70 employees at the state Department of Human Services have received layoff notices because of a system-wide reorganization. It’s part of a shift to online applications for benefits like food stamps.
The affected employees are social workers involved in connecting needy Rhode Islanders with cash assistance, child care assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid. Until now, Rhode Islanders had to apply for those programs one at a time, in person. The new system allows people to find out what they’re eligible for and enroll, all online. DHS director Melba Depeña Affigne says that’s required staffing changes.
“As we launched the new eligibility system, we felt that it was important to redesign how we do business.”
Depeña Affigne says the laid-off employees will be invited to apply for jobs in other state agencies, such as the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The reorganization will also create about 12 new positions for people to work with Rhode Islanders who need help finding and keeping jobs.
All six DHS field offices will remain open, although the Woonsocket office is being scaled down.