I enjoyed the new clip of those 13 in Illinois that have taken
the next set with working towards showing society that people can
change. I am in the process of working towards writing a pardon letter to
the governor of North Carolina. For a long time I thought that
I was not able to vote cause of my felony and in the last few days that I
found out that I'm able to vote even as an ex-felon. Which made me happy. But the deli ma that I'm running into regularly is my background
for employment. Even though my Felony is over 16years old I'm
still faced with the statement of felon. I have put it on application
no to the ones that have stipulated a year limitation of 5, 7, or 10
years; those that have no limitation I have to answer yes too.
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.
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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On yesterday, I was actually offered a job
by Comcast contingent on my drug screen & of course my background
check. I have had so much anxiety but my faith has not allowed me to
fear so much in the last few days.
My question is, should I even
continue with the application? I may have a criminal record but I am
certainly not a criminal. So, IF my background will stop me from getting
the job, what should I do? Should I try to speak with someone in HR to
prove myself worthy?
Desperate for a job,
AJ
Jobs for Felons: Will my Criminal Record Hurt my chances to get Hired?
Hello AJ,
Thank you for your kind words. You've gotten through the application process, you got an interview and did well on it. You were offered the job, but it is contingent upon the drug screening and background check. The only question I have, were you totally honest on the application if asked about having a criminal background? If you were not honest on the application, the background check will reveal your dishonesty.
I have talked to felons where less than honest when completing the application and were hired, only to be fired later when the background check was done. They were not fired for having criminal records, they were fired for falsifying the application. I hope that is not your case. I advise all of my students to be totally honest on all phases of the employment process. I know that there is often a temptation to leave certain things off of applications, but honesty is always the best policy.
If after the background check comes back and they decide not to hire you, there is little more you can do. It's their decision. At that point, I would just pick myself up and keep applying for jobs. Finding a job with a criminal record is a game of numbers. The more jobs you apply for the greater your opportunity of finding an employer who will offer you an opportunity despite your record.
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.
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.
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
Which reputable company can I go to online or the most popular or
common to do a background check on myself. I want to be able to know
exactly what's on my record so I'll know what to put on my application when
filling them out.
Thanks
Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs should know what is in their records
That's a very good question.
I encourage all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to find out exactly what
is in their respective criminal records. This will allow them to be honest
when applying for jobs.
An employer may perform a background check through an investigative
service or state or federal law enforcement agencies. The law allows public
access to felony conviction records without consent of the person whose
record is being checked. Local law enforcement agencies may provide this
information for a fee.
The best and most accurate resource for criminal records is from the
Federal Bureau of Investigations (The FBI)
Individuals can obtain a copy of their national criminal history record
from the FBI by submitting a request to the address below.
In order to receive a copy of your FBI record for personal, employment, or
international work requirements the FBI requires the following:
1) A signed written request with a brief explanation for the request and
your complete return
mailing address.
2) Every request for records must contain two completed applicant
fingerprint cards with all of the applicant's personal information (name,
date of birth, place of birth, etc.) and a current set of 10 rolled
fingerprints and eight flat finger impressions. Fingerprints and
impressions must be taken by a local police department.
3) An $18.00 fee in U.S. currency by certified check or money order payable
to the United States Treasury. This information is provided in compliance
with the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.
FBI CJIS Division ATTN: SCU, MOD.D-2 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, West Virginia 26303 For more information, you may contact the
FBI at 304-625-3878
An easier way to get an accurate copy of your criminal record is from your
probation or parole officer. He/she can get it without a fee.
I hope this helps.
The Truth About Background Checks
The Truth About Background Checks
Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Employment Background Checks: Know Your Rights
Jobs for ex-offenders and Felons: Expungement of Criminal Records
Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs should know what is in their records
Jobs for Felons: Ten Tricks Interviewers Use - Ex-offenders and felons have a very tough time finding jobs and even getting interviews. That's no secret, so when an interview finally comes, they should put themselves in the best possible position to get hired. While we all know that the applicant wants the job, the interviewer has a responsibility to hire the best person available.
