Description

Career Development Specialist

Stamford (3 Days/Week) & Bridgeport (2 Days/Week)

$44,000 + Outstanding Benefits

Help New Americans Build Careers, Confidence, and Independence

At CIRI, a job is more than a paycheck—it's an opportunity to change lives.

For over 100 years, the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) has helped refugees, immigrants, survivors of trafficking, and other newcomers build safe, successful lives in Connecticut. We are seeking a compassionate, organized, and motivated Career Development Specialist to support Ukrainians and other newcomers as they navigate employment opportunities, career growth, and long-term self-sufficiency.

If you are passionate about workforce development, enjoy helping people overcome barriers, and want to see the direct impact of your work every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join CIRI?

Make a Meaningful Difference

Help refugees and immigrants achieve economic independence, build careers, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Grow Professionally

Join a diverse, collaborative team that values learning, innovation, and professional development.

Build Community

Develop lasting relationships with clients, employers, community partners, and colleagues while making a tangible impact across Connecticut.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• 13 paid holidays annually
• 20 days of paid time off per year
• Commitment to work-life balance and employee wellness
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Current Benefit Highlights

• Medical (Anthem): Multiple plan options; base plan currently $35 per paycheck
• Vision (Mutual of Omaha): $60/year with $130 hardware allowance
• Dental (Mutual of Omaha): $500 deductible; $1,750 annual benefit
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage equal to salary up to $100,000
• Voluntary Life Insurance: Available for employees and family members
• Long-Term Disability: Employer-paid coverage at 60% of earnings
• Identity Theft Protection: Optional employee-paid coverage

Position Summary

The Career Development Specialist partners with clients enrolled in specialized employment programs to identify career goals, develop employment plans, and access opportunities that lead to sustainable careers and self-sufficiency.

Working closely with case managers, English Language Learning staff, youth programs, employers, and community partners, the Career Development Specialist helps clients overcome barriers to employment while building the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the U.S. workforce.

This position is based in Stamford three days per week and Bridgeport two days per week.

What You'll Do

Career Planning & Client Support

• Partner with clients to create and implement individualized service and career development plans
• Coordinate with case managers to identify employment opportunities that align with clients' goals and skills
• Guide clients through job applications, interviews, and hiring processes while promoting independence
• Provide coaching on U.S. workplace culture, professional expectations, communication, and job retention skills
• Identify educational opportunities, scholarships, certifications, and tuition assistance programs
• Collaborate with English Language Learning staff to develop creative solutions that address language barriers
• Work closely with CIRI's Youth and ELL teams to support clients' long-term career pathways

Program Administration

• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, client records, and data entry within CIRI's systems
• Assist with grant reporting and program data collection
• Develop an understanding of grant requirements and support the preparation of required reports and statistics
• Ensure documentation is complete, organized, and compliant with program standards

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Social Work, Psychology, Teaching, Anthropology, International Studies, Public Health, or a similar discipline
• At least two years of experience in employment services, workforce development, career coaching, or another client-facing employment role, and/or one year of experience working with vulnerable or underserved populations
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills
• Ability to build rapport with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and client database systems
• Reliable transportation, valid U.S. driver's license, and current auto insurance
• Flexibility to occasionally provide services outside traditional business hours

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in Ukrainian and/or Russian
• Experience working with refugees, immigrants, or other multicultural populations
• Knowledge of workforce development programs, career counseling, or employment services

Join the Journey

Every job offer, interview preparation session, career plan, and coaching conversation has the potential to change a life.

If you're looking for meaningful work where you can empower individuals, strengthen communities, and help shape brighter futures, we encourage you to apply.

CIRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.