Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Jobs for Felons: They Want Something Better
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| COURTESY PHOTO | Charles participated in the STEP Forward program, which runs through the McHenry County Workforce Network and is designed to fill local employers’ needs while giving ex-offenders an opportunity for employment. “I’m so grateful for them,” Charles said. |
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Charles, a 41-year-old McHenry County resident, grew up “in a diverse community where there were gangs and drugs.”
By the age of 13, he was caught up in both. At 17, he went to prison for the first time at the Joliet Correctional Facility. He spent 13 years of his life incarcerated.
“There were many instances when I should have been dead,” Charles said. “At one point, I was, almost.”
Upon his last release, he realized how tired he was of the life he had been living.
“I wanted to do better for myself,” he said.
Up against long odds
Minimum wage jobs filled the gaps between prison stretches, but they didn’t add up to a career path. While considering getting a commercial driver’s license, Charles heard about the STEP Forward program – Stateline Transforming Employment Potential.
Launched in 2018, the program grew as a response to the needs of McHenry County employers.
As a business services representative at the McHenry County Workforce Network, which assists job seekers in finding positions, Thomas Faber tries “to find out what local employers need.”
That need, especially as the economy improved after 2010, Faber said, was for “more and more skilled workers.”
In pondering that problem, Faber came to a somewhat surprising solution.
“I don’t think that we’ve considered people who have criminal backgrounds,” he thought.
The FBI’s centralized database lists 70 million people in the United States who have criminal records. That’s nearly 28 million more than have bachelor’s degrees and represents 21 percent of the population.
“We need to be open to the possibility that ex-offenders can be good workers,” Faber said.
Workshops start process
A board member of the Stateline Society of Human Resource Management, Faber took his idea to other board members, hoping it could address employers’ needs and help ex-offenders.
The board reacted enthusiastically and set up a STEP Forward Steering Committee. Faber and the committee created a five-week series of workshops to be run through the Workforce Network to help ex-offenders plan a return to work, identify a career path, write a résumé, and handle themselves in job interviews, with tips on how to keep a job and advance at a company.
McHenry County College supported the program with pre-apprentice training and then created boot camps – short-term training in various fields, including manufacturing.
Faber recruited volunteer presenters from MCC, local employers, human resource departments, and state and government agencies.
“The first workshop had two participants and six volunteers,” Faber said. “We outnumbered them.”
But the word got out, and soon more participants were signing up for the five-session workshops.
Combining work, training
Faber sits down with each ex-offender who comes to the Workforce Network, including some convicted of armed robbery and murder, but he is comfortable meeting face-to-face.
“A majority of them have gone through a transformation,” Faber said. “They want something better.”
He is less interested in the crimes his interviewees have committed and more “in how transparent they are.”
“If they’re honest, that’s someone I can work with and who an employer can work with,” Faber explained.
After Charles completed his workshop sessions, he identified an interest in CNC – computer numerical control of machine tools. After starting classes on lathe and mill operation through the Technology and Manufacturing Association, Charles heard from Faber about an opportunity to work at Variable Operations Technologies (Vo-Tech, Inc.) in Crystal Lake for 20 hours a week, getting on-the-job training while continuing his education.
Afraid that people would look down on him for his many tattoos and his “vernacular,” Charles dedicated himself to being on time, paying attention to detail, and being a hardworking employee. He “always had a strong work ethic,” he said, even when he was involved in the drug trade.
“This time, putting my best foot forward led me in the right direction,” he said.
When Charles finished his classes, he was hired full time as a CNC technician at Vo-Tech.
The job came with a steady income, insurance, vacation time, and a gym where employees may work out. During the pandemic, Vo-Tech’s production of computer-automated machining systems for the nuclear, healthcare, agriculture, and food industries meant that he was considered an essential employee.
“That was a great feeling,” he said. “I take pride in going to work every day.”
Creating believers
Adam Furman, Vo-Tech’s operations manager, said that four of his company’s 24 employees have come from the STEP Forward program.
His sister and fellow Vo-Tech employee, Jennifer Chrachol, first heard of the program. She learned that companies that hire and train someone from STEP Forward are eligible for cost reimbursement and subsidies for the person’s salary.
While acknowledging the financial pluses of the program, Furman said he would advise other companies not to sign on “just to benefit from the program.”
“Hiring people is always a risk,” Furman said, and he praised Faber for the job he does to screen people before recommending them to a local employer.
“These people are hungry to learn, to get a job, and to start a new direction in their lives,” Furman said. “It’s hard to find that sort of person, even without a criminal background.”
Furman makes it a point to go out on the floor and talk with his employees each day before heading to his office.
