WIOA Retention Specialist

Job Description

The WIOA Retention Specialist is responsible for ensuring the successful post-exit tracking and retention of participants enrolled in WIOA programs. This position focuses on completing required quarterly follow-ups, verifying employment outcomes, maintaining compliance with federal and state reporting requirements, and supporting long-term participant success. The role also provides clerical and administrative support to ensure efficient program operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Required Quarterly Follow-Up & Employment Tracking

• Complete required four (4) quarters of follow-up for all WIOA participants after program exit
• Conduct follow-ups at designated intervals (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters after exit).
• Contact participants and employers via phone, email, and other communication methods to collect employment status and wage information.
• Maintain consistent contact efforts and document all attempts in accordance with policy.

2. Employment Verification & Documentation

• Obtain and review employment verification from employers, including:
  • Completion of employment verification forms
  • Verification of wages, hours worked, and employment status
• Utilize The Work Number or similar verification systems when necessary.
• Monitor and manage Work Number usage and budget allocations by funding stream to ensure compliance and cost efficiency.

3. Data Entry & System Compliance

• Accurately enter follow-up data, employment information, case notes, and activities into SCWOS (South Carolina Workforce Opportunity System).
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of all follow-up services and outcomes.
• Maintain organized, complete, and audit-ready participant records.

4. Participant Support & Retention Services

• Identify barriers affecting employment retention and provide appropriate referrals.
• Offer guidance to support job retention and career advancement.
• Maintain ongoing engagement with participants during follow-up period.

5. Employer Engagement

• Maintain professional relationships with employers to facilitate employment verification.
• Communicate effectively regarding participant employment status and documentation needs.
• Resolve discrepancies related to employment reporting.

6. Project Support

• Compile, analyze, and prepare program data, reports, and supporting documentation for management review.
• Support grant, monitoring, audit, and compliance activities by gathering and organizing required records and documentation.
• Coordinate meetings, training sessions, and stakeholder communications related to special projects and program activities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify process improvements and support continuous program enhancement efforts.
• Other duties as assigned by Project Director

7. Performance & Compliance

• Support achievement of WIOA performance outcomes, including employment retention and earnings measures.
• Ensure all activities comply with WIOA regulations, state policies, and local procedures.
• Participate in audits, monitoring, and data validation processes.

8. Collaboration

• Work closely with Career Advisors, Business Solutions Team, and Scholarship Consultant.
• Participate in team meetings, case staffing, and program improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Workforce Development, Business, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Familiarity with WIOA programs and SCWOS preferred
• Knowledge of WIOA performance measures and follow-up requirements
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, including quarterly reporting cycles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Good Driving Record Required.

Equus Workforce Solutions is a leading provider of workforce development services in North America. With a dedicated and passionate team, Equus puts the industry’s best practices to work by focusing on the development, design, and delivery of demand-driven workforce solutions.

When you join Equus, you can expect extensive learning opportunities and networking programs. But most of all you can expect to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

At Equus we are strengthened by diversity. We are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. Equus Workforce Solutions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, religion, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or reprisal or any other characteristic protected under state, federal, or local law.