Felon mom looking for employment

Hopefully you can help me.

I am a single mom of 3 children. I was charged with a felony for conspiracy in 2007 in the Midwest. I never served any jail time, just 3 yrs of probation. You would think that with this being the ONLY time I had ever been in trouble with the law, and with no jail time served, people would be a little more understanding? But they are not!

The last time I worked was 2009 (because I got the job BEFORE the charge hit my record.) Since 2009, I have bounced from family member to family member, drawing unemployment to support my kids, all the while searching for work and nothing! I moved to Florida with a family member in 2010 because supposedly jobs were more plentiful here. My unemployment has run out and I am at my wits end! I have looked into free or low cost training programs and they all are either designed for people without any criminal record OR people who HAVE served jail time!

I have an Associate of Liberal Arts degree and am a reasonably intelligent person. I have a physical disability, so although I could do manual labor, I would not be able to do it for long periods of time. I could possibly get hired at a fast food joint, but how can I support a family of 4 on minimum wage? The family member I am living with is dropping hints that she is tired of supporting my kids and I and I am afraid we are going to lose our home.

I am a good person and I never hurt anyone, did drugs or anything of the sort. I got in with a group of people doing the wrong thing in the name of supporting my kids and am truly sorry for what I have done. I am paying restitution on time every month and just want to start my life over and be a productive citizen! I am searching for 3rd shift work so that I can be home for my children during the day. I just need someone to give me a chance! So if you know of any 2nd chance programs that would help train a single mother to work a job that would pay enough to support her children please let me know!


 Thank you in advance...

Sincerely,

Mother-at-her-wits-end.

 Felon mom looking for employment

Hello ,

As you noticed on several posts on this blog, my first suggestion to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is the local One-stop Career Center. This is a really underutilized resource. Each state has a network of centers that provide an assortment of free services that can help you in getting a job. In addition, these centers provide a long list of services that can help people get jobs and even train them for new careers. Some services available are:

Career planning and counseling

Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)

Computers with internet access and word processing

Daily access to thousands of job listings

Job-related magazines and local newspapers

Job postings and referrals

Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use

Each center has trained counselors that provide one-on-one assistance. Many of them have experience assisting ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs. As stated in a previous post, you can find your nears center here:

www.servicelocator.org

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

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Felon mom looking for employment

  Can a felon get a job in health care?

Hi,

I was recently reading the previous post about the gentlemen who is trying to obtain his Certified Nurses Assistant license and the advice you gave. I think your blog is awesome and the links and information you give is inspiring and helpful because it allows felons to know that there is help out here just do not give up. The question I have is my husband is approaching being released and has a drug charge on his background. He has a his CNA license but they have expired. I was talking with him on yesterday and he is stating now that he wants to go to school to obtain his degree in X-Ray Tech. He is really excited and although I know that it is going to take a while to get but finding that type of work with a drug charge background to go into this field is it promising or should his career path be of a different choice. I do not want him to get his hopes up but I also do not want him to place all his eggs in one basket. We have recently moved to San Antonio, Texas, where the medical fields here are very promising but I do not know about felons.

I was hoping you may know if this career choice is something that he can continue to be in pursuant of or should he try and detour this decision to obtain something else and if so what. I know the criminal justice department is also very strict. I just do not want him to feel like a failure when something does not come through and hurt trying to provide for himself and family.

Thanks,

KW

Can a felon get a job in health care?

Hello,

Thank you for your kind words. It's great that you want to help your husband. Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs need all the help they can get. I know of felons working in the healthcare field. You say that he held a CNA license, so your first step is to see if his conviction affected it. You can contact the medical licensing board in your state to find this out. If he wants to become an X-ray technician, I suggest contacting the same board to see if his conviction would prohibit him becoming certified for that position.

If it is not possible, I would then contact your local One-stop Career Center. There he will find job search assistance including training opportunities that are available and he is eligible for with his conviction. There are often government funds available to help individuals get training for new careers. One-stop Career centers have counselors that have experience assisting ex-offenders and felons looking for employment. As stated in a previous post, you can find your nears center here:

www.servicelocator.org

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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!

Can a felon get a job in health care?

Felons with Withheld Adjudication can get Jobs

 

Dear madams or sirs,

I was charged back in 1998 or 1999 with a felony charge with a withholding adjudication. I was having many problems in my life and marriage. My charge was battery on a law officer. I did my five years probation and had several different kinds of therapy. I had finally gone back to school to become a medical assistant. I had explained this charge to them and I was told if it was over ten years old there should not be a problem. Basically, They lied. Now I have a loan to pay back and no job. I am 56 years old, a widow and thought I was doing something great for myself. One place that I had applied for a job told me that I could possibly get it exempted. Is this so or did I just waste the last year of my life for nothing. I was on the dean’s list and I only missed one day. Please is there someone there that can help me out or/and give me some advice.

DA

 Felons with Withheld Adjudication can get Jobs

Hello DA,

I'm not sure who "They" are but there are some things to know about Withheld Adjudication. Withheld adjudication broadly speaking, refers to a determination by a judge to put a person on probation without a judgement of guilt. There will be terms set by the court typically a fine and a period of probation. When the terms are met, the charges are generally dropped. There will be no conviction connected with that offense. If the person doesn't complete the conditions of probation, a ruling of guilty can] be entered and the person could be sentenced according to the penalties outlined for the offense.  Of course this is not legal advice.  For the exact determination of your particular situation, contact the prosecutor associated with your case.

So when completing an application that asks if you "Have you ever been convicted of a crime, you will be able to answer "no" and rightly so since you have not. Bear in mind that the charge will show on a background check as a charge and not a conviction. You should have no trouble with this. To absolutely certain of the status, you should check with the prosecutor or your probation officer associated with your case.

You should have no trouble getting certified if that is your only charge. Many ex-offenders and ex felons looking for jobs often need legal assistance. If you feel you need legal assistance, contact your local legal aid office. There you will be able to low-cost or even no cost legal assistance.

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

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!

 

 'Eric Mayo helps Felons and Ex-offenders get Jobs

Felons with Withheld Adjudication can get Jobs

Lady Felon needs Jobs Search Help

My name is Millie. On 11/8/2010. I was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.  While driving my boyfriends car for him to have him drop me back off at home we were stopped by the police. I remained in the car while he jumped out and ran.

This was my first time ever getting in trouble with the law besides speeding tickets. I answered all the questions for them gave them his name address, where he lived, etc.. etc.. i was placed under arrest after they searched his vehicle. I was embarrassed didn't know who to call.  One of the ladies who was in booking with me told me to use my free call and call a bondsman. I had court the next morning was given a court appointed attorney an was out on bond...I had absolutely no money to pay this bondsman back, and then i began selling personal items on Ebay because I
was given 60 days to pay off the bondsman.

I lost my job working for one of the highest paying companies in Florence, SC and just completed my bachelors degree at the university here. About 2 months later they found my boyfriend and charged him with the same exact charged. He denied that it was his and instead of a free lawyer he actually hired a lawyer. After I investigated his lawyer that he hired found out that he was one of the best her in the town and was known to get drug offenders a must lighter sentence.


I just wanted it to be over so a couple months later I told my lawyer that I'm just ready to have the judge sentence me.  My lawyer never told me about PTI, explained to me about pardons, expungement, NOTHING.  I went to court and pleaded with the judge to lower my charge. I'm a good person and law abiding citizen. I'm working on my masters degree.  He showed NO mercy on my at all.  Told me I need to pick better boyfriends sentenced me to time served and suspended my sentence of 5 years 3 years probation. 3 years!

I met with my probation officer three times and was on probation for 3 months. She told me that she would recommend that I be released from being on probation because I'm not like the normal people she dealt with.  All I had to do was pay my fines and she would release me early.  I was broke.  I told her I didn't have the money to pay the supervising fees nor the court fees...... :-(  I started dancing for money at private parties and at local strip clubs. I never danced before.  It never crossed my mind, and the girls that danced with me all had a troubled backgrounds relating to abuse, low self-esteem, etc. I danced for a month and decided to quit.  I quit because I was raped at a bachelor party that me and another dancer did.  I never reported it or told anyone.  I just simply stopped dancing all together and the money I had saved was enough to pay my probation officer off and to apply for a pardon.

I have sought help from my local one stop. I have received the bonding paperwork from them. I have been offered several jobs but once my background check came back or they found out, the offers were taken

back!!! From high paying jobs to low paying jobs. From sales job to waitressing jobs.

I'm unable to receive any government assistance.  I go to food banks for food and groceries.

I need help finding employment.  I have always worked since I was 15 and now not working for nearly two years have completely change my entire outlook on life. I never thought in a million years I would be where I'm at today. I set a goal for myself daily to apply for 25 jobs a day!!! I have sought help for depression from my local vocational rehabilitation center and was denied because they advised me its not a disability. I know everyone says their story is different but I can promise you mine is.

Can you help me????

Lady Felon needs Jobs Search Help

Hello Millie,

I agree with the judge on the fact that you should pick better friends.  I have several suggestions for you.  I encourage every felon I meet to be absolutely honest when applying for jobs.  I know there is often a temptation to not be honest on applications, but what good is it to get a job, only to lose it when the background check comes back.  Honesty is always the best policy.

As for finding a job, don't give up on the One-stop Career Center just because there was no job for you then.  There are new jobs added to lists everyday.  Another suggestion is to contact the local United Way office.  The United Way supports many social services agencies that help you in many ways.  Many of these agencies are felon friendly.  They may also contacts to organizations that have hired a felon in the past.   Stay on good terms with your probation officer. She may have know of companies who have hired her clients in the past.

My final suggestion is to apply for every job you feel you are qualified for.  Don't believe that because you are a felon, you are automatically disqualified from being hired.  Be honest, put your best foot forward and be prepared to talk about your past in a positive way.

I hope this helps.

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Lady Felon needs Jobs Search Help

Ex-offender in NC Looking for a Job

Hello,

My name is Oscar and I need help finding work in Charlotte, North Carolina. I am not a felon, but I do have a charge on my record. I was charged for secret peeping and plead guilty to it under some bad advice from my public defender. So now this charge is on my record and it is causing a lot of problems for me. I didn't have to register as an offender nor did I really receive any type of punishment for this charge, besides the fact that it is hurting my chances at finding a decent job or home. My girlfriend and I have had our first kid this year and I really need a job that can turn into a place that I can be at for the next decade or two. I am not asking for pity, nor am I trying to tell you a sob story, I really just need some help finding some a job that is promising for myself and my family. I hope to hear back from you as soon as possible, and would like to thank you in advance for any tips or advice.

Ex-offender in NC Looking for a Job

Hello Oscar,

It sounds like you have some type of sex-offense.  My suggestion to you is to find out just how your conviction comes up when a background check is done.  You want to know exactly what a prospective employer sees.  You should have a copy of your disposition that you got when your probation was completed.  If you do not have it, I suggest you get a copy from your probation officer.  When the background check is done, you have to be ready to talk about your charge in a positive way.  Often sex-offenses are the most difficult to work with because of  the stigma attached to them.  

In regard to getting assistance finding a job, ex-offenders and felons in the Charlotte area, an organization called The Center for Community Transitions of Charlotte, NC is a good place to start.  They not only provide job search assistance but also helps by making referrals to other resources that can help ex-offenders and their families.  You can contact them here:

The Center for Community Transitions


(704) 374 - 0762

Ex-offenders and felons can also get job search assistance at their local One-Stop Career Center.  Take a look at the video below:


 

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

The One-stop Career Centers in the Charlotte are listed here:

South Boulevard JobLink
 5125-A South Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28217
704-527-3195

 Charlotte-Mecklenburg JobLink Career Center - Arrowood
 7140 Forest Point Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28217
704-565-6865

Charlotte-Mecklenburg JobLink Career Center - Albemarle Road/Executive Center
5601 Executive Center Drive
Charlotte, NC 28212
704-566-2870

 Charlotte/Mecklenburg JobLink Career Center - Monroe Road 
10801 Monroe Road
Matthews, NC 28105
704-847-2660 Ext 223

 

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

Jobs for Felons: Immediate Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons

 

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Ex-offender in NC Looking for a Job

Felon mom in Fl needs a job

Hello,

I came across the blog about "How Felons can get jobs"; I hope maybe you can give me some advice. I am a 35 yr old single mother of 3 from Polk County, Fl. When I was younger (my teen yrs into adulthood) up until I was 23, I rebelled. I always had a bad temper and I was the know it all who wore my heart on my sleeve. When someone attacked me, I would attack back in which I earned myself 1 night in jail and 3-4, misdemeanors (not at the same time).

After having my children, I grew up and gained control of myself. I have stayed out of trouble for 10 yrs now but I am having an awful time gaining employment. I have a security clearance approved by the government but still most companies will not hire me. I have been recently laid off in security due to the economy. I spend everyday applying for jobs, sending out my resume and going on interviews. During the interviews employers love my credentials, my skills and want to hire me right away, but once I mention my past or the background comes back, they shut the door in my face. I have applied to big and small companies, temp work and even fast food. I get the same with all. I have NO felonies and the misdemeanors I have were never committed again. I have proven that I have learned from my past. I've put in the education, so what else can I do to get past my past? Thanks for reading and have a blessed weekend.

Best Wishes, K

Felon mom in Fl needs a job

Hello K,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble. Frequent readers of this blog are familiar with my next suggestion. I encourage all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to visit their local One-stop Career Center. One-stop Career Centers are very underutilized resources that ex-offenders and felons can use not only to get jobs, but to get career counseling and training. In addition, these centers provide a long list of valuable services. There are 24 Regional Workforce Boards in Florida which are responsible for implementing the employment programs in their regions. Services available include referrals to employment, career counseling, assistance with job search and placement, access to computers/internet, resume preparation, phone/fax machines, copy machines, interest, aptitude and basic skills testing and other special programs tailored to meet employment needs of those facing barriers to employment.

Each center has trained counselors that provide one-on-one assistance. Many of them have experience assisting ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs. The counselors can also assist you with with the Federal Bonding Program. Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs can be bonded through a program offered by the federal government. It would make it easier for those with criminal records to get hired if employers are insured against theft or fraud.

You can find more about the Federal Bonding Program here:
http://www.bonds4jobs.com/

 

You can find out about the One-stop Career Centers in Florida and how to find the nearest center to you here:

Workforce Florida


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Felon mom in Fl needs a job