Career Development Specialist

Overview

Description

Why Work for CIRI?

Embark on a fulfilling career with CIRI, where you'll find more than just a job – you'll find purpose. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Meaningful Mission: Contribute to an incredible mission of assisting refugees and immigrants in overcoming barriers to become self-sufficient, integrated members of the community.
• Professional Growth: Be part of a diverse and supportive team that encourages your growth and development.
• Community Connection: Establish long-term connections with the community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision/life/403B plan, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of paid time off per year, and a commitment to work/life balance and self-care.
• Public Interest Loan Forgiveness: Benefit from eligibility for the Public Interest Loan Forgiveness Program.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Join the Journey:
Empower Lives, Shape Futures at The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI)

Compensation: $44,000 + Benefits

Are you passionate about helping people find meaningful work, overcome barriers, and build long-term stability? Join CIRI’s Refugee Services Team as a Career Development Specialist (CDS) and play a hands-on role in supporting refugees, asylees, and immigrants as they pursue employment, career growth, and self-sufficiency.

In this role, you’ll partner closely with clients and colleagues to turn career goals into reality — from job readiness and applications to navigating U.S. work culture and long-term career planning. If you’re organized, compassionate, and energized by mission-driven work, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

• Partner with clients to develop and implement individualized service and career development plans.
• Collaborate with Case Managers and the Refugee Services Employment Outreach Specialist to identify job opportunities aligned with client goals and skills.
• Guide clients through job applications, resumes, and interviews — empowering them to build confidence and independence.
• Train clients on U.S. workplace culture, including expectations around communication, professionalism, work ethic, and both soft and hard skills.
• Facilitate and enhance CIRI’s Job Club and other trainings, including:
  • Job readiness workshops
  • Women’s Job Club
  • Computer literacy classes
  • Financial literacy training
  • Other specialized employment-related services
• Identify scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and training opportunities to support long-term career advancement.
• Support clients enrolled in English Language Learning (ELL) programs by identifying barriers and developing creative, individualized solutions.
• Partner with the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit and support volunteers for English tutoring.

• Maintain timely and accurate client records, including case notes, in CIRI’s data systems and paper files.
• Learn and support key grant and program requirements.
• Assist with compiling data and statistics for program reporting and planning.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (social work, education, anthropology, psychology, international studies, public health, or similar).
• At least 2 years of client-facing employment experience or 1 year working with vulnerable or underserved populations.
• Ability to provide in-person services in New Haven and Bridgeport.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with client databases.
• Reliable car, valid U.S. driver’s license, and auto insurance.
• Flexibility to occasionally work evenings to meet client needs.