Building Partnerships, Programs, and Processes for Rhode Island’s Healthcare Systems
Mission
In 2017, the Office of Economic Opportunity created PVD HealthWorks to meet the growing demands of the healthcare and social assistance industry in Rhode Island. The innovative program strives to invest in the skillsets which enhance the working potential of a career-ready talent pool. As the state’s healthcare intermediary, we develop partnerships that will create diverse training pipelines, career pathways, and other workforce solutions for the demands of employers and individuals in the healthcare and social assistance industry.
Talent Management
Our demand-driven programs match skills training to high demand employer workforce needs. We connect qualified professionals with employers looking for top talent. PVD HealthWorks actively fosters system solutions around shared needs to maximize employment capacity and access while filling open positions with skilled talent.
Pre-Apprenticeship Framework
PVD HealthWorks employs a competency model of skill development utilizing experiential learning and mentorship. Where appropriate, credentialing and certification is sought to assure that future employees meet quality standards and align with existing workplace requirements.
A Phased Approach
The first phase began in 2018 with training cohorts for Medical Assistants and Direct Support Professionals. An important goal of each cohort is to build an environment that emphasizes collaboration and team building; a valuable asset in today’s workplace. The cohort model invites student participation, fosters creativity, builds leadership skills, and generates a sense of community.
Viable Employment & Career Pathways
The entry to employment focuses on high demand occupations and invests in the right talent with the right competencies and skills to support the healthcare and social assistance labor market. PVD HealthWorks partners with state-wide health care organizations to expedite this skilled talent into available career pathways.
PVD HealthWorks
Demand-driven programs:
- Medical Assistants I and II
- Direct Support Professionals I and II
- Pharmacy Technicians I
- Dental Assistants
- Medical Technicians
- Case Management
- Mental Health Workers
- Nursing
PVD MED – Youth Programs
The mission of PVD MED is to improve diversity in healthcare professions through pipeline programs for youth while serving at-risk youth through education, career development, and health promotion. PVD MED will provide young adults an opportunity to learn emergency medical services and life skills that will prepare them for a career in healthcare. This blended model focuses on clinical didactics and simulation exposing youth to real-life situations. Youth will have the opportunity to learn life-saving measures, earn certifications, and expand their network in healthcare.
This first phase of PVD MED is a Life and Health Safety cohort program. This model will build an environment that emphasizes collaboration and team building; a valuable asset in today’s healthcare workplace. The evidence-based cohort model invites youth participation, fosters creativity, builds leadership skills, and generates a sense of community.
PVD MED is committed to providing Providence youth healthcare pathways. It is essential to the health equity of our city to develop a diverse, culturally competent healthcare workforce. Our youth, families, and communities are the Heartbeat of the City; the time is now to develop Providence’s healthcare talent.
Feel free to contact us
Jody A. Jencks
PVD HealthWorks Director
Office of Economic Opportunity
444 Westminster Street, 3rd Floor
Providence, RI 02903
401-680-8410 Office
401-263-3412 Cell
