R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-2-4
It shall be the duty of the director of labor and training, whenever any person informs him or her of his inability to obtain employment, to register the name of the person in the office of the director of labor and training, together with his address, age, and any other information which he or she deems necessary. The director of labor and training shall then assign, or cause to be assigned, and, if necessary, reassign or cause to be reassigned, the person to lawful, useful, and recognized occupations carried on by the state or any county or municipality of the state, or by private employers, engaged in agricultural, industrial, or other occupations of that character, and who accept the services of those persons; provided, that no person shall be required to work under this chapter any greater number of hours per day than lawfully constitutes a day's work in the occupation in which the person is required to engage. In the event the director of labor and training is unable to procure employment for the person applying, it shall then be the duty of the director of labor and training, or his or her duly authorized subordinate, to so certify to the person in writing.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-2-4