In my career that spans more than thirty years, I have have seen and used a number of tricks that interviewers use to get through all of the rehearsing and other things applicants use to put themselves in the best light. These tricks are used to make applicants reveal who the really are. Often these tricks go unnoticed. I am going to share with you my all time favorite interviewer tricks.
1. The Waiting Game - I have seen applicants been made to wait up to an hour to be interviewed. What I have learned is that the longer people wait, the more they become themselves. The combination of nerves and aggravation will reveal true personalities. Whether it is using bad language, complaining, or engaging in inappropriate conversation, this is a true test. I have even seen applicants flirt with the receptionist, employees and other applicants thus exposing parts of their character. No matter how long you have to wait, stay professional at all times.
2. Just One of the Guys - Some interviewers will present themselves as really friendly types that throw formality out of the window. This often will make the applicant relax (sometimes too much,) which causes them to let their guards down. When guards come down, things slip out. I teach my students never to reveal too much information especially about their criminal backgrounds or other errors in judgement. Never offer information that isn't asked. The interview is not the place to tell your life story or talk about all of mistakes you have made in your life. Never talk about personal problems, habits, or relationships issues. Be personable but never tell more than anyone needs to know. Never talk about to religion, politics, or sex. Even If the interviewer brings them subjects up, these are not discussions you want to get into. Never, ever use slang or profanity.
3. The Big Squeeze - This neat little trick I use to when I ask applicants into my office. I stand partially in the doorway, forcing the other person turn sideways to squeeze by. In the few seconds it takes to squeeze by, I get a lot of information. I can get a hint about the individual's personal hygiene, if they have smoked recently or even taken a drink. Many employers shy away from hiring smokers. Smokers require more breaks than non-smokers. Smokers have more health problems than non-smokers. If you do smoke, do not smoke before your interview. If you have alcohol on your breath, forget it!
4. Hold up! Don't sit down! - To many people, respect and manners count for a lot and some interviewers will test this a number of ways. My favorite is sitting down and waiting to see what the applicant does. My office is like my house. If he sits down without being invited, it may be because he lacks social graces or he is simply disrespectful. When you get to the interview area, always wait until the interviewer asks you to be seated. If he doesn’t offer, politely ask “May I sit?” Never touch the interviewer’s desk or put anything on it.
5. Butter Fingers - Another one of my favorite personality revealers is very subtle but it tells a lot. I may drop a pen or other small object. If the applicant picks it up, more than likely, the person is a caring, helpful individual. If he doesn't, it usually means he cares only about himself.
Top Five Job Interview Mistakes Ex-offenders and Felons make
The next five are not really tricks, but they are clever ways interviewers weed out applicants with questions.
6. Have you Done Your Homework? - Often interviewers ask "What do you know about our company?" Interviewers ask this because they want to know if you are serious about working with them. If you haven't prepared for the interview by doing some research on the company, it will show.
It would appear that you are very interested in the job just by doing some research. Some things you should find out:
How old is the company.
Number of locations
Number of employees
What the company business
Who is the competition?
If it is a large company, you may find this information on the internet or the library. If you are interviewing with a small local business, you may get the information from the receptionist if you call.
7. Money, Money, Money - "How much money are you looking for?" This is a tricky question that is used to disqualify applicants. It's tricky because if you give a dollar amount that is too low, you may be paid less than others doing the same job. If you give an amount that is too high, you may disqualify yourself. I teach my students to never talk about money until someone offers them a job. So, the response may be "Are you offering me this job?" Whether the answer is yes or no, the response should be something like this, "I want to be paid fairly. I know you will make me a fair offer." If that answer is not enough, remember no dollar amounts, you should answer, "I want as much as you can afford to pay me."
