Employment Program Specialist

Connecticut Institute For Refu•Bridgeport, CT

About The Position

The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) is seeking an Employment Program Specialist for its Economic Empowerment team. The specialist provides employment and career development services to refugees, immigrants, and other eligible clients, including people experiencing employment disruptions, financial instability, or barriers to economic self-sufficiency. The role helps clients identify employment opportunities, develop career goals, access training and community resources, and work toward long-term financial stability. It also supports CIRI’s Resource Center and community resource rooms. The specialist works closely with Economic Empowerment staff, Refugee Services staff, case managers, other CIRI departments, employers, workforce development organizations, educational institutions, and community partners. The position maintains a client caseload, develops individualized employment plans, documents services and outcomes, and supports program reporting and compliance. This is a full-time temporary position through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of extension based on continued funding and organizational needs. The salary is $44,000 annually. Employees regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week, including temporary full-time employees once eligible, may receive CIRI’s benefits package, subject to waiting periods, plan terms, and organizational policies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, workforce development, business, or a related field preferred; relevant professional or lived experience may be considered in place of formal education.
Experience in employment services, workforce development, case management, or a related field preferred.
Experience working with refugees, immigrants, or people facing employment and economic barriers preferred.
Understanding of challenges faced by people experiencing employment disruptions and financial instability.
Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively with clients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn client management systems.
Ability to travel locally as needed to support client services and community partnerships.
Demonstrate empathy, cultural sensitivity, and professionalism with clients experiencing uncertainty or significant life changes.
Recognize the limits of the position and refer immigration-related legal questions to qualified legal services staff.

Nice To Haves

Additional language proficiency.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized career counseling, employment assistance, and job-readiness support.
Assess clients’ employment history, skills, education, goals, and barriers to employment.
Assist clients with resumes, job searches, applications, interview preparation, and career planning.
Help clients identify employment opportunities consistent with applicable employment authorization requirements.
Connect clients with vocational training, educational programs, certifications, and career development resources.
Help clients identify transferable skills and explore alternative career pathways.
Provide guidance on workplace expectations, employment readiness, and long-term economic stability.
Support clients experiencing employment disruptions by developing realistic employment plans and helping them access available resources.
Coordinate client services with Economic Empowerment staff, Refugee Services case managers, and other CIRI departments.
Accept referrals, follow up in a timely manner, and collaborate with case managers to identify employment needs and barriers.
Coordinate with Immigration Legal Services when clients have questions about immigration status or employment authorization, and refer legal questions to qualified staff.
Connect clients with community resources, educational opportunities, and support services.
Support services and activities in CIRI’s Resource Center and community resource rooms.
Participate in case coordination meetings and communicate regularly with referring program staff.
Provide employment-related assistance to other eligible clients as program needs require.
Develop and maintain relationships with employers, workforce development organizations, educational institutions, and community partners.
Identify employment and training opportunities appropriate to clients’ skills, goals, and eligibility.
Collaborate with community organizations to identify resources for people experiencing employment disruptions.
Assist with coordinating job fairs, career workshops, employer information sessions, and other employment-related activities.
Support employer engagement efforts and promote employment opportunities for eligible clients.
Maintain an assigned caseload and provide consistent client follow-up.
Develop individualized employment and career plans based on client needs and circumstances.
Document client services, referrals, employment activities, and outcomes accurately and promptly.
Track employment placements, training participation, career development progress, and other required program outcomes.
Comply with grant requirements, program guidelines, and CIRI policies; maintain confidentiality of client information and records.
Assist with program reporting and administrative responsibilities as needed.
Maintain awareness of employment, training, and community resources; attend required meetings, trainings, and community events.
Adapt to changing program needs and funding requirements, and perform other related duties as assigned.
Travel locally as needed to support client services and community partnerships.