70 laid off from Dept. of Human Services getting laid off Thursday
By News Staff
70 employees are being laid off Thursday as part of a Department of Human Services reorganization.
Department of Administrator Director Michael DiBiase says, "A majority of the approximately 70 state employees who have been affected will have the opportunity to bid into new jobs and additional direct-service positions, working directly with children and families. We will continue to work with the affected employees to provide transition and training services throughout this process."
The layoffs come as part of a business process redesign for the entire department, which includes the health and human services software system, which is over 30 years old.
The new software launches in September to make it easier to apply for and track benefits, get healthcare, and integrate services and supports.
DHS Director Depeña Affigne added, "Moving from a software system designed more than 30 years ago to a modern, digital system requires different staffing needs. We are working with DCYF to place as many as 45 to 50 DHS social workers into much needed direct service positions, working directly with children and families. Additionally, the reorganization will add more than a dozen new employment and training positions tasked with helping Rhode Islanders find and keep jobs."
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