8. I'm Feeling Weak - We all have gotten the question, "What is your greatest strength?" and we pretty much know how to handle that one. People have a a lot of trouble with the follow question which is sure to follow- "What is your biggest weakness?" Most people blow that one because they forget that the interview is used to sell yourself. With that in mind, do you think I would be foolish enough to tell you about a real fault of mine that might cost me the opportunity to get a job? Interviewers count on it! Every has weaknesses, but don't not tell the interviewer anything that can be used against you. There are two ways to handle this. You can present a strength you have as a weakness or you can offer a technical weakness as long as it has nothing to do with the job. You might say "I get really upset at myself when I don't finish everything on time." It looks like a weakness, but it come across really well because it tells how important it is for you to finish thing promptly. The second option is to offer a technical weakness (as long as it has nothing to do with the job." It may sound like this, "I want to brush up on my writing skills. I write ok, but I want to get better."
9. Bossy, Bossy - This question is used to spot a troublemaker and it works every time, "Tell me about the worst boss you've ever had?" Under no circumstances should you ever say anything negative about any past job or supervisor. To an interviewer, only a troublemaker would speak ill of former job or company. In the mind of the interviewer, you were a problem. That's why you are no longer there. It's ok to quit a job or even get fired and there are positive ways to explain even a not so great situation. You might say something like. "I have had bosses, some better than others. I have learned something from all of them even if it is what not to do."
10. I have a Question - The final one is a question that is not tricky at all, but an interviewer can find out a lot about what on an applicant's mind with it. "Do you have any questions for me?" I am amazed how often applicants answer "no" to this question. By answering "no" job searchers pass up a golden opportunity to finish off on an extremely high note. Some really great questions are:
Why is this position open?
What are the day to day duties of this position?
hat are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this job?
What are the opportunities for advancement?
Did you know I can be bonded? (Federal Bonding Program)
By asking questions like these the interviewer will get the impression that you are interested in more than just a paycheck, which looks really good.
Ex-offenders and felons have a tough time getting interviews so when they come, they have to make them count. These are some clever tricks that a seasoned interviewer would use to find out more about the person sitting in front of them than what they are saying. Now you will recognize them when you encounter them and make them work to your advantage!
Jobs for Felons: Dirty Little Tricks Interviewers Use
Jobs for Felons: Preparing to ace the Interview
Jobs for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs : What to wear to the interview
Are you an ex-offender or felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? I have been helping ex-offenders and felons
get jobs for over ten years and I feel I have an understanding of what
works. I will be updating this blog often. I will answer specific
questions relating to getting a job with a criminal record on this blog
so feel free to send me your questions. The right information could
help felons get jobs. You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net.
If you are a felon and really serious about getting a job or you want to help someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
Find your next job here!
Jobs for Felons: Ten Tricks Interviewers Use
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A group of scholars at the University of Arizona sought to find how felony convictions affect those looking to re-enter the workforce. Their study shows that the convictions aren’t the only hurdle for getting a job. The U.S. Department of Justice projects that 9 percent of all men will serve time in federal or state prison. With the median time served being just over two years, most formerly incarcerated people will eventually be back on the job market. Tamar Kugler is an associate professor in the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. She said the ability to find a job is critical, not only for those who’ve been to prison, but also for society. "We want those people to be productive members of society, to be able to get a legit job, stay out of prison, earn enough money so they rehabilitate their lives." But she said convicted felons can have a hard time finding work once they are released. "Those people usually have lower education so it’s harder for them to find a job. And they have also experienced an erosion of skills from the fact that they have been out of the job market." She notes that people who have served time also have a lack of ties to legitimate employers. According to the Brookings Institution, in the first full calendar year following their release, almost half of those previously incarcerated have no reported earnings and the median earnings of those that do are just above $10,000 a year. Kugler, along with Barry Goldman at the University of Arizona and Dylan Cooper at California State University, Channel Islands, cited research that shows that blacks and other minorities are more frequently denied jobs because of racial discrimination, but they wanted to test whether blacks with