Eric Mayo Jobs for Felons: How felons can get jobs
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Showing posts with label jobs for convicted felons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jobs for convicted felons. Show all posts

Monday, October 28, 2024

Felons should apply for all jobs they qualify for

Felons should apply for all jobs they qualify for

Felons should apply for all jobs they qualify for

Expungement gives felons a second chance

HELP! I am a 25 year old who is a recovering addict from an auto accident which almost killed me. I am highly educated in Finance/Accounting. I worked on Wall Street and was well paid as an intern. I am now on a three year probation. I was hired at a very good company in NYC before the court recently convicted me. A background check was done at that time and all was clear since I had no convictions. I turned down the job at the time - approximately a year ago. If I were to return to that company who wanted to hire me and make my contacts, would the company once again do another criminal background check? Are there any high paying jobs online I can do from home since I am educated with degrees and talented in my field? Is my life over?

I cannot attend Law School unless these felonies are expunged which is unrealistic. I don't know where to turn, I feel hopeless, I never leave my home.

I would appreciate any help or information you can give me. Thank you, God Bless.

Heartbroken



Felons should apply for all jobs they qualify for



Hello Heartbroken,

Felons should apply for all jobs they qualify for
I suggest contacting the person you were in contact with before. As I suggest to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to apply for every job you feel you are qualified for. The worst that could happen is you could be turned down. The way I see it, you will not get a job you don't apply for.

Regarding
expungement, many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs require legal assistance. I suggest contacting your local legal aid office. There you could get low-cost or even no cost advice to help you find out what your options are in your state.  Just as an FYI, even with an expungement, your conviction will always be visible to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies.

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



companies that hire felons




Felons should apply for all jobs they qualify for


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

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Monday, December 5, 2022

I have no problem hiring ex-offenders. But they’re being let down


Originally published at TheGuardian.com@genemarks

I don’t care if a candidate for my company’s open position has a criminal record. But I do care about something more important.

My company is hoping to hire a part-time person to implement and support some of the software applications we sell. Like most small business owners, finding someone isn’t easy in this tight labor market, despite all the recent tech industry layoffs. I can’t afford to pay what some of these people earn – or were earning – in Silicon Valley and therefore my choices are limited. So, what to do?

How about hiring someone with a criminal record?

A portrait of a man with a graying beard wearing a black skull cap.
Sentenced to life for stealing $14: ‘I needed help, but was given jail’

Large corporations including JP Morgan Chase, American Airlines, AT&T and CVS have been doing it for years. State and federal prison systems offer all sorts of opportunities for employers to hire people who were formerly incarcerated. It’s not a bad bet either: studies – like this one – show that people with criminal records are no more likely to quit or be fired than anyone else.

States like Iowa and cities like Philadelphia offer cash incentives to employers who hire ex-convicts. The federal government also offers a very generous tax credit – the Work Opportunity Tax Credit – for hiring people who recently got out of prison. A number of non-profits like Honest Jobs, CareerAddict, 2ndChances4Felons and the Women’s Prison Association connect employers to prospective employees with criminal records or offer programs that help the process. The Department of Labor offers assistance through its CareerOneStop platform.

"You pay your dues and should be allowed to live your life. Most of my clients feel the same. So does the general public."


I wouldn’t have a problem filling my open position with an ex-felon or someone with a criminal record. People mess up. Some more seriously than others. But you pay your dues and should be allowed to try to live your life. Most of my clients feel the same. And so does the general public. In fact, a person’s criminal history has become so trivial that although employers can ask a prospective candidate about it during pre-employment screenings or background checks, many states do not allow that employer to discriminate based on their findings.

So no, I don’t care if a candidate for my company’s open position has a criminal record or is an ex-felon. But I do care about something that, to me, is even more important.

Can they read?

It’s one thing for all of these government programs and non-profit organizations to help ex-felons secure employment. But are they even qualified?

There are 10m open jobs in the US – hence the tight labor market – but employers are primarily looking for skilled workers. Most of my clients, like me, need workers who have knowledge. And if they don’t have the knowledge, they need to be able to learn, study and research. You can’t do this if you don’t read.

Many studies, like this one from 2003 by the Urban Institute, found that about 70% of offenders and ex-offenders are high school dropouts. About half are “functionally illiterate”, meaning they can’t read above a fourth-grade level.


