The next step, announced today at the Koch network’s winter meeting, is a “getting back to work initiative” designed to follow up on the legislation, launched in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management, the trade association for human resources employees. The initiative will inform businesses on how to recruit, hire, and keep employees who were previously incarcerated.
Charles Koch told the assembled members of the network, “when you hear that one out of four [Americans have a criminal record], this isn’t just some small isolated piece, this involves everybody throughout society.”
SHRM’s CEO Johnny Taylor said his organization had found that as many as 80 percent of employers supported the idea of hiring felons – but a much smaller percentage had actually hired many. They found three main obstacles among employers. The first obstacle was legal compliance issues, including most federal agencies and contractors that deal with security issues or require a federal security clearance. The second was the perception of civil liability on the part of employers, and a fear that hiring a felon could lead to a lawsuit if the felon committed a crime on the job. The third, Taylor said, was a psychological NIBMY (Not In My Backyard) mentality – that plenty of employers and employees liked the idea of hiring felons, but not at their own workplaces. He’s hoping the “employer toolkit” offered by SHRM and the Koch network will mitigate those forces.
Taylor admitted the liability issue was one of the most challenging, as the potential legal risk to employers varied from state to state. He noted that studies indicate that felons who had been released from prison were no more likely to commit crimes in the workplace than employees with no criminal records.
“Regardless of the employee, you do your diligence,” said Mark Holden, the general counsel for Koch Industries. “We’ve been hiring people with criminal records for as long as I’ve been here, about quarter of a century, and we’ve never had that issue. When you hire someone, either way, you’re taking a chance on them. We’ve hired people from the best schools, from the best background, and we’ve later found they’ve stolen from us.”
Taylor said that depending upon the measuring stick, there are anywhere from 6.6 million to 7 million unfilled jobs in the United States right now, and each year, roughly 650,000 people leave prison and reenter society.
“The First Step Act’s prison reform elements include education and skill training,” Holden said. “More people are going to be coming out for prison skilled and ready to go, ready to get back in the game. When employers choose to put applications of convicted felons in the wastepaper basket, it’s a huge wasted opportunity. A lot of these people are very hungry and very humble.”
Chris Wright, the chief executive officer of Liberty Oilfield Services, said that in his experience, released felons “have a passion to prove themselves. Really, you’re hiring the heart. If they’re going to work hard when no one is looking, and if they’re someone who will do the right thing, even under stress, you’re going to win.”
Holden noted that the while the Koch network pushed for the First Step Act and is eager to see America’s businesses start hiring the recently released, they oppose government mandates requiring employers to hire felons, and want to see employers freely embrace the option.
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 | Resumes for Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record
I recently was hired at a nursing home and was railed through all the pre employment paper work everyone goes threw these days. I had a drug test, back ground check and had to submit my fingerprints. Well I got a call that something was found in my back ground that has to be looked into further. All they information I was given was that the incident occurred in 2003 making me 16 and I of course knew right away what it was. I was charged with a misdemeanor and did 1 year probation. I like many other people had it seal away because I was a juvenile. Can they not hire me because of this? This is the only thing I have ever done in my entire life. I have never been arrested nor even gotten pulled over. My adult record is clean.
Juvenile offender wants Job Search Advice
Hello,
I'm not sure where you live but most states seal juvenile records from the public. In most cases they are only visible to law enforcement, the court system and government agencies. The one instance that it would not be sealed is the case of a sexual offense. If that is not your situation, you should seek legal advice as to why your offense is visible.
Many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs often need legal advice. I suggest your local legal aid office.
I hope this helps.
How to get your Juvenile Record Expunged
How can a juvenile record affect my child's life?
Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can Ex-offenders Find Jobs
Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record
Companies 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 | Resumes for Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record
I came across your blog while looking for work. First, I would like to say how much appreciate your time and efforts in providing helpful information for ex-offenders. I have read through most of the posts and your advice has given me some hope in finding work.
