Employment Program Specialist

Description

Employment Type: Full-Time, Temporary through June 30, 2027, with possibility of extension

Salary: $44,000 annually

Position Summary

The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) is seeking a compassionate, resourceful, and motivated Employment Program Specialist to join our Economic Empowerment team.

The Employment Program Specialist will provide employment and career development services to refugees, immigrants, and other eligible clients, including individuals experiencing employment disruptions, financial instability, and barriers to economic self-sufficiency.

Working closely with CIRI's Economic Empowerment team, Refugee Services staff, and other program personnel, the Employment Program Specialist will help clients identify employment opportunities, develop career goals, access training and community resources, and work toward long-term financial stability. This position will also support activities within CIRI's Resource Center and community resource rooms.

The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, and comfortable working directly with clients from diverse backgrounds while collaborating with staff across multiple programs.

Key Responsibilities

Employment and Career Development

• •Provide individualized career counseling, employment assistance, and job readiness support to clients.
• •Assess clients' employment history, skills, education, career goals, and barriers to employment.
• •Assist with resume development, 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 other career development resources.
• •Help clients identify transferable skills and explore alternative career pathways.
• •Provide guidance on workplace expectations, employment readiness, and strategies for long-term economic stability.
• •Support clients experiencing employment disruptions by helping them develop realistic employment plans and access available resources.

Client Services and Program Collaboration

• •Work closely with Economic Empowerment staff, Refugee Services case managers, and other CIRI departments to coordinate client services.
• •Accept referrals from program staff and provide timely follow-up.
• •Collaborate with case managers to identify employment-related needs and barriers to economic stability.
• •Coordinate with CIRI's Immigration Legal Services team when clients have questions regarding immigration status or employment authorization.
• •Connect clients with appropriate community resources, educational opportunities, and support services.
• •Support activities and services within 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.

Employer and Community Partnerships

• •Develop and maintain relationships with employers, workforce development organizations, educational institutions, and community partners.
• •Identify employment and training opportunities appropriate for clients' skills, goals, and eligibility.
• •Collaborate with community organizations to identify resources for individuals 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.

Case Management and Documentation

• •Maintain an assigned caseload and provide consistent client follow-up.
• •Develop individualized employment and career plans based on client needs and circumstances.
• •Accurately document client services, referrals, employment activities, and outcomes in a timely manner.
• •Track employment placements, training participation, career development progress, and other required program outcomes.
• •Ensure compliance with grant requirements, program guidelines, and CIRI policies.
• •Maintain confidentiality of client information and records.
• •Assist with program reporting and other administrative responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• •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 individuals facing employment and economic barriers preferred.
• •Understanding of challenges faced by individuals 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 both independently and collaboratively.
• •Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn client management systems.
• •Additional language proficiency is a plus.
• •Ability to travel locally as needed to support client services and community partnerships.

Additional Expectations

• •Demonstrate empathy, cultural sensitivity, and professionalism when working with clients experiencing uncertainty or significant life changes.
• •Maintain awareness of available employment, training, and community resources.
• •Work collaboratively across departments to provide coordinated client services.
• •Recognize the limits of the position and refer immigration-related legal questions to qualified legal services staff.
• •Adapt to changing program needs and funding requirements.
• •Attend required meetings, trainings, and community events.
• •Perform other related duties as assigned.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $44,000 annually

CIRI offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week, including temporary full-time employees once eligible.

Benefits include:

• •Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• •Life insurance
• •Paid time off and paid holidays
• •Retirement benefits

Some benefits are employer-paid, while others require employee contributions. Eligibility, enrollment, and coverage are subject to applicable waiting periods, benefit plan terms, and organizational policies.

This is a full-time, temporary position through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of extension based on continued funding and organizational needs.

About CIRI

The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping refugees, immigrants, and survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. Through comprehensive programs and services, CIRI empowers individuals and families to thrive in their communities.