and cooperation courteousness & sensitivity) Initiative & Adaptability - Deals with situations and issues proactively and persistently, personal willingness and ability to respond to change and ability to meet deadlines.
Expectation Based on Agency Values:
Must possess a complete commitment to, and understanding of, Jewish Family Service’s Mission & Vision.Cultural Responsiveness – Ensure staff and programming treat each individual with respect - we honor staff and clients and meet them where they are with regard for their unique wants and needs. (Anava)Partnership – Ensure staff and programs develop and maintain partnerships to support health and well-being and recognize its role in helping individuals and families achieve meaningful and lasting change. (Chevrutah)Trust - Work with integrity and be accountable and responsive to others to build a foundation of trust. (Eimun) Person Centered Care – Believe in and show through daily practice the dignity and inherent worth of every individual at every stage of life and work to address their needs as a whole person. (B’Tselem Elohim)
WORKING CONDITIONS
Will work in the office and in the community; able to travel outside the office to various sites to attend meetings and provide support services.Must have access to a reliable vehicle, possess a valid, clean driver’s license and be sufficiently self-insured with liability insurance in the amount of $100/$300k.Flexible hours including days and some evenings and/or weekends.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical activities and efforts required working in an office environment.Visual acuity sufficient to maintain system of files and reports containing computer-generated and handwritten documents. Auditory acuity sufficient to communicate with staff, clients, and others by phone and in person.Mobility sufficient to conduct regular duties within a normal office environment and community. Read LessABOUT JFS
For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to "repair the world." Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best.
OUR VALUES
Be a Mensch: We are ethical, kind, and admirable. We assume good intent and act with integrity. We are thoughtful and deliberative in how we support our clients, each other, and the community. “Choose generosity over judgment—every time”
Be Purpose-Built: We create spaces and programs that respect clients’ individuality and opens access. We strive to meet the individual where they’re at and give them the tools to be successful
Be Resolute: We work with tenacity to identify problems, seek out solutions, and get things done. Even small steps forward are acts of resilience.
SUMMARYThe Outreach Specialist conducts outreach efforts to increase visibility and enrollment of prospective members into career services at JFS. The Outreach Specialist works in the office and directly in the community to identify, educate, and refer prospective clients. The Outreach Specialist also build relationships with referral sources, including the community groups, adult education providers, and other community service providers, to increase enrollment of clients. The Outreach Specialist locates, engages, and refers clients to community services at JFS.
RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
A representative summary of tasks to be performed is provided below. The employee may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The duties and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the mission, values, and operating principles of Jewish Family Services.
Conduct community outreach to identify and engage eligible individuals (refugees, SIVs, asylees, etc.) who are seeking employment or career advancement opportunities.Build relationships with local ethnic communities and cultural groups to promote awareness of JFS career services and facilitate referrals.Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations that serve refugee populations, such as ESL programs, resettlement agencies, faith-based groups, and community centers.Represent JFS at community events, job fairs, workshops, and other outreach opportunities to recruit clients and promote services.Utilize culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate strategies to engage and enroll clients into health home programs.Collaborate and case conference with Job Developers to ensure that clients make a smooth transition from outreach to active health home enrollment. Educate the community by relaying the purpose and services of the career services programs to the client population and the impact the program and services would have.Assist the Career Services Manager in the tracking of referral sources and other referral data. Attend agency and department in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other agency related activities as required.Coordinate closely with the Service Integration team to ensure newly recruited clients receive comprehensive intake assessments and are connected to all eligible community services.Assist clients in navigating the enrollment process for career services, including employment orientation and intake scheduling.Support the career services team by helping facilitate employment orientation sessions and following up with clients during the initial engagement period.Work with employment counselors to identify potential barriers to work (e.g., transportation, childcare, language access) and connect clients to internal or external resources to support job retention.Track outreach activities and maintain accurate records of contacts, referrals, and outcomes in accordance with agency policies and grant requirements.Maintain cultural sensitivity and uphold the dignity, privacy, and autonomy of all clients served.Attend regular team meetings and trainings to stay informed about program updates, client needs, and community trends.Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of Jewish Family Services of WNY.QUALIFICATIONSEducation and Experience:Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent experience.Background working in the employment or human resource fields highly desirable or experience in an inside or outside sales function, including account management experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Exhibited ability to effectively work within an inclusive and culturally and linguistically diverse environment.Strong internet research and computer skills, especially with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and web-based health information systems.Bilingual skills desirable. English speaking and writing fluency required.
Competencies:
Judgment and Decision Making - Considers relative pros and cons of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.Time Management – Uses time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates efforts on the more important priorities; gets more done efficiently and effectively.Communication Intelligence - Listens to others, able to communicate issues clearly and credibly with widely varied audiences and overcome resistance; fosters open communication and manages emotion in positive waysAdaptability & Flexibility - Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilitiesClient Focus - Understands and meets customer needs, whether internal or external, providing a high level of service and cooperation courteousness & sensitivity) Initiative & Adaptability - Deals with situations and issues proactively and persistently, personal willingness and ability to respond to change and ability to meet deadlines.