I was convicted of a misdemeanor charge of burglary. This occurred over 10 years ago. I didn't serve any jail time and was given 3 years of probation. Since then I went back to school, received a bachelor's degree,started my own business, and plan to go back to pursue a Master's degree.
I want to work in a youth care facility, specifically working with at-risk youth and provide counseling, mentoring, and outreach. However, if a facility is licensed by the state, live-scan is a requirement. I had the misdemeanor charge expunged, but I know that the charge will still be on record (which I had expunged). I actually had an interview for a facility and when asked about my criminal background, I was honest with that person. However, she could not hire me because of the record. She told me that I could apply for an exemption to work in the facility.
My question/concern is that from research on receiving an exemption, I would have to have the particular facility send a letter/request to the Licensing board before I can fill out the appropriate paperwork to get this exemption. Is it common for any facility to honor this request? How I interpret this is that this facility would have to support you and go out of their way so they can hire you. My frustration is that any place is going to hire someone else that has a clean background over someone like myself. So I am wondering if you have had
any experience with exemptions or clearances through the DOJ/LIvescan? Do you think it is possible for ex-offenders to get jobs in this field? I will jump through hoops and get what is needed to get hired but is it a lost cause and doing all of this for nothing?
I am sorry for the lengthy email. I've spent many months researching this subject. I really could not find much information in regards to other people's experience with this particular subject. It has been very discouraging. I would appreciate any insight you might have. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
G
Ex-offender may need help to get a job
Hello G,
I guess it couldn't hurt to apply for the exemption and the facility definitely would have to put some added effort into it. I want everyone to understand that expungement and sealing of records does not erase them. They simply are hidden from the public. The charge and subsequent conviction will always be visible to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies.
I know of ex-offenders and felons having similar jobs. The fact that you were informed about applying for exemption should give you hope if you really want this jobs. As I tell all ex-offenders and felons, they should apply for all jobs they believe they qualify for.
If this doesn't work out, you can always contact the United Way office in your area. They will be able to put you in contact with advocates and other organizations that provide services for ex-offenders and felons.
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
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 | Resumes for Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record
Pennsylvanians with old, low-level offenses on their records have fresh hope that past mistakes won’t cost them new jobs or housing.
As of Dec. 26, the state’s new Clean Slate Law allows people to petition to seal legal records in many misdemeanor cases that are more than 10 years old.
“Non-violent first-degree misdemeanors and most simple assault convictions became eligible for sealing, if the individual has not been convicted for 10 years and if no fines and costs are owed,” Sharon Dietrich, legislation director for Community Legal Services, explained in a press release.
A second phase of the law will kick in on June 28, when courts will begin automatically sealing records in eligible cases.
Here are answers to some key questions about the new law and how it works.
How is a criminal record sealed?
An ex-offender starts by completing a Petition for Order for Limited Access, a one-page form at the Self-Help Center at the county courthouse and online at www.pacourts.us/forms.
It asks for such information as the charges and the judge who imposed sentence.
If the offense happened in Lancaster County, the completed petition should be taken to the Clerk of Courts at the Lancaster County courthouse. There’s a $137 fee, but the indigent may seek a waiver.
Clerk of Courts Jacquelyn Pfursich said her office sends the petition to the judge who imposed sentencing and to the District Attorney’s Office. The district attorney has 30 days to challenge the petition, leading to a hearing before the judge. But if the district attorney doesn’t object, no hearing is needed.
District Attorney Craig Stedman said he expects that filing an objection would be rare, happening, perhaps, if facts on a petition were misrepresented.
Stedman called Clean Slate an overdue, crime-prevention measure because it promotes employment.
“If someone can have a job, they are tying themselves to the community,” he said. “That's a great indicator that the person is less likely to commit crime.”
For those who need it, free legal help is available through “My Clean Slate,” a program created by Community Legal Services in partnership with the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Volunteer attorneys will help to determine if someone is eligible for the provisions of the Clean Slate legislation, which went into effect on Dec. 26.
What happens after the judge grants the petition?
