Achievement Retention Specialist - Blue Sky Residence

At BRC, we help New Yorkers experiencing homelessness reclaim their lives with opportunities for health, self-sufficiency, and hope, while restoring dignity and respect. We invest in our employees through growth, learning, and meaningful work across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens, offering a wide range of benefits and a supportive team environment. Join our passionate team, make a real difference every day, and be part of a community that’s building a more caring and compassionate city – apply today!

The Achievement Retention Specialist provides employment retention, career development, and housing stabilization support to program clients. This role assists clients in achieving and maintaining employment, accessing community resources, developing independent living skills, and sustaining permanent housing. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners, the Achievement Retention Specialist supports client engagement, tracks employment and retention outcomes, and helps clients overcome barriers to long-term self-sufficiency and success.

• →Maintain primary responsibility for collecting, tracking, and reporting client employment and retention data to support program reporting, assessment, and evaluation requirements.
• →Escort clients to appointments, interviews, workshops, career development activities, volunteer opportunities, and other service-related engagements as needed.
• →Conduct housing stability and follow-up visits for clients residing in the community, as required.
• →Participate in outreach, engagement, and intake efforts to connect shelter residents with BRC Workforce Services.
• →Refer clients to appropriate vocational, educational, housing, and supportive service providers based on identified needs and goals.
• →Assist clients in obtaining vital documents and identification, including Social Security cards, government-issued identification, birth certificates, and other required records.
• →Support the delivery of career assessment, employment readiness, and job retention services to clients.
• →Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary team members to address independent living needs, support housing placement efforts, and promote housing retention.
• →Assist clients in preparing for employment opportunities through resume development, interview preparation, job search strategies, and career planning.
• →Support shelter and program-wide priorities and initiatives, including audits, emergency response efforts, client support activities, and facility operations.
• →Participate in on-site and community-based client engagement events, including career development activities, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and resource fairs.
• →Provide emergency First Aid and CPR assistance as needed.
• →Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience working in homeless services, workforce development, social services, or a related human services field.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while maintaining professionalism and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and client data.
• Current CPR certification or the ability to obtain certification within a designated timeframe following hire.

• Bachelors degree in Social Services, Human Services, Psychology, Workforce Development, or a related field preferred.
• Experience providing career counseling, employment readiness support, vocational training, or workshop facilitation.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or other vulnerable populations preferred.
• Familiarity with employment readiness, workforce development, housing placement, or housing retention services preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency preferred.

• Work is performed in shelter and assessment center settings serving single adults and adult families.
• Programs provide a safe, supportive environment designed to promote stability, self-sufficiency, and progress toward permanent housing.
• Regular interaction with individuals experiencing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, trauma, chronic health conditions, and other barriers to housing stability.
• Staff may be required to respond to crises, behavioral incidents, medical emergencies, and other unpredictable situations using de-escalation techniques and established safety protocols.
• Work may require standing, walking, conducting rounds, and assisting clients within residential and congregate living environments.
• Work may require sitting for extended periods, frequent use of computers and other office equipment, and the ability to complete electronic documentation, communications, and other administrative tasks.
• Work may require regular travel throughout New York City, including all five boroughs and a wide range of neighborhoods. Employees must be comfortable using public transportation, conducting community-based work in the field, and traveling in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and other inclement weather.
• Employees may be exposed to unsanitary conditions, environmental hazards, and other conditions commonly associated with residential and homeless services settings.
• Programs operate 24/7/365, including weekends and holidays.
• Due to the nature of shelter operations and contractual staffing requirements, mandatory overtime may be required to ensure adequate program coverage and client safety.