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 TrackingComplete required four (4) quarters of follow-up for all WIOA participants after program exitConduct 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 & DocumentationObtain and review employment verification from employers, including:Completion of employment verification formsVerification of wages, hours worked, and employment statusUtilize 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 ComplianceAccurately 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 ServicesIdentify 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 EngagementMaintain 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 SupportCompile, 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 Director7. Performance & ComplianceSupport 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. CollaborationWork closely with Career Advisors, Business Solutions Team, and Scholarship Consultant.Participate in team meetings, case staffing, and program improvement initiatives. 