“You have to get to know the people and build a relationship with them to create trust,” Furman said. “We’re trying to be that company that gives people a second chance.”
Plaudits and plans
Faber said he resisted the urge to judge the STEP Forward’s success by “looking at the numbers.”
“I value the good fit and the retention,” he said.
He also does not measure how long it takes the workshops’ participants to get a job.
“All are individuals, and some are more ready than others,” he said.
This year, STEP Forward received the Pinnacle Award from the national HR society in Washington, D.C., in recognition of the initiative’s positive impact on the local HR and business communities.
Since receiving the award, Faber has heard from HR society chapters in Rockford and Springfield that want to replicate the model.
STEP Forward recently wrapped up its fall workshops – held via Zoom – with three participants who have career dreams as diverse as robotic systems engineer, a paralegal, and nursing.
The emphasis is to “think bigger,” Faber said.
“Ex-offenders will have better success if they resist taking just anything and look for the job that’s the right fit,” he said.
Faber plans a second employer workshop for next summer to encourage local businesses to hire STEP Forward participants, familiarizing business owners with the tax credits, grants, and other funding available and having attorneys on hand to talk about legal issues.
This year, Charles received an individual achievement award from the Illinois Workforce Partnership for overcoming barriers and getting back to work. He will soon start a TMA apprenticeship to be a certified CNC machinist and has been inspired to create TikTok videos, such as “Top Jobs for Ex-Felons in 2021,” in an effort to reduce recidivism.
“I want to be a man of value,” Charles said, “a man who has knowledge in his industry and can make his company better.”
Jobs for Felons: The Facts about Companies that Hire Ex offenders and Felons
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Monday, January 23, 2023
Felon hoping a pardon will help get jobs
Felon hoping a pardon will help get jobs
When I have applied for Government and State jobs even Hospitals and Security jobs. For example I applied to a Security Company in Virginia and I was told by the officer that interview me that if it was up to him it would not matter that I had a felon cause it was 16years ago. But the company that they were contracting for didn't want any of there candidates to have a record period. Yet I have not heard anything back from that company for any work at all. Or when I have applied for a Government contract company CGI they set a formal letter to me stating that due to my background I was not selected. Even when I
applied for UPS when I was asked that question face to face; I was told by the interview that if it was up to her she would overlook my background but it would be in my best interest to not so willfully give out that information when she herself was only the middle man and someone over her would be the one to make the decision of yes or no. It makes me feel like my application is just thrown in the trash. I downloaded your book and the steps were very helpful. When it came to finding work, which I did but trying to find something better than minimum wage is like a needle in a hay stack.
Currently I will be re-enrolling back in to school online for my Associates Degree in Health Information Technician (Medical Billing and Encoding). With a degree I think that I would have a better chance as far as the skill the employer could be looking for. The one thing that hangs over my head is the background check. I think this Pardon will at least allow me a better chance of being employed with the Government and State level. With documentation of the Pardon they would at least have to give me a fighting chance. Which is something that I'm not finding even here in the Washington, DC Maryland area.
I would greatly appreciate any advice that you might have or some suggestions that you could provide to me in the pursuit of my pardon.
This is something new to me and I would like to make sure that I'm taking the right steps in this matter.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Ms. Tracie
Felon hoping a pardon will help get jobs
Hello Ms. Tracie,
Even though you are pursuing a pardon, don't abandon your job search. You should stay on your plan. Bear in mind, no matter how old your conviction is, it will always be visible to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies. This may the reason you are having trouble obtaining a government opportunity or getting a job with a company with a government contract.
I first suggest contacting your local United Way office. The United Way supports may social service agencies, some of which assist ex-offenders and felons. As I stated in my book (From Jail to a Job,) one of the most underutilized resources in many of our communities is the local One-stop Career Center. The center has resources that can help ex-offenders and felons get jobs. You can get help preparing a resume, find a list of open positions in your area and even assistance finding and paying for career training. You can even get information on getting a federal bond that could help you get hired. There are also counselors that provide one-on-one assistance. Many counselors have experience working with ex-offenders and felons.
You can find your nearest One-stop Career here:
www.servicelocator.org
The best information that I give all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to apply for every job they are qualified for.
I hope this helps.
Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs
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Felon hoping a pardon will help get jobs
Friday, January 20, 2023
Felon wants to join the military or get a job
Felon wants to join the military or get a job
-Eric L.