felony convictions were penalized more than whites with identical felony convictions, work experiences, and skills during the hiring process. Dr. Kugler says: "We find that black applicants pay a much bigger price in terms of their desirability to get hired for a job than white applicants. The reduction that the white applicants suffer from having a felony conviction is not nearly as big as that that you see for black applicants." Findings like these aren’t purely academic. Clyde Hardin, a tattoo artist in Tucson, served two stints in prison. When he was released, he had help finding a job. "My, now, wife got me my first job. I did commercial cleaning in buildings, banks, overnight and that paid my fees, fines, restitution and then when I wasn’t doing that, I would just hustle my butt off with tattooing." But working overnights hindered Hardin’s ability to tattoo, a passion he developed in prison that he hoped to turn into a career. So, he began to look for a different job: "Probably in a four-month span over 100 applications. Legitimately. I’m talking Craigslist jobs, jobs listings, newspaper, door-to-door," he said. And when he would land an interview, things often went downhill quickly. "I would get to the interview process and as soon as I started explaining my record or why I was incarcerated, you would see the momentum swing of he’s a potential future hire to I would never hire this guy." Findings like these aren’t purely academic. Clyde Hardin, a tattoo artist in Tucson, served two stints in prison. When he was released, he had help finding a job. "My, now, wife got me my first job. I did commercial cleaning in buildings, banks, overnight and that paid my fees, fines, restitution and then when I wasn’t doing that, I would just hustle my butt off with tattooing." But working overnights hindered Hardin’s ability to tattoo, a passion he developed in prison that he hoped to turn into a career. So, he began to look for a different job: "Probably in a four-month span over 100 applications. Legitimately. I’m talking Craigslist jobs, jobs listings, newspaper, door-to-door," he said. And when he would land an interview, things often went downhill quickly.
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Ex-offenders and felons should always be honest when applying for jobs
Hello,
I have a police record. One charge is for domestic violence. It shows assault and battery. I was ordered to counseling, Which turned into grief counseling because of the reasons the fight happened. The other charge is a false charge that I am in the process of requesting expungement. There were no charges or a court hearing. I was having a drink with a friend. A known drug dealer was in the bar and asked to buy me a drink. I did not accept, we talked for about 5 minutes and he left. All of a sudden an undercover policeman shows me his badge and asked if we can talk outside. I go out with him and was questioned about the drug dealer. I said I didn't know him and had no information to offer. Before I knew it there were police cars, I was in handcuffs and put in jail for 3 days. 3 times a day I was taken from my cell and questioned. Every time I had no informational new charges kept getting added to my record.
After 3 days I was released and my record now shows dangerous drugs. Both of these happened 20 years ago. I have passed 3 tests to be a TSA screener my 4th test is Tuesday. When I pass this they will run a background check. At what point do I explain this to someone? I currently work at KMart and they ran a background check but hired me without asking questions. It was the same with Home Depot as well! Do you know if TSA is strict about 20 years ago? Do you know if they ask for an explanation of my background? I really need a job with a good paycheck and I've always wanted this particular job!
Thank you for helping me!
Sincerely,
Sally
Ex-offenders and felons should always be honest when applying for jobs
Hello Sally,
Generally speaking, when talking about records, employers are concerned with convictions and not charges. As I tell all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs, answer honestly on both applications and interviews. If applications asks for convictions, only lists convictions, not charges. As far as interviews, nearly all of the questions will be related to information from your application. I encourage ex-offenders and felons not to volunteer information that is not asked for.
Expungement, or sealing does not erase records but hides them from public view. If an is granted the conviction will always be visible to government agencies, the court system and law enforcement. You mentioned that you have applied for a TSA position. Since this is a government position, all of your charges will be visible. Once again, if questioned, always answer honestly.
Ex-offenders and felons should always be honest when applying for jobs
companies hire felons | | Companies that hire ex-offenders | Employers that hire ex-offenders | employers that hire felons | | 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
CEO Isabelle Day of Quality Ingredients of Burnsville was having difficulty filling jobs last year when she read a Star Tribune column about hiring former inmates.
Starting pay is $15 an hour and can reach $40,000 a year, and employees get annual bonuses, health care and a retirement plan.
Day and her plant manager work through Twin Cities Rise, the nonprofit trainer that puts ex-inmates and other low-income folks through a rigorous curriculum of personal empowerment, training and soft-skill development before placing them in internships, at temp agencies or in full-time jobs.
