Bilingual Retention Specialist

Reports to: Manager of Community Initiatives & Retention

Status: Non-Exempt

Hours: Full-Time, 8 AM - 5 PM, 40 hours per week

Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000

We are seeking a Bilingual Supportive Services Navigator to function as a central liaison between participants who matriculate into continuing education/training programs, and/or employment opportunities, and external partner agencies, institutions, and employers. This position will orient, interview, and offer career consultation to NLEN program participants to ensure successful retention of career opportunity. In addition to managing a caseload of NLEN program participants, this position will also engage a network of employers to develop quality job options for residents.

• Conduct intake assessments and ongoing check-ins with employees to identify needs and develop individualized support plans.
• Provide direct services such as transportation supports, grocery stipends, housing stabilization referrals, appointment scheduling, and benefits navigation.
• Maintain strong, confidential, and trust-based relationships with employees.

• Connect employees to internal NLEN services including financial literacy, GED/ESL programs, banking enrollments, counseling/wellness services, coaching, and workforce advancement opportunities.
• Identify external community resources for housing assistance, food security, utility supports, childcare, and crisis assistance.
• Conduct timely follow-up to ensure referrals result in successful outcomes.
• Serve as the primary bilingual liaison between NLEN and Fillmore Linen Service, supporting HR, supervisors, and employees.
• Provide Spanish–English interpretation for meetings, orientations, onboarding conversations, and supervisor communication.
• Participate in monthly case reviews and contribute observations about emerging needs and trends.

• Document all supportive service interactions, referrals, and outcomes using Airtable, consistent with NLEN data quality standards.
• Maintain accurate, timely records to support tracking of NLEN KPIs, including retention, stability outcomes, and wraparound service counts.
• Generate reports and summaries for the Manager of Community Initiatives & Retention to inform program improvement, employer engagement, and funding requirements.

• Bilingual Spanish/English (oral and written).
• Experience in supportive services, case management, or community resource navigation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse individuals, including immigrants and multilingual communities.
• Comfort working independently at an employer site.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate sound judgment.
• Commitment to NLEN’s mission of employment equity and community empowerment.

• Experience using Airtable or other case management databases.
• Knowledge of Chicago’s social service landscape and public benefits systems.
• Background in workforce development, social services, or community outreach