The Clerk of Courts Office marks its record of the conviction: “Sealed. Not open for public inspection.”
The office also notifies the police department, the magisterial district judge, Lancaster County Prison and other agencies that they are prohibited from sharing the records.
How does automatic sealing work?
The new law creates an automated process to seal any arrest that didn’t result in a conviction, summary convictions after 10 years, and some misdemeanor convictions for those who've been law-abiding for 10 years.
For those cases, no petition needs to be filed starting June 28.
Instead, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts will pull eligible records from its database of all criminal records and submit them to the Pennsylvania State Police to check for possible conflicts. The ex-offender will get a letter saying the old record will no longer show up on background checks.
The state will remove eligible docket sheets from its online listing of criminal cases, but not the listing of fines and costs.
The state office will also notify the Clerk of Courts which of its records must be sealed.
Pfursich said she doesn’t know how many local cases could end up sealed. In 2018, a record 7,522 criminal cases were filed locally.
Are people taking advantage of the new law already?
About 700 people statewide petitioned to have their records sealed in the first week after the law took effect, Gov. Tom Wolf said at a news conference Wednesday.
But it's too early to predict the law's impact here, officials said.
In Lancaster County, there wasn’t immediately a noticeable increase in the number of petitions for offenses that fit within the margins of the Clean Slate Law, according to Steve Gumm, the executive director of the Lancaster Bar Association.
But the bar association is “very happy with the law's passage” and sees it as the right step for those whose old, non-violent offenses have created barriers for their lives.
Attorney Mark F. Walmer, who routinely handles cases for sealing, expunging or pardoning past offenses, said he believes the big change will be the phase of automated sealing, when petitions will no longer be needed for eligible offenses.
“The sealing statute will be good for people who have one or two very old misdemeanor offenses," he said.
Walmer noted that the responsibility for verifying that a record has been automatically sealed will fall on individuals. Under the law, only “non-controversial” offenses are automatically sealed; other cases — those that include multiple charges or have unpaid fees, for example — make it through the automated system.
“There are many different disqualifications," Walmer said. “Know exactly what is on your record, have it reviewed by an attorney.”
How big a difference will it make?
Tara Loew leads Lancaster CareerLink’s Re-Entry Services, which works with job-seekers who have criminal backgrounds.
That program serves about 600 people a year, she said, and overall, about a quarter of the people Lancaster CareerLink works with report some kind of criminal record.
Many employers ask about misdemeanor convictions, she said, and retail theft charges can be “extremely limiting” for job-seekers, “more so than felony charges in some cases.”
Loew expects the new law to have a big impact on job-seekers.
In addition to giving individuals that deserve it a second chance, she said, the law breaks down barriers to finding full-time life-sustaining employment — helping families thrive and contributing to the local economy and community safety, as someone gainfully employed is much less likely to reoffend.
She said it also helps employers who might be inclined to give applicants a second chance by taking liability away from them, because legally they’re hiring someone with a “clean slate.”
Loew also said CareerLink has recently held two free criminal record legal clinics for job-seekers, with MidPenn Legal Services, Lancaster Bar Association, Rep. Mike Sturla and the law firm Bentley, Gibson, Kopecki Smith P.C.
Attendees got a chance to have an attorney look over their records and see what their options might be, she said, and when possible were offered free continuing legal help.
The clinics were a hit, Loew said, and CareerLink now plans to offer them quarterly, capped at 30 attendees.
Can an employer ask about sealed records?
Attorney Jennifer Craighead Carey, chair of the Barley Snyder Employment Practice Group, said in an email that Clean Slate prohibits employers from requesting criminal history records that have been sealed and they may not rely on such information in making an employment decision.
The law also allows applicants questioned about sealed records to answer as if the offense did not occur, she wrote, recommending that employers use disclaimer stating that applicants “should not provide information about expunged or sealed criminal convictions.”
How do employers feel about Clean Slate?
Tom Baldrige, president and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber, said it hasn’t heard much from employers about the new law, but he believes they’re generally supportive of it.
“No one is looking for additional barriers to hiring people,” he said, noting that the current workforce need is the most acute he’s seen in 19 years with the chamber. “There are companies that are literally turning down business opportunities because they don’t have the workers, and that is relatively widespread.”
He doesn’t consider the law a game-changer for employers, he said, but does think it “gives some people who might have been hesitant to fully enter the workforce because of some past indiscretions the confidence to come back, and that’s a win-win.”
Harold G. Ford III of NetAtWork is president of Lancaster Society for Human Resource Management.
He noted that Clean Slate passed the Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support and said, “I think that says really clearly this is really good for potential applicants but also for employers.”
Does it increase housing accessibility?
Ninety percent of the landlords that Tabor Community Services works with through its Community Housing Solutions program — an initiative of the Lancaster County Coalition to End Homelessness — have background checks as part of their screening process, according to organization president Michael F. McKenna and program manager Laura Willmer.
Although not the only criteria landlords are applying when screening tenants, past criminal offenses can create an additional barrier to affordable housing, McKenna said.
Tabor does not track the criminal records of those within their programs, but a significant number of those who have disclosed their background would fall under the Clean Slate law's parameters, Willmer and McKenna said.
“Some landlords will do a full background check and look for absolutely everything and others do not do one at all,” said Ann Linkey division manager at Tabor.
Usually, the criminal screenings are to find “violent and drug-related" offenses, Linkey said. The types of offenses that landlords and property managers find disqualifying vary.
“Some will look at a DUI and let it go if it was just that, others would say no,” she said.
Although her team does not track how many housing applications were rejected due to criminal background checks and what those offenses were, it does happen, Linkey said.
“It's a good thing for our clients who have those kinds of backgrounds," Linkey said of Clean Slate.
“It will complement the federal Fair Housing Act," Ray D'Agostino, chief executive officer at the Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership, said of the new law. In most cases, real estate decisions based solely on criminal records are already prohibited, he said.
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 | Resumes for Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Expungement for Felons | Sealing of Records | Housing for Felons
My name is Eric Mayo. Welcome to my blog. I have helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for many years. Many people with criminal records feel they have no chance at getting jobs. That is far from the truth. Though it may be a bit more challenging to ex-offenders and felons, it is possible to to compete for jobs. To do this, felons must construct a plan to neutralize the effects of having a criminal record.
It is definitely going to be more challenging, but the challenges can be overcome by hard work, planning and creativity. I started this blog to offer ex-offenders and felons practical advice and other useful information that can help them get jobs.
What I want everyone to understand that jobs are not going to come to you. You are going to have to go and get them. Getting a job is tough. Getting a job with a criminal record is even tougher. You are have to work harder, smarter and longer than the average job seeker because your record has put you in somewhat of a handicapped position. No one is going to feel sorry for you. The only thing that is going to work is hard work.
I will be updating this blog often so make it a point to stop by from time to time to see what questions have been asked and answered here. If after a while a questions similar to your situation has not been asked, feel free to send me an email with your question. I may not be able to answer your question right away, so look through the available responses. Maybe you will find some information that will help you.
To get everyone started, Click the blinking sign below. I will take you to a page where you can search for open jobs in your area. You can also scroll down to our huge list of companies that hire felons. Best of Luck!
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
Hey my name is Dylan. I have recently gained interest in joining the army. I’m from Illinois and I was charged with a class 1 felony in November, 2016 when I was 17 years old and was charged as an adult. I’m 18 years old now. By law I’m suppose to serve prison time, however I was granted a strict probation sentence. I’m still going through the motions of court, but upon completion of probation the felonies will be expunged. I want to enlist and get things started as soon as possible! Please help me out! Let me know what I can do! Thank You!
