Employment & Internships
Is ReFocus Right For You?
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Can you “refocus” when you see an adult with a physical or developmental disability?
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Instead of zooming in on the disability, can you zoom out? Can you at least catch a glimpse of the whole person – someone with a unique story waiting to be heard, differing abilities waiting to be recognized and most importantly a person who is entitled to love, respect and legal rights afforded every American? If so, ReFocus could be right for you.
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ReFocus employees are motivated by a belief in the equality of all persons regardless of disability. We are committed to creating a community where adults with differing abilities can experience genuine caring and respect, where each person can participate as fully as possible in the normal activities of daily life and where each person is challenged to reach his or her full potential, whatever that may be.
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A desire to teach, assist and model skills and behaviors that will enrich the lives of our clients is the first step toward employment at ReFocus. Experience with special needs individuals or other human service work is helpful but not required. We offer extensive on-the-job training that will equip you with the knowledge, techniques and skills you need to work successfully and compassionately with adults with developmental disabilities.
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Employee Benefits:
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Health, Dental and Vision
Up to 12 Paid Holidays
Vacation, Sick and Personal Time Off
403 (b) Retirement Savings Plan
Tuition Reimbursment
Employee Incentive Program
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If ReFocus sounds like an organization where you would “fit right in,” please apply. We’d love to meet you.
Internships at ReFocus: A two-way street.
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ReFocus extends an invitation to college students in Rhode Island to propose an internship project through which they can share current knowledge, skills, talents or hobbies to improve and expand ReFocus’ programs and services for adults with developmental disabilities.
In turn, ReFocus provides a friendly, supportive environment where you can explore first-hand how you feel about diversity, inclusion and equality – and how society should treat people who are somehow “different.” A ReFocus mentor will supervise your project and serve as sounding board for your thoughts, feelings and questions about how to work with adults with differing abilities. Your mentor will also write an evaluation of your project for your CV or academic advisor.
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Here are some internship possibilities, but don’t let them limit your creativity:
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Turn your hobby or talent into a workshop at one of our Community Centers in Providence. Dance, arts & crafts, costuming, painting, acting, drawing, singing, cooking, aerobics – all possibilities. We’re always looking for new experiences for adults with differing abilities.
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Evaluate our intra-Agency communications and make recommendations for improvement in speed and efficiency. ReFocus has more than 20 locations throughout Rhode Island – a challenging internship project to sink your teeth into.
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Develop a publicity program to increase ReFocus brand recognition throughout Rhode Island. We’re really a publicist’s goldmine. And there are plenty of stories you can tell.
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Create a video or write an Op-Ed piece about diversity based on your experience at ReFocus.
Funding for Internships
Many Rhode Island colleges and universities offer compensation for internships that have a positive impact on the community. Please check with your financial aid office. Cutbacks in funding for human services do not allow us to offer paid internships at this time. If you need supplementary income, please check our employment opportunities. ReFocus welcomes college students as members of our staff, full or part-time, during the academic year and over the summer.
ReFocus, Inc. does not discriminate in its employment or promotion policies and practices with respect to age, race, color, creed, sexual orientation or national origin in accordance with all state and federal laws.