Children and Youth Services Coordinator- Ukrainian Support

Location: Norwalk & Stamford, CT (with one day/week in Bridgeport)

About CIRI

The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to helping refugees and immigrants overcome legal, economic, linguistic, and social barriers so they can become self-sufficient, integrated, and thriving members of their communities.

For more than 50 years, CIRI has welcomed and resettled refugees from around the world as a proud affiliate of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), one of nine national agencies administering the federal resettlement program.

Why Work for CIRI?

Working at CIRI means joining a mission-driven, supportive, and diverse team committed to strengthening Connecticut's communities. Staff benefits include:

• Eligible employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
   
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture
   
• Strong team of supportive colleagues
   
• Deeply meaningful mission serving refugees and immigrants
   
• Long-standing relationships within Connecticut communities
   
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 403(b) plan
   
• 13 paid holidays
   
• 20 days of paid time off
   
• Commitment to work/life balance and self-care
   

Position Summary

The Children & Youth Services Coordinator supports programming for refugee and immigrant children, youth, and families through CIRI's Refugee School Impact Grant.

This role focuses heavily on supporting Ukrainian families and local school systems. Responsibilities include coordinating school enrollments, connecting families to resources, developing summer learning activities, and serving as a liaison between families, schools, and CIRI's team.

This is a full-time, in-person role based primarily in Norwalk and Stamford, with weekly time in the Bridgeport office. Travel throughout Fairfield County is required.

Essential ResponsibilitiesProgram Coordination & Direct Support

• Work with CIRI's Refugee Services Ukrainian team to identify and support school-aged children.
   
• Conduct outreach to families to connect them with services, resources, and activities.
   
• Coordinate with CIRI case managers, Health & Wellness staff, and sponsors to provide culturally and age-appropriate support.
   
• Assist families with public-school enrollment, paperwork, medical forms, and school introductions.
   
• Accompany students to school visits and facilitate smooth transitions to new school environments.
   
• Build strong relationships with school staff to support student success and prevent educational setbacks.
   
• Coordinate interpretation to support communication among teachers, administrators, students, and parents.
   
• Plan workshops and learning sessions for families on topics such as:
  • U.S. school system overview
     
  • Parent–teacher conferences
     
  • Academic progress/support
     
  • College and post-secondary pathways
     
• Support educators in understanding refugee experiences and culturally responsive approaches.
   
• Develop and manage CIRI's sponsored Summer Program for school-aged children, including curriculum coordination, logistics, and daily operations.
   
• Support group programs such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Homework Groups, and Explorer's Club.
   
• Build community partnerships that help teens explore post-secondary, vocational, and career pathways.
   

Program Impact & Data Management

• Collect and maintain accurate client data and prepare required reports.
   
• Enter services, case notes, and documentation in program files and client databases in a timely manner.
   
• Support evaluation and monitoring activities for grants and internal planning.
   

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (education, social work, psychology, international studies, public health, etc.).
   
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with vulnerable children/youth and families; experience with refugees or immigrants strongly preferred.
   
• Strong verbal, interpersonal, and cross-cultural communication skills.
   
• Experience working on multicultural teams; patient, compassionate, and comfortable engaging diverse populations.
   
• Highly organized, self-directed, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
   
• Ability to provide in-person services in Norwalk and Stamford.
   
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with staff and clients.
   
• Commitment to CIRI's mission, values, and trauma-informed practices.
   
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with social services databases preferred.
   
• Reliable car, valid U.S. driver's license, and auto insurance required.
   
• Availability for occasional evenings/weekends.
   
• Ukrainian or Russian language fluency strongly preferred.

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