The Rhode Island Welcome Back Center (RIWBC) will help to reduce barriers for internationally educated professionals seeking to enter the workforce in our state. Modeled after the San Francisco Welcome Back Center (SFWBC), this Center will identify viable pathways to help internationally educated and certified professionals living in RI return to their professions or other health fields in the U.S. workforce.
Initially, will be concentrating on four professions that we have targeted; these are Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers, and Physical Therapists.
The RI Welcome Back Center provides information, resources, educational case management services, supportive counseling and English Language Training to internationally educated health care professionals. The Welcome Back center assists each participant in developing a career path plan that builds on the participant’s skills, experience and education. In addition to guidance and support in obtaining the appropriate professional credentials and licenses for their profession, participants are presented with alternative pathways to consider. These options may include choosing another health profession program offered through a local college or university or focusing their skills and experience in the areas of health care management, research or advocacy.
Currently, all internationally educated doctors, nurses, social workers and physical therapists living in RI are potentially eligible to be RI Welcome Back Center participants. At this time, the program does not have the capacity to serve those living outside RI or those in fields other than the four focus areas. The Welcome Back Center hopes to expand to serve those in other fields in the future. Those living outside the US are not eligible for the program.
Everyone is welcomed to participate in the Rhode Island Welcome Back Center. The Center will share any knowledge and information we have about work permits or employer-based 'sponsorships'; however, we will not have any influence or means to procure these for participants. The Center will have a list of agencies which offer advice/services on immigration status matters.
No. The center helps each participant develop a plan to obtain licenses and professional certification through existing procedures. The center will provide preparation and study materials.
No. The Center does not directly find jobs for participants; however, a job announcement binder will be available to share information with participants about job opportunities from potential employers and other agencies.
There will be an initial telephone interview by a Welcome Back Center representative to schedule an appointment for you to come in and meet with the Educational Case Manager. The Educational Case Manager will meet with you and review your educational and professional experience. The Educational Case Manager will provide you with information and guidance on specific licensing requirements, credential validation, as well as agencies, schools and associated courses, including English language skills courses. With the assistance of the Educational Case Manager, you will develop a career path plan with the goal of practicing your profession or finding an alternative career in the health field.
You will want to bring copies of your diploma(s) and transcripts, as well as copies of other certifications and/or licenses. If you have a professional résumé showing your work experience in your health profession, please bring it to your scheduled appointment.
Yes. The RI Welcome Back Center has developed group workshops and activities, licensing exam study groups, and general information meetings to serve as peer support groups by profession.
Welcome Back Center staff members communicate in several languages. We will do our best to provide interpreter assistance and/or resources on an individual case-by-case basis.
No. The Center did not receive funding to provide educational scholarships; however, the elcome Back Educational Case Manager will help to link participants to college and universities and their financial aid offices.
RI WBC Program Executive Summary Resumen Ejecutivo del RI WBC
©2004 Dorcas Place Adult & Family Learning Center, Inc. . 220 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 . phone: 401-273-8866