January 2012 ~ How felons can get jobs

Felon is looking for jobs

Hello, Do you know if someone who received Deferred Adjudication for a felony assault could receive Teaching Certification in Texas and teach?

Thank you

Hello,

In most cases I would not attempt an answer for a question of this nature because I am not a legal professional. I believe there are other ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs that are in similar situations, I will offer a suggestion. My understanding of deferred adjudication is, there is an initial plea of guilty. It is my understanding, once the conditions of the deferment are met (typically a fine and probation,) the charges are formally dropped. Since there is no conviction, you may legally answer “no” when the questions asked “Have you been convicted….” The charges although formally dropped, they will still remain as a charge and will appear on background checks as a charge and not a conviction.

Here is the tricky part. Even though the charges are dropped the deferment will always be visible to law enforcement the court system and government agencies. Since a state agency certifies teachers, it will be visible. Too many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs assume that their convictions make them ineligible for hire. My suggestion is that you contact the State Board for Educator Certification to find out if your conviction will keep you from being certified in Texas. You can reach them here: State Board for Educator Certification

1701 N. Congress Ave.
WBT 5-100
Austin, Texas 78701
(512) 463-9734

I hope this helps.

Real help for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs

There is help for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs

Hello Eric!

My name is Ernestine and I volunteer at a drug and alcohol treatment facility for men on parole or probation in , Oregon. I have begun to facilitate an employment/transition preparation class at the facility. The class meets for an hour and twenty minutes once a week for about five weeks. To take full advantage of the time we have together, I want to make sure that we are covering the most useful information and tips. In your experience, what have been the most helpful and useful topics/exercises? Which kinds of game plans have been most successful for the men you have worked with?

Thank you so much!

Hello Ernestine,

Getting a job requires a combination of things. If I had to single one or two things, I would say that the ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs would have to present a totally professional presentation. That is resume, dress and grooming. No one gets a second chance to make a first impression. Secondly, they must develop a plan of action that would help them get an extensive list of employers to apply to. Finding a job is indeed a numbers game. The more applications, the more interviews. More interviews mean more opportunities to get hired.