“I am 59 years young and I live in Rhode Island and want to seek a better job with benefits and more money. I want to meet with a representative to go over some options.”

It’s great that you’re proactively seeking new opportunities! As a 59-year-old in Rhode Island looking for a better job with benefits and more money, you have several excellent resources available.

Here’s how you can meet with a representative to go over your options:

1. Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) Career Centers:

• What they offer: The DLT Career Centers are the primary resource for job seekers in Rhode Island. They offer a range of services including:
  • One-on-one meetings with job coaches for career planning.
  • Resume assistance.
  • Interview skills and techniques.
  • Job search assistance.
  • Information on training opportunities (including free or reduced-cost programs).
  • Connections with employers through hiring events and workshops.
• How to connect:
  • Virtual Appointments: The DLT encourages scheduling virtual meetings with job coaches through their “Back to Work RI” platform. Visit backtoworkri.com and click “Create an Account” to get started, then “Schedule a Meeting.”
  • In-Person Walk-ins: If you need a same-day appointment, you can visit one of their local Career Centers in Providence, West Warwick, or Woonsocket for in-person walk-in services (available until 2:30 pm, first-come, first-served, with limited staffing).
• Locations:
  • Providence/Cranston: 50 Sims Ave. Providence, RI 02909. Phone: 401-680-5101.
  • West Warwick: 1330 Main St. West Warwick, RI 02893. Phone: (401) 462-4100.
  • Woonsocket: 219 Pond St. Woonsocket, RI 02895. Phone: (401) 235-1201.

2. Older Worker Programs (SCSEP):

• What they offer: The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is specifically designed for low-income, unemployed seniors (typically 55 and older). It helps subsidize part-time employment and training in community service positions with the goal of transitioning older workers to unsubsidized private-sector jobs.
• How to connect: You can find a list of Older Worker Programs in Rhode Island through CareerOneStop (a U.S. Department of Labor website). Search for “Older Worker Program Finder” and enter “Rhode Island” as your location. This will provide contact information for providers like the Providence American Job Center and The WorkPlace – netWORKri American Job Center, which often administer SCSEP.

3. Rhode Island Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC):

• What they offer: While not solely focused on employment, the ADRC (a program of the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, supported by United Way) provides free and confidential services to individuals aged 55 or older. They can help identify your needs, explore resources and services, and assist with applying to public and private programs, including those that might support your job search or provide benefits information.
• How to connect:
  • Call (401) 462-4444.
  • Visit their office at 50 Valley St., Providence, RI (Mon. – Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

4. Easterseals Rhode Island:

• What they offer: Easterseals Rhode Island offers various training, placement, and related services to help people prepare for the workforce. They have a program called ReServe specifically for retired or semi-retired professionals over 50, which matches talented individuals with rewarding opportunities at nonprofits and public institutions.
• How to connect: You can learn more about ReServe at ReServeInc.org or contact Vicktoria Barokha at vbarokha@fedcap.org. You can also reach Easterseals Rhode Island at 401-284-1000.

Key Tips for Your Meeting:

• Be prepared: Have a general idea of your skills, experience, and what type of job you’re looking for.
• Bring your resume: Even if it’s outdated, it’s a good starting point for a job coach to review.
• Be open to suggestions: They may have insights into industries or roles you hadn’t considered.
• Ask about training and networking: Inquire about any free or low-cost training programs that could enhance your skills, and ask about opportunities to connect with employers.

By reaching out to these organizations, you’ll be able to connect with knowledgeable representatives who can guide you toward a better job with the benefits and salary you desire. Good luck with your job search!