Careers at Lifespan Health System

Pathway to Employment Program

Lifespan's Pathway to Employment Program is designed to promote fair chance hiring and provide meaningful employment opportunities to members of our community who have been involved with and impacted by the criminal justice system. The program offers a 16-week paid employment experience at Lifespan and offers hands-on training coupled with soft skill and professional development training. The structure of the program includes 32 hours per week of on-the-job training and one eight-hour day per week of professional development training. All 40 hours are paid time.

Upon completion of the program, the participant will be prepared to transition into many different permanent, full- or part-time roles available at Lifespan. Participants begin training on day one and receive case management, resource management, and support services to address barriers to successful employment. Workforce Development staff also stay in contact with employees beyond the program to provide continued support.

A teacher stands in front of a class of adult learners.

Register for the Pathway to Employment Program

For information about the next class, fill out the online form. You will be notified by email when the next program is scheduled to begin.

Sign up online

The Pathway to Employment program offers participants an opportunity to: 

  • Join Lifespan, Rhode Island's largest private employer.
  • Have a paid, 40-hour per week job for 16 weeks.
  • Explore exciting career options in healthcare.
  • Make friends and network to prepare for a successful future.
  • Get career-building help from professional career experts.
  • Possibly gain employment beyond program completion.

Job Responsibilities

Participants will be under general supervision and will follow established procedures.

Those in the program will:

  • Transport patients.
  • Mail medical records, laboratory specimens, equipment, and patient related materials to all areas within the hospital complex.
  • Operate service elevators.
  • Maintain transport vehicles according to procedure.

Attendance Requirements

Participants should note that attendance is mandatory. Any missed time from training will result in docked pay. Excessive absences or late starts may result in dismissal from the program.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates for the Pathway to Employment program need to meet the established standards.

Participants must:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Be working with an approved community partner for referral to the program.
  • Have basic English language skills.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Be willing to work full time or part time.
  • Be willing to comply with program requirements.
  • Be Rhode Island residents.
  • Be justice-impacted or involved with the justice-system.
  • Be unemployed or underemployed.

Learn about other Papitto Opportunity Connection opportunities