Eric Mayo Jobs for Felons: How felons can get jobs
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Showing posts with label ex-offender re-entry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ex-offender re-entry. Show all posts

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons

Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons
Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons
Credit KEVIN NIEDERMIER / WKSU
Finding jobs for  ex-offenders and felons is a very difficult task. I know, I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for many years. I wish there was one thing I can tell them that would make this job easier, but the fact is, it will take a plan and a lot of hard work. Unfortunately, too many felons consider themselves victims of society that are constantly discriminated against for things they have done in the past. When a felon is released, the sooner he or she finds gainful employment the lower the risk of re-offending.


As I tell my students, don't expect anyone to feel sorry for you. Don't look for any sort of favors. There are few to be found. There are ex-offenders and felons hired everyday. You have the right skills and attitude you could be a big asset to the right company. Jobs are not going to come to you. You will have to get out and compete for them. Anytime someone else wants the same thing you want, you have to compete for it. Unfortunately, the playing field is not level. You have a criminal record which will put you at a disadvantage when it comes to competing for jobs. This does not make things impossible, just a little more difficult. The only way to overcome this disadvantage is to work harder and smarter. My question is, do you have what it takes to get a job? Filling out a few applications a week and spending the rest of your time hanging out or playing video games won't get you a job. You must plan to put in 40 hours per week, finding job openings, writing letters, making phone calls, filling out applications and working on your interviewing skills. There are ex-offenders and felons hired everyday. If you have the right skills and attitude you could be a big asset to the right company. Let's look at some things you will need to increase you chances of getting a job.


A Resume

Everyone looking for a job should have a resume. A resume is an individual summary of your background, experience, training and skills that helps you to present your best qualities to an employer. If you have a resume, have a professional person look at it to judge it's quality. If you do not have a well written resume, I suggest you get some help putting one together.

Proper Interview Clothing

Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons
Do you have appropriate interview clothing? A well fitting suit with a nice shirt and tie would be Ideal. That may not be possible for someone just getting back into society but I suggest that men at least have dress slacks, a light colored shirt and a coordinated tie. You should also have a pair of shoes that you can shine. No boots, no sneakers…shoes! Many of my students buy their interview clothing at thrift stores. They find quality clothes at very low prices, clean and press them and they are ready to interview. No matter how you get them, the right clothes makes all the difference. You should also have a neat haircut be clean shaven. If you wear a beard, it should be neat and trimmed. How do you look? Do you look like an ex-offender or a businessman? Do you look like you are going to a business meeting? You should - an interview is a business meeting. You should always look like a professional who is there to conduct business! Always dress like you have an interview even to fill out applications. You also want to leave the employer with the impression that you have class. You will never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Interviewing Skills

Many companies hire ex-offenders and felonsWhile your resume may get you an interview, it’s your performance on the interview that will get you the job. Remember you are going to a business meeting so be personable and friendly but keep it businesslike. Do not reveal too much information. give full responses to the interviewer's questions but never volunteer information that is not asked for. If the question of your record comes up, briefly acknowledge it but do not spend too much time talking about it. Focus on what has happened since your conviction and what you have done to make yourself a better person. Develop a friendly smile and a good handshake. You have to make the interviewer forget that you are an ex-offender. Get a friend or family member to help you by playing the part of the interviewer. Practice will pay off.

Finding Job Leads

Many companies hire ex-offenders and felonsThe most effective method of finding job leads is by networking. Networking is simply talking to people you
already know and asking if the know of any job openings. Believe it or not, this how most people get their jobs. Employers save time and energy by hiring people that are referred to them.

Many companies hire ex-offenders and felonsAnother great source of good opportunities is to apply for temporary employment. A lot of employers need temporary help. Many temporary employees are hired permanently if they prove to be good workers.
Smaller independent agencies are a better choice than larger, nationally known ones. Independent agencies do not have the same hiring restrictions that may exclude ex-offenders are free to hire anyone they choose. They are more likely to hire a person with a criminal record. You may find some in your local telephone directory. Apply to them as you would any other employer.

Many companies hire ex-offenders and felonsI encourage everyone looking for jobs to go to their local One-stop Career Center. You will find a long list of services that can help you find work. You will also find lists of available jobs in your area. There are also
counselors who can provide one-on-one assistance. Often the counselors have experience helping people with criminal records and know of employers who may hire them. The counselors can also help you find opportunities for vocational training that could lead to a new career.

You can find you nearest One-stop Career Center here:


http://servicelocator.org

Many companies hire ex-offenders and felonsThere are also government programs that can help ex-offenders and felons get jobs. The first is the Federal Bonding Program. Some employers are fearful of hiring ex-offenders or felons since they feel their criminal histories make them more likely to steal, commit fraud or be dishonest in other ways. A bond is an insurance policy that protects an employer against money or property loss due to employee dishonesty. Most felons cannot be bonded by private insurance companies. The Federal Bonding Program is sponsored by the government through the Department of Labor. This program was created to help high-risk, but otherwise qualified, job seekers who have offers of employment. The Federal Bonding Program offers insurance policies that protect employers against any possible losses incurred due to actions by high-risk employees. The program is designed to help ex-offenders and felons who need a second chance. These bonds are free of charge to both the applicant and the employer and can be issued for any job at any employer in any state. Any full or part-time employee paid wages (with Federal taxes automatically withheld) can be bonded, including persons hired by temporary employment agencies.


You can find out more about the Federal Bonding Program here:

Federal Bonding Program, ETA/DOL
1725 De Sales Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
1 (800) 233-2258
http://www.bonds4jobs.com/state-coordinators.html

Always remind interviewers that you can be bonded. Finally, a great incentive for employers to hire ex-offenders and felons is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit or WOTC. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal income tax benefit administered by the U.S. Department of Labor for private employers who hire individuals from specified target populations. One of the target populations are ex-offenders who have completed their sentences within the past year. The WOTC reduces a business’s federal tax liability, serving as an incentive to hire otherwise difficult to employ people. Eligible employers can receive a federal tax credit up to $4,800 for each qualified employee.

You can get more information here:

 http://www.doleta.gov/business/incentives/opptax

There are many opportunities for ex-offenders and felons to get jobs if they are willing to put in the time and effort. Hard work, dedication and a definite plan of action will lead to jobs.


 Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons


 

Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs

  

 

Jobs for felons: Immediate Jobs for Felons

 

  Jobs for Felons: How Does a Criminal Record Affect the Job Search

 


  companies that hire felons


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Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons




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Friday, November 26, 2021

Will a juvenile record keep me out of a job?

Will a juvenile record keep me out of a job?


Will a juvenile record keep me out of a job?
Hello sir,

I have a question. I am currently in the process of applying to work for the New York City Board of Education but I am worried that I may not get the job because I have a juvenile conviction. I was arrested on grounds for felony for reckless endangerment but I took a plea bargain and opted out for a misdemeanor instead. I was arrested back 91/2 years ago.

I have to get my fingerprints taken and have a background check done on me so I am nervous that my conviction will pop up. And I have a sealed record but I am wondering will that also affect anything in my applying to work for the New York City board of Education.



I get a lot of questions like this from juvenile ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.

Let me understand. You are afraid that a 9 1/2 yr. old juvenile misdemeanor conviction will stop the New York City Board of Education from hiring you.


Will a juvenile record keep me out of a job?It is my understanding that juvenile records are sealed and can only be seen by the court system, law enforcement and government agencies. Even if it were public, I doubt anyone would hold a 9 1/2 yr. old juvenile misdemeanor charge against you.

Here in NJ where I am, job applicants are not even bound to include juvenile convictions. I'm not sure about NY state. To be absolutely sure, I would contact someone in your local legal aid office for clarification.

I hope this helps.


Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Employment Background Checks: Know Your Rights






Companies that hire felons


Will a juvenile record keep me out of a job?


Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Places That Hire Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Juvenile Record

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Thursday, November 18, 2021

Felon wants a Military Career

Felon wants a Military Career

Felon wants a Military Career

Can I Join the Army with a Felony?

Hello I hope you can help......

Well I was charged with failure to stop after having an accident involving personal injury and I'm a little misunderstanding of what it means for it being a class four felony. I want to get into the military cuz lets face it at this point in time the chances of me getting a decent job to support me and family is really really low with this charge on me.

 I don't see any other options cuz from what I have been gathering with web browsing you can't get certain certificates and degrees to work and money is not real good at the moment to just lolly gag so my questions are as follows

1. Can I get it expunged?

2. Is it a felony misdemeanor

3. How would I go about tryin to get in the military with this?

4. What states would this not count as a felony....... and I'm sorry if its a lot or jus very scrambled. I want the best for my child and wife so I'm a little everywhere with this but I'm looking forward to this response thank you.


Ernesto


  Felon wants a Military Career



Hello Ernesto,

Questions 1, 2 and 4 are best answered by an attorney. Often ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs need legal assistance. I suggest contacting your local legal aid office. There you will probably be able to get low-cost or low-cost legal advice. They may be also be able to answer questions about ex-offenders and felons getting professional certifications. 

Felon wants a Military Career
Just a note on expungement, it is not an option in every state.  Even in states which allow them, often they are limited.  For example, in New Jersey, where I am, one is allowed only one felony expungement.  It cannot even be applied for until ten years after the termination of the sentence.  Expungement is not a cure all.  Even if one is granted, the conviction will always be visible to the court system, government agencies and law enforcement.

Felon wants a Military Career
Don't give up on a military career. The military often accepts ex-offenders and felons and there are many career options. Your best option is the Army. The Army seems to be the most liberal as it relates to accepting ex-offenders and felons. Contact you local Army recruiter to inquire about your eligibility.

I hope this helps.



Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Employment Background Checks: Know Your Rights


Jobs for ex-offenders and Felons: Expungement of Criminal Records

 
Companies that hire Felons





Felon wants a Military Career



Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Places That Hire Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Felons Can Join Military

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Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Felon wants job as Cosmetologist

Felon wants job as Cosmetologist


Felon wants job as Cosmetologist
Cosmetology Jobs for Felons
I am an LPN and have first offender charges of prescription fraud (doctor shopping) on my record. Due to injuries sustained in an auto accident and medications needed and prescribed by my neurologist, I can no longer practice as a nurse. I have undergone extensive counseling and am still paying fines. I wanted to contest the charges due to my medical records supporting my prescriptions. I instead was advised to take these charges to avoid another more severe charge.

My question is, can my charges on my record affect my application and testing to be a licensed cosmetologist? I want to be a productive citizen of society and support my son and myself. I want to try something else and I think I can and will enjoy this field but want to know these things before I invest the money in training.


Felon wants job as Cosmetologist



Felon wants job as CosmetologistUnfortunately you are forced to change careers.  Barbering/Cosmetology is a great field to get into not only for employment but there are are opportunities for self-employment down the line.  I know of felons who have good careers in that field.  I would suggest that you contact the Cosmetology Licensing Board in your state. They will be able to tell you if you are eligible.  If you are unemployed, you may even be eligible for for free training through your state's department of labor



Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can Ex-offenders Find Jobs

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record



Jobs for Felons



Felon wants job as Cosmetologist


 Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Places That Hire Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Cosmetology Jobs for Felons

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Felon with professional experience needs a job

Felon with professional experience needs a job

Felon with professional experience needs a job
Hello,

Thanks for creating your blog on information for ex-offenders. I am a first time offender who was convicted in 2007 and is having a hard time with gainful employment. I have approximately 17 years of human resources experience in the federal government service and 2.5 years of retail service. My felony is one of moral turpitude (forgery/utter forged check/obtaining money by false pretenses) which makes it difficult because of the trust factor. I would like to know if you have any recommendations for me to seeking gainful employment. I am currently on indefinite supervised probation for the payment of my restitution. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

  Felon with professional experience needs a job



Hello,

Felon with professional experience needs a jobOften convictions involving integrity or any type of theft conviction are often some of the toughest to overcome. I would suggest you contact the United Way in your office. The United Way supports a number of social services some of which offer assistance to ex-offenders and felons in need of jobs and other forms ex-offender / felon advocacy groups that know of companies that hire people with criminal backgrounds.
of aid. There may be positions for qualified professionals available in one of their member organizations. They may also be able to put you in contact with


Felon with professional experience needs a jobIn the meantime, since you have clerical experience, I suggest you try temporary employment.  In many cases, temporary jobs turn into permanent jobs.  For ex-offenders and felons looking to get temp jobs, I suggest applying to small independent agencies rather the nationally known ones.  Smaller agencies can hire whomever they feel will be good.  The larger companies are more likely to have restrictions regarding the hiring of people with criminal records.  Take a look at the link below:


Temporary Agencies are a good Choice for Ex-offenders and Felons


I hope this helps.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can Ex-offenders Find Jobs

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record



companies that hire felons


Felon with professional experience needs a job


Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Places That Hire Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record

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Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Can a felon get a moral waiver to join the military?

Can a felon get a moral waiver to join the military?


Can a felon get a moral waiver to join the military?

Military Criminal History (Moral) Waivers   

Hi, My name is Jamie. I recently read your blog on ''felons-turn-to-military-to-find-jobs''. I have been extremely interested in joining the Army ever since I was a kid. My father spent 22 years in the Army, fought in the Gulf War, traveled the world and retired a Sergeant Major in the end. I have never looked up to anyone more than him. Joining the Army has been my one and only interest, even to this day.

 In 2011 (14 years old) I was charged with 1st degree assault with sexual motivation and it was dropped to 3rd degree. A felony none-the-less. My hopes at joining the Army were dashed and ever more so when I even tried applying in person. It's been over seven years now and I haven't had any trouble with the law and never plan to. I was young and stupid and regret what I did every day. I'm 21 now and am still trying to look ahead and see what I should do with my life, I literally never had any interest in my future except to join the Army and now I'm struggling.

I recently just heard about the Moral Waivers that were introduced in 2009 and was hoping you could shed some light on the matter. I would appreciate anything you have to offer. I want to serve my country and I want to follow in the footsteps of my father. Thank you.

Jamie


 Can a felon get a moral waiver to join the military?



Hello Jaime,

Can a felon get a moral waiver to join the military?There are military personnel serving today with sexual assault convictions. In fact I have students who have joined the military. It is a growing trend that ex-offenders and felons having difficulty finding jobs are turning to serving in the military. It is my understanding that you are more likely to get a moral waiver from the Army or Navy than the other branches.

I suggest talking to a recruiter. A recruiter will tell you what type of waiver you will need and exactly how to apply.  Bear in mind that no one has the right to serve in the military and the granting of waivers is totally up to discretion of the Army.

I hope this helps.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can Ex-offenders Find Jobs

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record




companies that hire ex-offenders and felons



Can a felon get a moral waiver to join the military?

 Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Places That Hire Felons | Moral Waivers for Felons | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Military Moral Waivers

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Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Felon feels background checks are unfair

Felon feels background checks are unfair


Felon feels background checks are unfair

What happens when a potential employer does a background check on you 

Hi Eric,


Thanks for allowing this email, and starting your blog. Although I do not know your credentials, or where you get your knowledge, just knowing there is an open discourse is helpful to those of us who feel desperate.

I am an ex offender who was convicted in 1977, and 1978 for 2 separate offenses. 

1977 robbery- this was a teenage indiscretion of joyriding in a stolen car with someone who lifted a set of keys from a key hook on the wall in a home where we attended a party and then, staying silent after we were caught. The robbery charge is because the keys were stolen from inside the home, making it a point of law 1978 for possession of a controlled substance. The reason I give that summary is to articulate the injustice of this practice of culling ex-offenders from the workforce. 

Particularly someone who has not been in trouble for over 33 years. Especially when, for decades, I have been employed successfully. In fact, I have a B.A. and an Associates in Applied Science degree- both with honors. I am currently unemployed, and unable to get past the background requirements for employment, and have been eliminated from numerous jobs that I would otherwise have gotten.

 My questions are these:

1.) How is it not a violation of our constitutional rights for a potential employer to data mine our info. without standing? And, have us self incriminate as a pre-employment requirement? Isn't the Constitutional protections for minority rights?

2.) What are the statistics of ex- offenders currently in USA? In other words how many millions of people are affected by this practice? Has this been challenged in the courts?
My belief is that our Constitution is piece of paper that becomes animated by the people who stand up for their own rights. After all, it is the minority that needs the protections, not majority opinion. That is the purpose of the document. Furthermore, without class action, the ACLU will not challenge this practice. How could we mount a class action challenge to this practice? I could go on ad infinitum, but I will just close with a sincere thank you for the work you are doing to help others get through this.


Best Regards,

Pablo

Felon feels background checks are unfair



Felon feels background checks are unfair

“Ban the Box” and Background Checks


Hello Pablo,

It is the responsibility of every employer to hire the best person they can find for any job. Having a criminal record does not necessarily eliminate you from consideration from any job. An employer is trying to get some idea of the type of people that are applying.

Too often with ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs assume that they were maligned because because they have criminal convictions. In many cases the may be correct but that is difficult or nearly impossible to prove. I am of African descent. I have often thought that was the reason that I didn't get many jobs that I know I was more than qualified for. Rather that wallow in anger and self-pity, my other choice was to keep applying for each and every job I felt I fit.

When speaking of the laws and the constitution, being a child of the sixties, I can tell you that laws do not change attitudes. Laws may say that I am equal but until individual prejudices go away, I will always have a difficult time.

My advice is to not give in to your frustrations but let them motivate you.

I hope this helps.



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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Background Checks  


Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can Ex-offenders Find Jobs

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record




companies that hire felons





Felon feels background checks are unfair



 Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Places That Hire Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Employee Background Checks| Background Checks

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Monday, December 21, 2020

Ex-offenders and felons can consider tech careers

Ex-offenders and felons can consider tech careers


We appreciate what you do for us, thanks a lot. I'm a violent ex-offender in vocational school in Florida for HVAC. I have an armed bank robbery charge, 1st time offender. I also am bilingual in Spanish. I want to eventually start my own business but my charge makes it difficult for me to do residential air conditioning. I'm aware I could do commercial but it seems to be a lot of obstacles for me to even get into the field with my charge and even more issues getting a contractors license later due to money and my charge. Therefore, I've been considering auto mechanic technician course, where it appears there will be less of a hassle to get work and start my own business in that.

So my question is, is it possible to get a really good opportunity as a auto mechanic tech with decent money and to start my own business in that despite my background or will I have better chances sticking to HVAC. Brother, I'm at the crossroads on this. I don't have a problem educating myself for a better life. It's just, being correct in the education for the situation that is. I could seriously take some sound advice and suggestions from you. I really appreciate this outlet you have provided for me and others.

Thanks man!



 Ex-offenders and felons can consider tech careers



A: Hello,

First of all, are you certain you cannot get a contractor's license? I meet too many ex-offenders and felons that assume that they are not eligible for certain types of employment because of their backgrounds.   To be sure you can, contact the licensing board to inquire if your conviction prohibits you from being licensed. You can contact them here:

Division of Professions
Construction Industry Licensing Board
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783


http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/index.html


With the large Hispanic population in Florida, there is opportunity for you to build a good HVAC business. Even if you choose an automotive career, you can either get a job working for larger automotive maintenance shops (Sears, Pep Boys, Strauss,) dealerships, independent garages or you could even start small and build a list of customers.