Worse, statistics show that 85% of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are essentially illiterate. Penal institution records show that inmates have a 16% chance of returning to prison if they receive literacy help, as opposed to 70% who receive no help. I can’t hire someone – or even teach them the skills my company requires – if they don’t have a high school level of literacy. Being illiterate is a complete non-starter.

Some of the big companies – and good for them – have the resources to help these ex-convicts learn these skills. But small businesses like mine, which employ more than half of the country’s workers, don’t have the ability to do this. So what can be done?

"Governments and non-profits should be investing in programs to get prisoners educated on the basics of reading and math."


The answer is literacy. Don’t pay me to hire ex-felons. Pay to get them literate. People in prison need to learn how to read, period. Instead of tax credits and other incentives for businesses to hire, governments and non-profits should be investing in programs to get prisoners educated on the basics of reading and math first. That’s the priority. Because once someone is at a proficient level of education, he or she can then learn the rest. But they can’t do that if they can’t read an instruction manual or study for a Microsoft certification.

That’s what I’m looking for before hiring someone out of prison. I need people who can read. Unfortunately, that’s not what the system is producing.



Companies that hire Felons


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Jobs for Felons

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Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Juvenile record is a problem

Juvenile record is a problem


Hey,

My name is Ali, I am in need of help. I was convicted of a juvenile felony in 99 and its now impossible to find a job. I have a bachelors in English and became certified in VA and two other states to teach. 

 I was lucky and was able to find a job teaching in VA for a public school. I was even able to get into the air force(somehow). The Air Force found out about my background but looked past it and I served my time. The school I taught for gave me employment before they had livescan (my worse enemy). Anyways since I left that school district a few years back I was overseas teaching. 

Since I came back and moved to Austin, TX it is impossible to find gainful employment. I know I can go to McDonalds, but I am 27 now and need something realistic. I had a job as a security guard, the company loved me and all, but when my background came back, they let me go. I am at wits end with trying to find something that will allow me to actually be a productive member of society.

I am young and have so much to offer, but my background haunts me. Its frustrating to have served my time and still all these years later have it thrown in my face. I don’t know where to turn or where to start. I know in TX you cannot get a teaching license with a criminal background, so I don’t know where else to turn. Can you give me some direction as to where to start?

Respectfully,

Ali


Juvenile record is a problem


Hello Ali,

I am confused. It is my understanding that juvenile records are automatically sealed by the court ant 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. In any event, I suggest you get a copy of your record. The best would come from 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) Each request 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 law enforcement agency.

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

Juvenile record is a problem
Once you have a copy of your record, you can see exact what comes up on a background checks. Next, I suggest you speak to an attorney. An attorney can tell you what your legal options are. You can probably get low-cost or even no-cost legal assistance at your local legal aid office. Many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs require legal assistance.

In relation to teaching  positions, you may want to look at teaching at your local community college. Community colleges are less bound by regulations than public schools are

I hope this helps.


Please Rate This Post at the Top!

 

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



Juvenile record is a problem


Jobs for Felons: The Facts about Companies that Hire Ex offenders and Felons (2018)

Juvenile record is a problem



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Saturday, January 1, 2022

Felon needs to know where to look for a job

Felon needs to know where to look for a job



Felon needs to know where to look for a job
Hello,

My boyfriend has a criminal background and he needs a job. I wouldn't say that he's a convicted felon because he never actually got sentenced to do time in a state prison just time in the county prison. We live in New Jersey and I wanted to know where should he start to look for a job.





Felon needs to know where to look for a job



Hello,

I believe you are a bit confused. If he was sentenced to serving time in the county jail, he was convicted. Generally, county sentences are limited to 364 days. Anything longer is served at state prison. He needs to find out if he was convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor. Ask him to take a look at his disposition (release papers.) This is important because he has to know how to answer the "Have you been convicted of a crime?" question. If he was sentenced to do time, pay a fine or probation, the answer is "yes." Knowing how to properly complete employment applications will make the felon job search more successful.

As far as where to look for a job. Take a look at the video below.  It outline several resources a felon can use to get a job.  I always suggest the local One-stop Career Center.  There are many services there that an ex-offender or felon will find useful.