“These are great people who have made mistakes,” Day said. “In many cases, these people are stronger than somebody walking off the street to apply. The work is tough. We see a sincerity and great communication skills. They tend to be respectful, thoughtful and mature.”
As the job market gets tighter, employers are slowly turning to nonprofits such as Rise, Emerge, Building Better Futures, Summit Academy, Genesys Works, Goodwill Easter Seals and others that help former felons build skills and land decent jobs.
“We are safer when these guys have jobs and housing,” said CEO Dan Pfarr of 180 Degrees. “We are their step from prison to the civilian world.”
The Minneapolis nonprofit serves men on parole as they move from prison to community with short-term housing and counseling. It links them to training and organizations connected to employers. It has to happen quickly. Most parolees get only 60 to 90 days to get housing and find a job, with expenses covered by the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
The transition from prison to work, and civilian society, is not easy, particularly if you have been locked up 10 or 15 years and never operated a cellphone or computer. It also takes the right mind-set and a willingness to beat the odds.
Close to 60 percent of Minnesota inmates are back in prison within two years.
Minnesota has a lower-than-average incarceration rate but one of the highest rates of people on probation, which can end up being a “back door” to prison re-entry.
More than half of those returning to prison are on parole violations, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Pfarr and Richard Coffey, 180 Degrees program director, said the violations often are for noncriminal acts, such as being late or taking a different route than prescribed to training or jobs.
“These guys, and we deal with about 300 a year, get a case manager and we work with them on a plan. Some of them have some training. I’m impressed with many of them. Life for them can be daunting,” Pfarr said.
Low jobless rate’s upside
The good news is that the low unemployment rate is prompting employers to warm to hiring former inmates.
Tony Bulmer, a former prisoner, has moved up over six months from a laborer position to a $20 supervisory position at Gregory Foods in Eagan. He’s also moving from a 180 Degrees residence to his own room in September.
“I’m taking this opportunity to the fullest,” said Bulmer, 31, also a trained diesel mechanic.
Bulmer grew up working in a family-owned bakery and likes machinery, which has helped in his new role.
“If I can see how it works, I can figure out how to do it,” he said.
A groundbreaking report last year by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides a road map into the “successes of corporate policies giving formerly incarcerated Americans a fair chance at re-entry.”
It’s been embraced by large employers including Google, Total Wine, the Ford Foundation, the Open Society Foundation, Koch Industries, Walmart and other companies.
Locally, Quality Ingredients, Target, Bremer Bank and numerous small businesses are on board.
And Rise and its national partner, Root & Rebound, which advocates for former inmates, have received great response from local employers for their “Minnesota Employers’ Fair Chance Hiring Guide.”
The guide takes employers through legal compliance and risk minimization, background checks, the rewards of hiring a second-chance worker, best practices for “onboarding” former inmates and strategies for helping them integrate into the workforce.
As the Minnesota prison system and number of prisoners and parolees generally ballooned over the last 30 years, in part because of mandatory sentences for drug and other nonviolent offenses, the state has spent disproportionately less on education, training and employment services.
Louis King, CEO of Summit Academy, which works with low-income people to earn high school-equivalency degrees, and train for entry-level posts in building trades, IT and health care, has said the best social-welfare program is gaining skills, and showing up for a living-wage job.CEO Isabelle Day of Quality Ingredients of Burnsville was having difficulty filling jobs last year when she read a Star Tribune column about hiring former inmates.
“Turnover was high and we were using [costly] temporary agencies for labor,” she recalled.
Today, six of the 60 factory workers on the floor of Quality Ingredients are ex-offenders.
Starting pay is $15 an hour and can reach $40,000 a year, and employees get annual bonuses, health care and a retirement plan.
Day and her plant manager work through Twin Cities Rise, the nonprofit trainer that puts ex-inmates and other low-income folks through a rigorous curriculum of personal empowerment, training and soft-skill development before placing them in internships, at temp agencies or in full-time jobs.
“These are great people who have made mistakes,” Day said. “In many cases, these people are stronger than somebody walking off the street to apply. The work is tough. We see a sincerity and great communication skills. They tend to be respectful, thoughtful and mature.”
