Community Integration Coordinator - Part Time- Bridgeport, CT

Liberation Programs is seeking a compassionate, resourceful, and experienced Community Reintegration Coordinator to support individuals returning to the Bridgeport community following incarceration. The position is based at Rest Here, a welcoming, low-barrier community drop-in center providing practical assistance, healthcare connections, harm reduction, treatment and recovery supports, housing navigation, workforce development, and opportunities for meaningful community participation. The Community Reintegration Coordinator will work directly with individuals navigating the challenges of reentry, helping them address immediate needs, develop individualized plans, access services, build employment skills, and strengthen their connections to the community. An important part of this role will be supporting Rest Here's Community Workforce Placement Program, which offers structured, stipend-supported work opportunities for participants to gain practical experience, develop transferable skills, and build confidence and employment readiness. The ideal candidate will understand the challenges faced by people affected by incarceration, poverty, homelessness, substance use, and stigma, and will bring a nonjudgmental, relationship-based approach to helping people build greater stability and opportunity in their lives. Primary Responsibilities Participant Engagement and Reintegration Support Engage individuals returning from incarceration and establish supportive, trusting relationships. Work collaboratively with participants to identify their goals, strengths, immediate needs, and barriers to successful community reintegration. Develop and support individualized reintegration plans addressing housing, employment, healthcare, treatment, recovery, benefits, and community connections. Assist participants in obtaining identification, accessing public benefits, arranging transportation, and navigating community services. Provide ongoing case management, advocacy, practical assistance, and follow-up support. Coordinate referrals and facilitate access to services within Liberation Programs and through community partners. Workforce Development and Employment Support Help participants identify employment interests, strengths, and career goals. Provide assistance with résumé preparation, job applications, interview preparation, digital literacy, and workplace readiness. Support participants in accessing education, vocational training, certification programs, and employment opportunities. Develop relationships with employers, workforce development organizations, and community partners. Provide ongoing coaching and encouragement as participants transition into employment. Community Workforce Placements Coordinate R2-funded Community Workforce Placements for eligible participants returning from incarceration. Work closely with the Rest Here Community Workforce Supervisor to support placement assignments, orientation, supervision, mentoring, and skill development. Help participants develop workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, reliability, problem-solving, and professional boundaries. Monitor participant progress, provide constructive feedback, and support transitions into longer-term employment opportunities. Ensure that placements provide meaningful learning opportunities while contributing to the daily operation of Rest Here. Community Partnerships and Coordination Develop and maintain working relationships with the Connecticut Department of Correction, probation, parole, CLEAR, reentry organizations, housing providers, healthcare providers, and workforce development agencies. Coordinate referrals and support continuity of care for individuals transitioning from incarceration into the community. Collaborate with Rest Here staff, OnSide outreach teams, and other Liberation Programs services to ensure participants receive coordinated support. Participate in relevant community meetings, case conferences, and collaborative planning activities. Documentation and Program Development Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential participant records, service plans, referrals, and follow-up documentation. Track participation, workforce placements, employment outcomes, housing progress, and other required grant performance measures. Assist with grant reporting, program evaluation, and continuous quality improvement. Seek participant feedback and contribute to the ongoing development of reintegration and workforce programming. Support a welcoming, safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all Rest Here members. Schedule: Part Time, 24 hours per week Qualifications Required Experience working with individuals affected by incarceration, substance use disorders, homelessness, poverty, or related social and economic challenges. Strong interpersonal, communication, engagement, and relationship-building skills. Ability to provide practical case management, advocacy, and service navigation. Familiarity with community resources and the barriers people face when returning from incarceration. Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple participants, maintain documentation, and coordinate services. Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems. Demonstrated commitment to harm reduction, trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and person-centered services. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team. Preferred Experience in reentry services, workforce development, community outreach, housing navigation, behavioral health, or related human services. Experience supporting employment readiness, job placement, or vocational training. Knowledge of Bridgeport community resources and Connecticut's criminal justice and reentry systems. Experience coordinating or supervising community-based work placements. Relevant degree or training in human services, social work, psychology, criminal justice, workforce development, or a related field. Spanish-language proficiency is an asset.