There is also a link below to a list of employers that hire ex-offenders and felons.

Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs


Jobs for Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record



Companies that Hire Felons



 Felon needs to know where to look for 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

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Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Ex-offender with misdemeanors need job search advice

Ex-offender with misdemeanors need job search advice

Ex-offender with misdemeanors need job search advice



 
Hello Mr. Mayo,

I was reading your blogspot about who women who was having difficulties finding employment because of felonies on her record in North Carolina . I do not have any felonies, but I occurred 2 misdemeanors in one night. Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest. I am talking with lawyers and hopefully these charges will be removed. The frustrating thing is I was fired today from my job because the charges are "pending". The reason I sent this email is to ask you are there any jobs that will hire me with misdemeanors on my record until I go to court Oct. 5. This was really a blow to my self esteem, and if you know anywhere I could seek employment in Raleigh, NC I would greatly appreciate it. Have a great day.

Respectfully,

Erik

 Ex-offender with misdemeanors need job search advice



Hello Erik,

Ex-offender with misdemeanors need job search advice
Not to minimize your troubles but your charges could be considered minor. Not many employers would hold those against you. You may just have to find the right situation. The suggestion I offer to many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is the local One-stop Career Center. There are many services as well as counselors that can help ex-offenders and felons get jobs. Often the counselors are experienced at assisting those with criminal backgrounds. The counselors also have access to the bank of open positions in your state.

The One-stop Career Center in Raleigh is here:

http://www.servicelocator.org/Search/detail-info.asp?Category=CenterInformation&ParentID=31209045&state=NC


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 that hire felons


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Ex-offender with misdemeanors need job search advice

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Monday, November 16, 2020

Felons' mom wants to help them get jobs

Felons' mom wants to help them get  jobs

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FAMILIES OF MASS INCARCERATION

I live in North Carolina and I have two sons. One is 24 and the other is 21. The 24 year old got in trouble 5 years ago for DWI and for having less than an ounce of marijuana on him. He went to rehab and has worked construction and done pylon work. He can not get employment anywhere because of his record what can be done? He has not been in any trouble since then.

The 21 year old has had several issues with Driving with no operators license, DWI, drinking underage. He was charged back in 2016 at the time of the incident but did not go to trial until last year. So he decided to get it over with and do his days in jail to not have to deal with probation. Recently he tried to get on with a company he worked for before and because of the charges they would not hire him back.

How long does someone have to keep on paying for crimes committed years ago. Both these boys deserve a chance to make it in this world, unfortunately they were not able to attend college because being a single mother I could not afford it. I have worked for the same company for over 20 years, this same company is the one that would not hire my son back. At some point doesn't the state step in and say enough is enough, a lot of the people we have tried to hire have records of some sort and because of it we can't hire them, so instead people like me who have fended by myself raising two boys have to support them when they go on welfare. What can I do or they do to find a job?

Charmane,


Felons' mom wants to help them get  jobs




Hello Charmane,

Felons' mom wants to help them get  jobs
I'm sorry your sons are having so much trouble. I suggest that they apply for employment at temporary agencies. Temp agencies are always looking for good people. When applying for temporary employment, ex-offenders and felons should apply at smaller independent agencies rather that the large nationally known agencies. Usually smaller agencies do not have a parent companies setting hiring restrictions on them. They hire anyone they choose. Often if temporary employees are good, they are hired on a permanent basis.

Another option is to apply at construction contractors.  Contractors are always looking for employees who can get to work on time and put in a full days work for a full days pay.  Those with special skills like masonry or carpentry would be given a fair chance regardless of their criminal records


There is also a link below to companies that give chances to qualified felons.

The best of luck to you and your sons.

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 that hire felons

Felons' mom wants to help them get  jobs

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!

Felons' mom wants to help them get  jobs


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

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Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Felon wants to be a locksmith

Felon wants to be a locksmith



Felon wants to be a locksmith
I am wondering if u can help me with a question that i have. I live in Indianapolis, Indiana and I am a convicted felon. I would like to know if I can become a licensed locksmith? If I can then what do I need to do to become a locksmith? Any information would be very helpful.

Thank You.





