Emergency Services Administrator

Emergency Services Administrator - New Haven

Since 1982, IRIS has helped refugees and other displaced people build new lives, strengthen hope, and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut's communities. Today, through our focus on New Americans, we serve thousands of refugees and immigrants across the state, helping them move from arrival to full belonging. Our work is organized around four pillars: Economic Mobility & Education, Immigration Status & Stability, Language Equity & Communication, and Community & Civic Engagement. Together they support New Americans as they move from first jobs to careers, from temporary protection to permanent status, and from self-sufficiency to thriving. 

IRIS's vision is a Connecticut where every New American is a full participant in civic, economic, and community life. We don't pursue that vision alone. Partnerships with sister agencies, community sponsors, faith communities, schools, employers, legal and healthcare networks, and the people we serve are central to everything we do. Joining IRIS means helping build Connecticut's infrastructure for long-term integration at a moment when it has never mattered more.

Are you passionate about supporting immigrant and refugee families during times of crisis and uncertainty?

IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services) is seeking a strategic, compassionate, and mission-driven Emergency Services Administrator to oversee emergency assistance programming at IRIS. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

The Emergency Services Administrator provides leadership, coordination, and oversight for the State Emergency TPS Fund at IRIS. This is a temporary grant-funded position expected to last approximately 9 months, subject to funding availability.

The position is responsible for managing the delivery of emergency financial assistance and supportive services to those who lost or are expected to lose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other eligible individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, housing instability, employment disruption, legal vulnerability, or other challenges. 

The Administrator oversees the design, implementation, compliance, and continuous improvement of the program, ensuring that Direct Client Assistance (DCA) funds are distributed equitably, efficiently, and in accordance with state funding requirements and organizational policies. The role supervises emergency assistance staff, ensures compliance with eligibility and approval processes, monitors expenditures and outcomes, and serves as the primary program lead with state agencies, community partners, and internal departments. 

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE ROLE 

We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting immigrant communities and who brings:

• A commitment to equity, immigrant integration, and community well-being.


• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills.


• Experience managing programs, staff, and community partnerships.


• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• The ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational oversight

Qualifications

• At least 3 to 4 years of professional experience in social work, customer service, immigration services, or a related field. 


• Experience in data management and direct service delivery 


• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English


• Proficiency in working with and maintaining spreadsheets


• A demonstrated commitment to anti-racism and IRIS's mission


• A demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed care principles


• Ability to quickly build rapport with new clients and volunteers of diverse backgrounds


• Energy and enthusiasm for work


• Valid driver’s license 


• Experience with basic Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) 


• Ability to speak another language preferred but not required 

WHAT YOU'LL DO 

Program Leadership and Administration

• Provide overall administration and operational oversight of the State Emergency TPS Fund. 


• Develop and implement program procedures, workflows, eligibility criteria, and service standards. 


• Ensure program activities align with contractual obligations, organizational policies, and funding requirements. 


• Lead program planning, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement efforts. 


• Coordinate with leadership to identify emerging community needs and adapt services accordingly. 


• Represent the program in meetings with state agencies, funders, community partners, and stakeholders. 


• Prepare reports, presentations, and updates for leadership and funders. 

Direct Client Assistance (DCA) Management 

• Oversee the distribution of emergency financial assistance, including housing, utilities, food, transportation, and other approved emergency needs. 


• Develop, maintain, and ensure compliance with policies and procedures related to DCA eligibility, prioritization, approval, documentation, and monitoring. 


• Review and approve assistance requests within delegated authority levels. 


• Monitor DCA spending to ensure timely utilization of available funds and equitable access to assistance. 


• Implement internal controls that safeguard public funds and ensure accountability. 


• Conduct regular audits of assistance files and payment documentation. 


• Work closely with finance staff to reconcile expenditures and support fiscal reporting requirements. 


• Monitor assistance trends and recommend adjustments to maximize program impact. 

 Staff Supervision and Team Leadership 

• Supervise staff assigned to the emergency services program, including an Emergency Assistance Coordinator, interns, and volunteers as applicable. 


• Provide regular coaching and performance management. 


• Facilitate team meetings and ensure consistent implementation of program policies and procedures. 


• Promote a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and client-centered service environment. 

Compliance and Fiscal Stewardship 

• Ensure compliance with all state funding requirements, audit standards, confidentiality requirements, and organizational policies. 


• Maintain accurate program records and supporting documentation. 


• Collaborate with finance staff on budgeting, forecasting, expenditure tracking, and financial reconciliations. 


• Support monitoring visits, audits, and funder reviews. 


• Identify compliance risks and implement corrective actions as necessary.  

Family Preparedness and Community Response Planning 

• Collaborate with other IRIS staff to coordinate family preparedness initiatives that help families plan for emergencies and periods of uncertainty. 


• Support development and dissemination of informational resources related to immigration policy changes, access to services, and community resources. 


• Work closely with legal services staff to ensure clients receive appropriate referrals and information. 


• Monitor community concerns and emerging trends affecting client stability and well-being. 


• Assist in the development of organizational response plans for emerging community crises and policy changes. 

 Community Partnerships and Outreach 

• Build and maintain relationships with state agencies, municipalities, legal service providers, housing organizations, food assistance programs, and community-based organizations. 


• Promote awareness of available emergency assistance resources. 


• Coordinate outreach efforts to ensure eligible TPS holders and impacted immigrant families have access to available services and resources.


• Participate in community meetings, coalitions, and stakeholder forums as needed.  

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Partner closely with the Stabilization, Mobility, Legal, and Community Engagement teams to ensure coordinated service delivery. 


• Participate in organizational planning and systems-improvement initiatives. 


• Promote a client-centered approach that reflects the integrated pathway clients experience across IRIS programs. 

WHY JOIN IRIS? 

At IRIS, you will join a mission-driven organization dedicated to supporting refugees and immigrants as they build successful lives in Connecticut. This position provides a meaningful opportunity to support immigrant and refugee families during times of crisis while helping them achieve stability, security, and long-term success. 

REPORTS TO 

Deputy Director of Stabilization Services

Location: New Haven (Hybrid) - The position is based in New Haven, CT, with regular travel between the New Haven and Hartford service areas.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in New Haven, with regular in-person work required in both the New Haven and Hartford offices. Local travel may be required for client meetings, partner meetings, outreach activities, workshops, and community-based services. 

Salary Range: $65,000 annually

Job Type: Full-Time Temporary Salaried (Exempt), 40 hours/week, Biweekly Payroll. 

Duration: Approximately 6-9 months, with the possibility of extension through June 2027, subject to funding availability. 

Diversity and inclusion are hardwired into IRIS's mission: We are dedicated to welcoming people from all over the world who are fleeing persecution, war, and violence. We are more effective at serving our clients' needs when we are representative of the communities we live in and work with. So, we are an enthusiastic Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. Please reach out if you need accommodation in applying.

IRIS is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer.