Felon with experience needs a Job

Felon with experience needs a Job

Are employers finally giving felons a second chance?

I'm a felon, convicted of mortgage fraud in 2005. My charge stems from a 1998 business deal and resulted in 5 years probation. I've accepted my situation and remained gainfully employed through my small business until 2009. Now, small business owners are subject to background checks before being awarded government contract. All small business certifications require background checks on the owner before the certification is granted.

Needless to say, my contracting career is over even though I have 13 years of outstanding references from government agencies. Every contact I have will say their hands are tied when it comes to hiring a company whose owner has a felony conviction. I had to shut down my business (53 employees) and look for work. I hold a master of science in technology management and a master of business administration and I have over 20 years of IT experience.

I have been looking for a job since February 2009. After posting my resume online, I get 4 to 5 responses a week. I disclose my situation during the telephone interview and it goes not further. Most companies will say it's their policy not to hire anyone with a felony conviction. Unfortunately, in the Washington DC area, every job now requires a background check - even McDonalds.

 

After much research, I found the Second Chance Act of 2007. The Second Chance Act is designed to improve outcomes for felons returning to communities from prisons and jails via employment assistance, housing, mentoring, etc. Well, the Second Chance Act does not apply to felons that received probation. As a felon that has paid my debt, improved myself through education, and function as a law abiding citizen, I am not given a second chance. I currently receive unemployment compensation, which is 1/3 of what I need to cover mortgage, electricity, water, phone and food. I am absolutely one step from homeless and hungry (with 2 masters degrees). Any suggestions? 

Regards,

Homeless in D.C.

Felon with experience needs a Job

 
Hello Homeless,

Ex-offenders and felons with skills and experience are in far better shape than those without. You simply have to be more creative about how to employ your skills.

Firstly, I suggest contacting smaller independent IT contractors. You could subcontract through them and not be subject to the same scrutiny as primary contractors. Get the telephone book and get to work. There has to be at least a few that could have a job for you.

Companies are given a $2400 tax credit for hiring felons and there is a Federal Bonding Program for at-risk (felon) employees.  See the link below for information about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit

WOTC

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: The Federal Bonding Program

 
Secondly, I suggest considering starting a small business setting up home computers and networks. In this day and age, people buy computers (often more than one,) but don't how to set them up or connect them to each other. you could start with just a few flyers. Just a 
suggestion.




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This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

 

Felon with experience needs a Job

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Felon may need legal help to get a job

Felon may need legal help to get a job

I am currently seeking my Bachelors and soon to be my Masters in the Field of Psychology. I was hoping to become a Clinical Psychologist however I was wondering if there are any laws that prohibit a felon that was convicted of a Violent crime (Vehicular Homicide Disregard to the safety of others) from working in this field. If I can not do Clinical Psychology is there a possibility in the Research side of Psychology. I am currently living out of the country but hope to be moving back with my husband as I begin my masters in 2011. I know that Medical field is generally out for violent criminals but it has been 7 years since I was convicted and 5 years since I finished all my Probation and jail time. Do I have any hope of finding a position in Clinical Psychology in the United States or should I focus on Research Psychology...?

Felon may need legal help to get a job

Hello,

Obtaining a job in your field depends on whether you can be licensed or certified. I suggest you contact the licensing board in your state to see if your conviction will be an obstacle.

Often ex-offenders and felons need a little legal assistance in their search for jobs. I have had students with Vehicular Homicide convictions downgraded to Aggravated Assault which is a lot easier to work with. Contact an attorney to see if this is an option in your state.

I hope this helps.

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

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: The Truth About Background Checks

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

 

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  Felon may need legal help to get a job

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Felon wants job as firefighter

Felon wants job as firefighter

Man fulfills dream of becoming

FDNY probie after 18-year bid

Hello,

I came across your website and I need some guidance for my boyfriend. He has a felony he got when he was 17 for a drug charge. He completed his time and now hes 25 years and has been doing great. He's a car salesman but he works a lot and we have a little boy with whom he wants to spend more time with. He would love to be a firefighter. Or something of the sort... I know his felony stops him from doing a lot but he really has changed. We live in Texas? Do have any suggestions or know anyone we can speak to? We just need to figure out where to start.

Diana,

Felon wants job as firefighter

Hello Diana,

Your boyfriend has a job so he is ahead of the game.  The best time to find a job is when you already have one.

I do know of ex-offenders and felons who have gotten jobs as firefighters. The decision to hire individuals rest upon the respective municipalities. I suggest your boyfriend inquire with the jurisdiction he wishes to serve in as to his eligibility.

he should speak to the firefighters themselves to find out how they got to where they are.  As I also suggest to ex-offenders and felons who want to work for the public is to contact elected officials and ask for information. He should express his desire to be employed and once again become a productive member of society. Elected officials have staff members that answer letters and respond to inquiries from citizens. Officials that could offer assistance are: Mayors, Council Members, Commissioners, Aldermen, Board Members, Assemblymen, and Judges. He should not ask for a job. He should only ask for suggestions about how someone like him could be a firefighter.

I hope this helps.


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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

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

 

Felon wants job as firefighter

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Do felons list “Deferred Probation” on Job Applications?

Do felons list “Deferred Probation” on Job Applications?

I have a previous misdemeanor assault on a family member on my record. I currently on probation deferred for assault on a family member that is classifies as a felony. Do I list the felony on an application, even though I am on deferred probation? I read somewhere that the felony charge will not show up on a background check. How accurate is that? I reside in Houston, Texas. I do have an advantage, I served honorable in the military for six years. I am now in the Inactive Ready Reserve. My obligation will end in two years. I need advice on what to put on an application. How do I explain myself while in an interview?

Thank you,

Ramiro

 Do felons list “Deferred Probation” on Job Applications?

Hello Ramiro,

Your question not easily answered and I can see how that can affect a felon job search. Deferred adjudication, withheld adjudication, deferred probation all fall into the same basic category.  In most cases, adjudication is withheld pending some other action, usually successful completion of the terms. These terms are typically a fine and probation.  If you successfully complete the terms, in most cases the charges are dismissed. When you complete the terms you will be given a document declaring the charges dismissed.

My suggestion to you is to contact the prosecutor or court officer that is assigned to to your case and inquire if the charge was indeed dismissed.  If it was dismissed, you can answer "no" to the conviction question. This is not intended as legal advice, just information.  For more detailed information as it relates to deferment in your state, you should get help from a qualified legal professional.  I suggest your local legal aid office.  You should be able to get low-cost, probably no-cost assistance.

I hope this helps.

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

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

 

 

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

Do felons list “Deferred Probation” on Job Applications?

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