 Felon wants to be a locksmith



Hello,

Felon wants to be a locksmithTo my knowledge, the state of Indiana does not require locksmiths to be licensed. One thing I do caution self-employed ex-offenders and felons is to inquire if your conviction prohibits you from getting bonded.

A bond is an insurance policy that protects your customers from any type of loss as a result of doing business with you. I know ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs can be bonded through a program offered by the federal government. The program however does not extend to businesses owned by felons, only for felons who are employed or seek to be employed.

You can find more about the federal bonding program here:
http://www.bonds4jobs.com/







companies that hire felons




Jobs for Felons:  What is the Federal Bonding Program?


Jobs for Felons: How to Get a Federal Bond







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 | List of companies that Hire Felons

Felon wants to be a locksmith

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Monday, September 14, 2020

Will educated felons be able to get corporate jobs?

Will educated felons be able to get corporate jobs?

 

Will educated felons be able to get corporate jobs?

Taking a lawbreaking past out of college applications

Hello,

I am a 25 year old college student currently working on my M.S. in Information and Communication Science. When I was 20 I was convicted of "Accessory to a felony after the fact" in Texas (the crime actually happened just 6 months after turning 18). I have not been in trouble with the law since and finished my 5 year probation with no problems. I am smart, attractive, and one of the only women in my program at school. My advisors keep telling me how easy it will be for me to get a job in computer science as a woman due to the lack of diversity amongst gender in many corporations. I am very fearful that I will not be able to get any job after graduation due to my felony record. I have contacted two lawyers in Texas about expungement but they have told me to quit dreaming and that felony expungements are far and few between in the state of Texas (I live in Michigan now). Is this true? Is there no chance for me to get this off my record ever? I am afraid that I have put all of this money into my education and still will not be able to get a successful job because of a stupid decision I made 7 years ago. What are my options? What is some general advice on this issue? Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

KN


Will educated felons be able to get corporate jobs?



Hello,

Expungement may not be an option for many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs, but don not give up.  Layers are going to hate my next suggestion because there are attorneys who make their livings by helping people with the expungement process.  My suggestion is to contact your local legal aid office.  There, you will get valuable advice and you can find out if it is a a viable option for you.  If it is an option, you may be able to get low cost or even free assistance and if it can help your career.

I know of ex-offenders and convicted felons with far worse charges than yours who have gone on to have great careers. Companies hire people with criminal records everyday.  A bit of advice is whenever possible, apply for jobs using your resume and well written cover letters. Often by using this method, the criminal record question may never come up. If the question arises, always be honest while letting the person know the event in your life was an isolated incident and you are fortunate to have put it behind you. Also talk about how hard you have worked to overcome your past.

I'm sure you will make out just fine.  In the meantime, take a look at the article linked here:

Jobs for Felons: Companies Pledge Second Chance Opportunities

Jobs for Ex-offenders and felons: Sending Resumes and Cover Letters


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

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

 
Companies That Hire Felons






Will educated felons be able to get corporate jobs?


 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

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Thursday, August 27, 2020

Job Search Expert Offers Advice for Ex-offenders and Convicted Felons Looking for Jobs

Job Search Expert Offers Advice for Ex-offenders and Convicted Felons Looking for Jobs




There were over six hundred thousand convicted felons discharged from prisons in 2018. Without jobs, a lot of felons will find themselves once again behind bars.


Job search expert Eric Mayo is skilled at teaching ex-offenders and felons to get jobs. Mr. Mayo has been helping previously incarcerated people get jobs for many years. 

He is pleased to share some of the information he has use that has helped thousands of ex-offenders and felons get jobs



Job Search Expert Offers Advice for Ex-offenders and Convicted Felons Looking for Jobs

 

Companies that Hire Ex-offenders and Felons 

Ex-offenders and felons are hired everyday.  Find out which companies have hiring practices that do not necessarily forbid the hiring of ex-offenders.



Companies That Hire Felons




Writing Resumes that get Jobs

The resume is a very powerful self-marketing tool that should show your skills and qualifications in one neat package.  An effective resume will give you an advantage over your competition in getting an interview where you can sell yourself.
 


Powerful Interviewing Techniques

For most people interviewing is stressful.  It doesn’t have to be.  The interview is the time to show just how professional you are and that you are the right person for the job. Doing well on the interview can help you overcome your criminal record.