Expectation Based on Agency Values:
Must possess a complete commitment to, and understanding of, Jewish Family Service’s Mission & Vision. Cultural Responsiveness – Ensure staff and programming treat each individual with respect - we honor staff and clients and meet them where they are with regard for their unique wants and needs. (Anava)Partnership – Ensure staff and programs develop and maintain partnerships to support health and well-being and recognize its role in helping individuals and families achieve meaningful and lasting change. (Chevrutah)Trust - Work with integrity and be accountable and responsive to others to build a foundation of trust. (Eimun) Person Centered Care – Believe in and show through daily practice the dignity and inherent worth of every individual at every stage of life and work to address their needs as a whole person. (B’Tselem Elohim)
WORKING CONDITIONS
Will work in the office and in the community; able to travel outside the office to various sites to attend meetings and provide support services.Must have access to a reliable vehicle, possess a valid, clean driver’s license and be sufficiently self-insured with liability insurance in the amount of $100/$300k.Flexible hours including days and some evenings and/or weekends.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical activities and efforts required working in an office environment.Visual acuity sufficient to maintain system of files and reports containing computer-generated and handwritten documents. Auditory acuity sufficient to communicate with staff, clients, and others by phone and in person.Mobility sufficient to conduct regular duties within a normal office environment and community. Read LessWHY JOIN JFS?
For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to "repair the world." Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best.
OUR VALUES
Be a Mensch – A person who is ethical, decent, and admirable. It’s someone who acts with integrity and honor, often showing kindness and consideration towards others. Being called a Mensch is a compliment suggesting that one’s character is upright, responsible, and morally sound.
Be Person-Centered – Meeting individuals where they are at.
Be Culturally Responsive – Creating purpose-built spaces and programs for our clients that respect their culture.
Be Resolute – Tenacity, solution-seeking, and getting stuff done.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
The Health Home Outreach and Enrollment Specialist conducts outreach efforts to increase visibility and enrollment of prospective members into health home program at JFS. The Health Home Outreach and Enrollment Specialist works in the office and directly in the community to identify, educate, and enroll prospective clients. The Health Home Outreach and Enrollment Specialist also build relationships with referral sources, including the lead health homes, primary care providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), mental health providers, and other community service providers, to increase enrollment of clients. The Health Home Outreach and Enrollment Specialist locates, engages, and enrollment clients into the health homes programs at JFS.
Key Responsibilities
Manage all incoming referrals for health home programs.Maintain on-going communication with all referral sources about the status of client enrollments.Travel into the community to conduct outreach activities, including conducting home visits with clients. Determine client eligibility for health home programs based on DOH standards and Medicaid eligibility. Utilize culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate strategies to engage and enroll clients into health home programs.Utilize client information to locate, engage, and enroll patients into the health home programs, including completion of the DOH 5055 and all other required intake documents. Accurately document all interactions with clients and all efforts made towards client engagement. Submit all progress notes within 48 hours of the client encounter. Upload the DOH 5055 and all other enrollment documents into Netsmart. Collaborate and case conference with care coordinators to ensure that clients make a smooth transition from outreach to active health home enrollment. Effectively utilize electronic systems, including Netsmart, HEALTHeLink, PSYCKES, and ePACES to locate patient information and to document encounters. Educate the community by relaying the purpose and services of health home programs to the client population and the impact the program and services would have.Develop, distribute, and maintain community outreach tools and materials.Coordinate, conduct, and facilitate attendance at appropriate tabling /community events.Recruit and assist in retention efforts of health home members, including assisting with diligent search efforts as needed.Build relationships with internal and external providers to increase referrals to the health home program at JFS, including primary care providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), mental health providers, and other community service providers. Assist the Director of Care Coordination in the tracking of referral sources and other referral data. Attend agency and department in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other agency related activities as required.Effectively support health home programs on an as needed basis.WHAT YOU’LL BRING
Associate’s degree in health & human services preferred. Other relevant degree considered.At least one year’s experience in direct human service, outreach, or sales.Exhibited ability to effectively work within an inclusive and culturally and linguistically diverse environment.Strong internet research and computer skills, especially with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and web-based health information systems.Bilingual skills desirable. English speaking and writing fluency required. Demonstrate basic knowledge of chronic conditions, including chronic mental conditions, HIV/AIDS, and serious mental illnessThis position requires travel between sites and therefore, you must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license, and liability insurance in the amount of $100,000/$300,000. Also, if hired, you must produce evidence of having received the Covid-19 vaccination.
WHAT WE OFFER
Competitive salary range of $21.00 to $28.00 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.Benefits such as health insurance (Independent Health), accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) of 4+ weeks, 401k retirement plan with company match, and 13+ observed holidays.Part time schedule of 15-30 hours per week and early close on Fridays.A supportive and collaborative work environment. The chance to make meaningful impact in a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.The above pay range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, background, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Jewish Family Services of Western New York is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Read Less