Dylan
Felon wants to join the military
Hello Dylan,
The military is often an option for ex-offenders looking for jobs. Once your probation is finished, I suggest you speak to a recruiter. Even if your charge is expunged, it will still be visible to the military. It will always be visible to the court system, law enforcement and any government agency. The recruiter will be able to help you establish your eligibility. I don't know which branch of the military you are interested in but the Army has a record of being more lenient than the others. I know of felons who have joined the military and turned service in careers. You can learn a useful trade in the military and also gain military status that will give you an edge when applying for jobs after your service is completed.
If recruitment numbers are down, you will have a better chance. The Army has been known to grant waivers to convicted felons who have finished their sentences. Waivers are considers on a case by case basis so your particular offense will be considered.
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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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 | Resumes for Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record
My name is Tim. I was reading the blogs on the web site. I have complete compassion in this matter as I am also a convicted felon. It's shameful just to say it aloud, but like the others I have accepted it and realized what I have done is wrong. My convictions unfortunately were aimed mainly at my parents when I was younger do to an emotionally unstable home life. I have corrected my problems and own emotional bouts. I am a successful father of two beautiful little girls and engaged to the most wonderful woman on this planet. We are buying a house soon on her income....I feel less of a person not being able to provide for my family.
I was told last week by Kelly services after an interview that I had the job. It was the best news I heard since my lady said yes to that important question after we laid our baby girl down for the night. I went to work today, I loved it. I liked it so much I started to talking to the human resources person about retirement and shares in the biz. I received a phone call on the way home tonight which is what has sparked my efforts for finding an answer online. Kelly services was relaying a message that a background check had come back and they found a felony.
The conviction that was in question was a misdemeanor. I'm not even sure that will save me from what's ahead but I plan on taking immediate action in the morning. My hopes lie within the kind heart of the hr woman from the place I was employed. The conviction in '07 was not a felony, if there is any possible way to get that taken care of on a very bare income please let me know. Thank you for your time and have wonderful day.
Sincerely,
Tim
Ex-offender may need legal help to get a job
Hello Tim,
Two things come to mind. First, if the conviction was on the application, It wouldn't be a question. As I suggest to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs, be totally honest when completing employment applications. It would make no sense to leave convictions off when applying, get hired and than lose the job when background checks are done at a later time.
If your only situation is that your misdemeanor is listed as a felony, one option is to have the prosecutor associated with your case to correct the situation. Often the prosecutor has the power to downgrade a felony to a misdemeanor. If there was an error, you should have no problem getting this done. If you have no success there, I suggest contacting your local legal aid office. There you may be able to get low-cost or even no-cost assistance correcting your situation. Often ex-offenders and felons looking for employment require some legal assistance and that is a good place to start.
I hope this helps
Jobs for felons: Expungement - A Way to Erase Your Criminal Record
Jobs for felons: Expungement basics
Ex-offender may need legal help to 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 Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Places That Hire Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Expungement | Pre-trial Intervention
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 have been doing some research recently on trying to find a professional career with a criminal background. Apparently I have done everything backwards. I graduated from the University of Tennessee with honors, but soon after I got into some trouble. Long story short, I've done my time but I can't seem to find a job. I've tried everything, but this thing is beating me down. There is just no forgiveness and all the time I spent earning my degree is wasted just because of one mistake.
Thank you,
Frustrated
Jobs are scarce for a felon with degree
You may be surprised how often I hear stories like yours. Unfortunately sometimes good people go through some incredibly terrible things (remember that.) Don't give up on yourself or your education. I suggest to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to apply with well written cover letters introducing you and your resume. Often when apply for jobs this way, the "Have you been convicted..." question never comes up. If it does, it will be in an interview where you may offer some brief details of what led to your brushes with the law but focus on how you have overcome your past problems and what you have to offer.
As far as finding employment, make use of your local One-stop Career Center. You will find a lot of helpful services including job leads. You can find the center closest to you at http://www.servicelocator.org
I also suggest to those with college degrees to look to local community colleges. Often there are adjunct instructor positions available teaching basic subjects like English or basic math.
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
Jobs for Felons: The Facts about Companies that Hire Ex offenders and Felons
Jobs are scarce for a felon with degree
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
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?
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
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?
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