If you choose a job, be sure to let the employer know that you can be bonded.  Ex-offenders and felons can be bonded by the Federal Bonding Program.  Take a look at the videos below for more information.

Technical careers are a great alternative to jobs for felons and ex-offenders.

I hope this helps.






Jobs for Felons:  What is the Federal Bonding Program?


Jobs for Felons: How to Get a Federal Bond


companies that hire felons

Ex-offenders and felons can consider tech careers

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Ex-offenders and felons can consider tech careers


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Monday, December 14, 2020

Jobs for Felons: Why Ex-Prisoners Struggle to Successfully Reintegrate into Society

Felon Housing


By Dr. Michael Pittaro, Faculty Member, Criminal Justice at American Military University

Every week, more than 10,000 prisoners are released from America’s state and federal prisons, equating to more than 650,000 ex-prisoners annually reintegrating into society, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. However, recidivism rates are extremely high with approximately two-thirds of ex-prisoners being rearrested within three years of release, according to the Recidivism Center. It’s estimated that nine million offenders return to prison annually.


It’s clear that there’s not enough support to help ex-prisoners stay out of the correctional system. This is just one element sustaining the disproportionate incarceration of African American males. The likelihood of an African American male being sentenced to prison in his lifetime is one in three, whereas for a Caucasian male it is one in 17, according to The Huffington Post. Similarly, African American females are being sentenced to prison at a far greater rate than Caucasian females.

The criminal justice system needs more resources to improve reintegration efforts and help ex-offenders find adequate jobs and housing so they’re less likely to re-offend. Helping ex-prisoners successfully reintegrate into society will not only reduce costly recidivism rates, but, in many cases, will help break the intergenerational cycle of criminality.

Improving Housing Options for Ex-Prisoners

Most ex-prisoners will return to the same communities they lived and socialized in before their arrest. In many cases, these are neighborhoods that have high rates of poverty and crime, leaving many residents feeling disenfranchised from society with little access to social support programs.

In a prior publication, “Prisoner Reintegration Challenges of Assimilation and Crime Desistance,” I concluded that most ex-prisoners returning to these communities will face uncertainty over their future and animosity from a predominantly unforgiving society, as well as a multitude of personal, social, and legal barriers that prevent them from leading law-abiding lives.

Finding safe and affordable housing is difficult for ex-prisoners who often face limitations on where they can live. Many times, low-income public housing is their only choice. These housing developments are often overrun with drugs, gang violence, and other criminogenic factors. Private housing is often not an option because ex-prisoners are exclusively barred from the private housing market due to the stigma of being an ex-felon.

In some cases, even the public housing market has banned ex-prisoners from renting or leasing an apartment, which can happen if the criminal conviction was drug-related, a sexual offense, or a crime of violence as outlined in the exclusionary policies of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. If ex-prisoners are forced to return to the same destructive environment that contributed to their initial incarceration, they will often submit to the same temptations and reoffend.

Barriers to Employment for Ex-Prisoners

Along with obtaining suitable housing, finding and maintaining employment can greatly improve an ex-prisoner’s odds of leading a crime-free, productive life. However, ex-prisoners face the society-wide stigma of being an ex-convict, which severely limits the number of sustainable job opportunities available to them.

Many employers conduct criminal history checks on prospective employees and reject anyone with a criminal history. In a somewhat dated, yet significant Urban Institute study from 2003, more than 90 percent of employers surveyed were willing to consider filling job vacancies with welfare recipients, while only about 40 percent were willing to consider hiring an ex-prisoner.

Companies in the retail and service sector that require contact with customers are among the most unlikely to consider hiring a convict. Employer reluctance is greatest when the offense in question was a violent one and least when it was a nonviolent drug offense.