As the job market gets tighter, employers are slowly turning to nonprofits such as Rise, Emerge, Building Better Futures, Summit Academy, Genesys Works, Goodwill Easter Seals and others that help former felons build skills and land decent jobs.
“We are safer when these guys have jobs and housing,” said CEO Dan Pfarr of 180 Degrees. “We are their step from prison to the civilian world.”
The Minneapolis nonprofit serves men on parole as they move from prison to community with short-term housing and counseling. It links them to training and organizations connected to employers. It has to happen quickly. Most parolees get only 60 to 90 days to get housing and find a job, with expenses covered by the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
The transition from prison to work, and civilian society, is not easy, particularly if you have been locked up 10 or 15 years and never operated a cellphone or computer. It also takes the right mind-set and a willingness to beat the odds.
Close to 60 percent of Minnesota inmates are back in prison within two years.
Minnesota has a lower-than-average incarceration rate but one of the highest rates of people on probation, which can end up being a “back door” to prison re-entry.
More than half of those returning to prison are on parole violations, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Pfarr and Richard Coffey, 180 Degrees program director, said the violations often are for noncriminal acts, such as being late or taking a different route than prescribed to training or jobs.
“These guys, and we deal with about 300 a year, get a case manager and we work with them on a plan. Some of them have some training. I’m impressed with many of them. Life for them can be daunting,” Pfarr said.
Low jobless rate’s upside
The good news is that the low unemployment rate is prompting employers to warm to hiring former inmates.
Tony Bulmer, a former prisoner, has moved up over six months from a laborer position to a $20 supervisory position at Gregory Foods in Eagan. He’s also moving from a 180 Degrees residence to his own room in September.
“I’m taking this opportunity to the fullest,” said Bulmer, 31, also a trained diesel mechanic.
Bulmer grew up working in a family-owned bakery and likes machinery, which has helped in his new role.
“If I can see how it works, I can figure out how to do it,” he said.
A groundbreaking report last year by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides a road map into the “successes of corporate policies giving formerly incarcerated Americans a fair chance at re-entry.”
It’s been embraced by large employers including Google, Total Wine, the Ford Foundation, the Open Society Foundation, Koch Industries, Walmart and other companies.
Locally, Quality Ingredients, Target, Bremer Bank and numerous small businesses are on board.
And Rise and its national partner, Root & Rebound, which advocates for former inmates, have received great response from local employers for their “Minnesota Employers’ Fair Chance Hiring Guide.”
The guide takes employers through legal compliance and risk minimization, background checks, the rewards of hiring a second-chance worker, best practices for “onboarding” former inmates and strategies for helping them integrate into the workforce.
As the Minnesota prison system and number of prisoners and parolees generally ballooned over the last 30 years, in part because of mandatory sentences for drug and other nonviolent offenses, the state has spent disproportionately less on education, training and employment services.
Louis King, CEO of Summit Academy, which works with low-income people to earn high school-equivalency degrees, and train for entry-level posts in building trades, IT and health care, has said the best social-welfare program is gaining skills, and showing up for a living-wage job.
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I am a Black Man in America in 2018. I am having difficulty
getting any employment because of a 1977 felony conviction. Since
I got out in 1979, I got my college degree and two teaching
licenses in two states-Indiana and Illinois. My “inability” to
get employment seems as if this is nothing but a higher form of
Jim Crow.
I realize that I am not by myself but this appears so unfair to
people that are trying to live a totally new life. So many
people talk about “rehabilitation” but it seems as if it is just
talk. I have also been a member of NA and AA for 32 years. I had
a drug problem and I knew that if I resumed my habit, I would
have returned to the penitentiary. I took care of that first
because it was so important to do that.
I taught school for the public schools system for 13 years. I
disclosed my felony conviction to the school
system and it didn’t pose a problem to the system. Why is it
posing a problem now?
I served my time and I have totally changed my life. Will I have
to pay for this the rest of my life. I was 26 years old
when this happened and I am now 64 years old.
The law needs to be changed. Once a person serves his/her time
that should be the end of it.
I don’t understand how I taught for the school system for 13
years and my background was disclosed.
There also has been no recidivism in my case. I can understand
people going back to the penitentiary but I have only gone once.
What I have done with my life should matter but it does
not. I always thought that the goal of incarceration was
rehabilitation. Is it really?? Incarceration has become a viable
business.
People can change their lives. By not allowing someone to change
their life is such a grave mistake.
Why shouldn’t I be bitter? I will never give up in what seems as
if an uphill battle. Racism is still here. I could care less
about having a Black president.
Jobs for
Felons: Can I teach with an old
Felony?
Hello,
That's quite a story. I'm
not sure why you were let go after so many years even though you
disclosed the conviction at the time of your hire. As for
having a Black President, the food he eats doesn't fill my
belly.
It's easy to be discouraged and start
doubting yourself and society as a whole. Instead, lets
concentrate on some things that perhaps we haven't though about
before as alternatives. Don't give up hope of being a
teacher. In fact, you have already done the hard
part. You have a degree and you are already
certified. You have another very important quality.
You have experience and the wisdom and maturity of an older
person. All you will need now is to find teaching opportunities where your
conviction will matter a lot less than it does to the public
school system. There are many alternatives to teaching in
the public school system. In fact I encourage many of my
students who are ex-offenders and felons and also
have college degrees to pursue teaching as a career. Let's
look at a few options.
Private Schools
- These schools are supported by a private
organization or private individuals rather than by the government
and therefore may have quite different eligibility requirements.
Career Schools - A career or vocational school
is different from a four year college. Instead of taking
four years to get a degree, a vocational school allows students
to get specialized training in specific career fields in two
years or less. These schools also require courses in
general subjects like math, English and science just like
traditional colleges.
Community Colleges - Community colleges,
sometimes called junior colleges, are two-year schools that
provide affordable education as a pathway to a four-year degree
or a particular career.
Community colleges prepare students for jobs that require higher
education or workforce training. Typically community
colleges work with employers to develop flexible, affordable and
relevant training programs and partner with businesses which meet
local commercial and regional economic needs. These colleges also
have traditional degree programs.
Charter Schools - Charter schools are
independent schools that have received a charter, which is a set
of self-written rules and goals which determine how the school
will be structured and run. Generally, they are able to organize
a school that operates outside the control of the local school
district but still funded by local, state, and federal tax
money. Essentially charter schools are free public schools
that don't have to follow the same regulations as the local
school district.
These are just a few options I can think of just off the top of
my head. There maybe a lot more but this is a start. If you
are fortunate enough to get interviews, be prepared to talk about
your conviction. As I tell all of my students in your
position, when asked about the conviction, briefly speak about it
and how it has changed your thinking and your approach to
life. Focus the conversation on the time that has passed
and what you have done since then to improve yourself and how you
have used your own experiences to encourage young people not to
make the same mistakes that you have.
Just don't let your recent stumble keep you from moving forward.
Best of luck to you.
Jobs for Felons: The Facts
about Companies that Hire Ex offenders and Felons (2018)
Jobs for Felons: Can I
teach with an old Felony?
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ex-offenders | employers that hire felons | Jobs for felons | jobs for
ex-offenders | jobs that hire felons | places that hire felons
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Claims of racial disparity in how criminal background checks are used led to $3.7M class-action settlement.
By Kavita Kumar Star Tribune
Target Corp. has agreed to pay $3.7 million to settle a lawsuit over concerns that the way it uses criminal background checks as part of the hiring process has disproportionately hurt black and Latino applicants. “Target’s background check policy was out of step with best practices and harmful to many qualified applicants who deserved a fair shot at a good job,” said Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which worked on the case. “Criminal background information can be a legitimate tool for screening job applicants, but only when appropriately linked to relevant questions such as how long ago the offense occurred and whether it was a nonviolent or misdemeanor offense.” As part of the settlement of the class-action complaint, independent consultants will recommend changes to Target’s current screening guidelines. For example, they will come up with a list of convictions that are not considered job-related and should not disqualify a person from a particular position. They will also review the company’s appeals process that offers candidates a chance to show evidence of rehabilitation. “We’re glad to resolve this and move forward,” the Minneapolis-based retailer said in a
statement. “At Target, we have a number of measures in place to ensure we’re fair and equitable in our hiring practices. … And in hiring, like the rest of our business, we hold diversity and inclusion as core values and strive to give everyone access to the same opportunities.” Maurice Emsellem, program director with advocacy group National Employment Law Project, said this is one of the largest settlements of its kind and will likely provide a model for other employers as they look to adopt better hiring practices and policies. In 2016, the U.S. Census Bureau agreed to pay $15 million to settle a similar class-action suit that involved an estimated 450,000 black and Latino applicants who may have been passed over for jobs because of background-check practices. “Employers are now way more tuned into the laws and policies that encourage them to create more fair practices to hire people with records,” Emsellem said. “But there’s still plenty of big employers and small employers who have a long way to go to clean up their policies.” As part of the settlement, which was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in New York, black and Latino applicants who were denied employment from a Target store because of a criminal-background check since May 2006 will be eligible for priority hiring or interviewing for current open positions. Alternately, they can seek a financial award of up to $1,000. Target is also giving $600,000 to five organizations that work to help individuals with criminal backgrounds find employment: AccessAbility’s Career & Educational Pathways program and RS Eden in Minnesota, Center for Employment Opportunities and the Fortune Society in New York, and A New Way of Life Reentry Project in California. In 2016, Target was among the companies that signed on to a White House pledge that encouraged employers to eliminate unnecessary barriers facing applicants with criminal records. Like many major employers, Target started using criminal background checks as part of its hiring process more than a decade ago. The retailer, which employs about 345,000 workers and is among the nation’s largest employers, used to ask job applicants about their criminal history on the initial application form. But as part of the so-called “Ban the Box” movement, critics complained that such screening at the outset made it difficult for ex-offenders to get jobs even if their offenses were from when they were young or were not pertinent to the positions for which they were applying. In 2013, Minnesota passed a law barring private employers from asking about criminal history on application forms. The following year, Target removed that question from its applications nationwide. “Now, we gather criminal background information in the final stages of the hiring process,” Target said in a statement. “This ensures individuals are considered for employment based on their qualifications, interview and availability.” However, the company said it still believes it’s important to consider conviction history. “Individuals are given an opportunity to explain their criminal history and provide information about the circumstances, mitigating factors, good conduct and rehabilitation,” the company said. “We exclude applicants whose criminal histories could pose a risk to our guests, team members or property, and design our process to treat all applicants fairly while maintaining a safe and secure working and shopping environment for team members and guests.” According to the lawsuit, Target’s policies mandated automatic rejection of applicants for broad categories of misdemeanors and felonies such as violence, theft and controlled substances convictions within seven years of applying. If an application required further review, it was forwarded to Target’s human resources division, which used its discretion to make a final determination “rather than apply any objective or validated measures,” the complaint said. Such a screening process imported “the racial and ethnic disparities that exist in the criminal justice system into the employment process, thereby multiplying the negative impact on African-American and Latino job applicants,” the lawsuit said, noting that those groups are arrested and incarcerated at rates much higher than whites. The plaintiffs in the case included Carnella Times, a 47-year-old black woman who applied for an overnight stocker position at a Target store in Connecticut in 2006. She was disqualified because of two misdemeanor convictions from 10 years earlier. The following year, she filed a discrimination charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which issued her a right to sue in 2015 after years of investigation.
Another plaintiff was Erving Smith, a 40-year-old black man who applied for a stocker position at a store in Pittsburgh in 2014. He was denied the job because of a drug-related felony conviction from 2004.
Jobs for Felons: The Facts about Companies that Hire Ex offenders and Felons (2018)
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 | how to get a job with criminal record | second chance jobs for felons | temp agencies that hire felons | high paying jobs for felons | Background Checks | Ban the Box