Felon wants to join the military or get a job
A: Hello Eric,
I'm sorry you are having so much trouble. As I tell all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to develop a plan. Your first stop should be your local One-stop Career Center. One-stop Career Centers are very underutilized resources that ex-offenders and felons can use not only to gain employment, but to get vocational guidance and preparation. Also, these centers offer a long list of useful services. Some services available are:
Career planning and counseling
Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)
Computers with internet access and word processing
Job-related magazines and local newspapers
Job postings and referrals
Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job searching
Every center is staffed with trained counselors that provide one-on-one help for job seekers. Many of them have experience helping ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.
As stated in a previous post, you can find your nearest center here:
www.servicelocator.org
Jobs for Felons: Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs
I hope this helps.
Felon wants to join the military or get 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 formerly-incarcerated people | jobs for ex-offenders | jobs that hire felons | places that hire felons | felon friendly jobs | felon friendly employers | how to get a job with criminal record | second chance jobs for felons | temp agencies that hire felons | high paying jobs for felons | List of companies that Hire Felons
First Time Offender is Looking for a Job
First Time Offender is Looking for a Job
My name is Ida. I have been struggling for over a year now unable to find work in a small south GA town. The options are limited here and I am on the verge of becoming homeless and losing my children. I have never gone to jail but have plead out to a Felony under the first offenders act of GA for aggravated assault. (my overworked public defenders suggestion) However, I am stuck with it forever. I am still not completed with the time or fee requirements and cannot get a job anywhere. I cannot go back into what I was doing because even under a first offenders act they will not renew or reissue me an insurance agents license in GA. We have a local Wal-Mart, and a few other companies on your list however I am finding it difficult to even get to an interview. Do you have any suggestions for me.
Thank you for your time.
First Time Offender is Looking for a Job
Hello Ida,
Sorry you're having so much trouble. It can be challenging trying to find work in a small community. You may have to include some unconventional methods in your job search. First check with your probation officer. Probation officers may have information about employers who have hired their clients in the past. Secondly, if you belong long to a church, speak to the minister or pastor. Clergy persons are closely tied to the community and may have information about open positions for jobs. If nothing else, they are great references for anyone looking for work. Thirdly, contact your local city councilperson. Elected officials are connected in many ways to people who make things happen in communities. Ask if he or she knows of anyone looking for help.
Lastly, temporary employment agencies are a great way for ex-offenders and felons to get back into the job market. Make a list of temporary agencies in your area from the telephone book. Visit them and apply just
as you would any other job. Have your resume with you to leave along with your application.
I 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
Eric Mayo
Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to getting a Job with a Criminal record
First Time Offender is Looking for a Job
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Can Employers Refuse To Hire You Because Of Your Record?
by Michael Patrick Murphy, Jr.
Posted on January 07, 2021 in Discrimination, Labor and Employment
The Criminal History Record Information Act Protects Your Rights
Under ideal circumstances, once you’ve been convicted for a crime and served your sentence, your punishment should be over. You should be able to go on to build a new life and contribute to society in a positive way.
However, for many people with a criminal record, it can be exceedingly difficult to find a job—long after they’ve paid the price for their crime.
In Pennsylvania, the Criminal History Record Information Act is designed to protect people with a criminal record from workplace and hiring discrimination. Here’s how it works.
It Limits How Employers May Base Their Decisions on Your Record
Under the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act, an employer generally can’t use your criminal record as a factor in deciding whether or not to hire you.
There are exceptions. The employer can consider your criminal record as a factor in hiring if your crime directly relates to the job you applied for. For instance, if your crime involved money laundering, a bank can legally decide not to hire you for that reason.
There are certain jobs and careers where your criminal history may legally bar you from employment. For instance, people with certain felony convictions can be barred from working with children, the elderly, or adults with special needs.
Licensure requirements may specifically prevent individuals with certain crimes on their record from working in the field as well.
However, if the employer did use your criminal history as a reason not to hire you, they have to notify you of that in writing and explain their decision. This gives you a chance to bring litigation if you feel it’s necessary.
It Introduces Consequences for Discrimination
If you believe the employer violated the law in choosing not to hire you based on your record, you have the right to sue for damages.
Possible damages include a certain amount for each violation of the law, as well as punitive damages if the action is found to be purposeful. The employer may also be on the hook for your attorney’s fees and litigation costs.
What To Do if You Feel You Were Unlawfully Passed Over
If you feel an employer unlawfully used your criminal history as a reason not to hire you, you have recourse in court.
Talk to a knowledgeable attorney. An attorney can assess the situation, determine whether your rights were violated. Contact your local legal aid office where you may qualify for free assistance.
The information provided here does not constitute legal advice. It is intended for general purposes only. If you have questions about a specific legal issue, you should speak to an attorney.
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Can Employers Refuse To Hire You Because Of Your Record?