Many ex-prisoners are limited to working inconsistent, low-wage jobs – such as in construction or manufacturing – that make it incredibly difficult to support themselves and their families. In addition, ex-prisoners are often mandated to pay further penalties including parole supervision fees, court costs, restitution, child support, drug-testing fees, counseling fees, and more.

To complicate matters further, finding employment opportunities can be especially challenging because many offenders have limited work histories. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than one third of all prisoners were unemployed at the time of arrest.

Educational Obstacles to Finding Employment

The National Reentry Resource Center concluded that only about half of incarcerated adults have a high school degree or its equivalent, compared with 85 percent of the adult population. In Prisoner Reintegration Challenges of Assimilation and Crime Desistance, I noted that most ex-prisoners do not have viable, marketable job skills, or sufficient literacy to obtain gainful employment.

To compound matters, many prisoners have a learning disability. According to Joan Petersilia, 11 percent of prisoners have a documented learning disability compared with only 3 percent of the general adult population.

While there are some educational opportunities available to inmates while they are imprisoned, only one third of all prisoners choose to participate. Educational programming, including specific classes that focus on GED preparation, adult basic education, and learning English as a second language, would collectively improve odds of employment.

There’s no doubt that more must be done to help break down the barriers that hinder ex-prisoners from leading law-abiding and productive lives. Helping them find adequate housing and providing educational opportunities that leads to gainful employment are all critical to successful reintegration and reductions in recidivism. However, ultimate change must come from the offender. The ex-prisoner can break the cycle of criminality only by changing his or her unlawful ways. Ex-prisoners must abstain from crime, substance abuse, and other problematic areas which put themselves at risk. They must also seek out opportunities to improve their situation and put in the work and effort to lead productive and lawful lives.

About the Author: Dr. Michael Pittaro is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice with American Military University and an Adjunct Professor at East Stroudsburg University. Dr. Pittaro is a criminal justice veteran, highly experienced in working with criminal offenders in a variety of institutional and non-institutional settings. Before pursuing a career in higher education, Dr. Pittaro worked in corrections administration; has served as the Executive Director of an outpatient drug and alcohol facility and as Executive Director of a drug and alcohol prevention agency. Dr. Pittaro has been teaching at the university level (online and on-campus) for the past 15 years while also serving internationally as an author, editor, presenter, and subject matter expert. Dr. Pittaro holds a BS in Criminal Justice; an MPA in Public Administration; and a PhD in criminal justice. To contact the author, please email IPSauthor@apus.edu. For more articles featuring insight from industry experts, subscribe to In Public Safety’s bi-monthly newsletter.




Companies that hire felons


Jobs for Felons: Five Places Felons Can Find Jobs - Get a Job Quickly!






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Jobs for Felons: Why Ex-Prisoners Struggle to Successfully Reintegrate into Society




Eric Mayo

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Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Trying to get a job with a misdemeanor

Trying to get a job with a misdemeanor
I have a misdemeanor on my record which is forgery and its hard finding a job. Do you have any tips on how to get a job with that on my record?

Jam,




Trying to get a job with a misdemeanor




Hello Jam,

Your particular charge is what is classified as an "integrity" crime. In the eyes of some, you cannot be trusted.  This means you will have a very difficult time getting a job anywhere money or valuables are at risk. You will definitely need to change your line of work.

My suggestion to you is to contact your local One-stop career center. They have a lot of services that can help unemployed people in different situations get jobs. Many of the counselors at these centers have experience assisting people with criminal backgrounds. You may also find success applying to smaller companies that tend to do less exhaustive background checks than larger companies. Ex-offenders and felons often have more success finding jobs when they know where to look.

Click the blinking gold link below.  It will take you to a huge list of companies that offer opportunities to people with criminal records.

You can find your local One-stop career center here:

www.servicelocator.org

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs?


Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record




 I hope this helps.


companies that hire felons



Trying to get a job with a misdemeanor




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