Effective use of Body Language

Interviewing isn't just about responding to questions.  It is a combination of things that will influence an employer's decision to give an ex-offender a chance.  learn what these things are and how to do them to get results.


Cleaning up Criminal Records

It is crucial to know what information is in your criminal record.  There may be false information included in your report that could seriously hurt your chances to get a job.  You can have false information permanently removed from your record.  In some cases certain charges can be officially and formally erased from your record.


Finding Jobs with Help-wanted Ads

For some, the newspaper help wanted ads are the first choice of many job seekers for finding job leads. Find out what the best approach is to have success with newspaper help-wanted ads.


Businesses Felons and Ex-offenders can Start

Getting a job may not be the best choice for ex-offenders and felons. There are many small business that can be started with hard work and not very much money needed to start up.


Handling Tough Interview Questions

Interviews may present some tough questions some relating to your criminal record.  Knowing how to handle difficult questions will be the difference between getting hired and not being hired.


What to Wear to Interviews

You will never get a second chance to make a positive first impression.  Looking the part of a professional is just as important as what you say.  People will make assumptions about your professionalism and potential performance based upon your appearance.  


The Best Place for Ex-offenders and Felons to Find Jobs

Part of the battle for ex-offenders and felons is knowing where to find available job openings.  There are places to find jobs that most people don't think of


Job Fair Success

Employers use job fairs to promote their companies, and quickly fill entry level positions.  They usually attract a large number of job seekers.  Being prepared is the best way to get the most out of a job fair and maximize your chances to get hired.
 

Using the Telephone to get Jobs


Contacting employers on the telephone can be a way to reach many employers in a short time.  There is a method to conducting a successful job search over the telephone









Get More Info Here!




 Companies that hire felons


Job Search Expert Offers Advice for Ex-offenders and Convicted Felons Looking for Jobs


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Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Jobs for Felons: Finding a job even tougher for former inmates during pandemic

( Nati Harnik / Orlando Sentinel)


By Katy Rice, Originally published ORLANDO SENTINEL 


The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented barriers to the already difficult process of former inmates navigating their return to society, leaving advocates scrambling for new ways to help.

The crisis has halted some reentry programs entirely, limited the resources available to their clients or forced them to operate virtually. Advocates say some returning citizens will find the help simply isn’t there.

Then there’s the always-daunting challenge of finding a job. Without one, released inmates are unable to pay fines and fees associated with reentry, like the supervision fees often required for probation. Maintaining employment is often a requirement of supervision — and failing to do so can count as a violation.

Jill Viglione, a researcher and assistant criminal justice professor at UCF, recently contacted 213 community parole and probation agencies nationwide, finding that 30% to 50% of supervised people have lost their jobs since the pandemic began, the majority of which were in the service industry.

Out-of-work ex-offenders now find themselves among a flood of the newly unemployed people, many without the burden of a criminal history.

“It has the potential to really set a lot of people back who might have been working really hard to find a job or working really hard to maintain the job that they’ve had, and I’m worried about them for the future,” Viglione said.

‘The box’ still a barrier

David Crout, who spent four years in prison before being released in 2014, knows how tough it is to find a job.

“When I got out of prison, I was walking with the clothes on my back, no money,” said Crout, now 54.

Crout had lost a hospital job after he became addicted to prescription drugs and was convicted on endangerment and larceny charges. He lived at a homeless shelter after he was released from prison while looking for a stable job that offered a livable wage — without any luck.

“Twenty years of working in a hospital, but they don’t look at that when I look for an apartment, they don’t look at that when I look for a job, they look at ‘ex-offender,‘” he said. “ ... It’s a stigma, like homelessness, that’s placed on people.”

Crout eventually got back on his feet and moved to Leesburg, where he’s currently searching for a new job in a challenging market that has seen many workers laid off or unemployed in recent months.

Advocates worry employers’ prejudice against people with a criminal background, which is always a challenge ex-offenders face, will be even more difficult to overcome when so many people are out of work and seeking jobs.

“People who don’t have a criminal background are vying for those same jobs, because now they’re unemployed and they’re having to look outside their own preferred field or their own career,” Osceola County Jail reentry specialist Christina Mayo said. “… The competition is so much higher.”

Often, that prejudice arises in the first step of the hiring process: a screening question asking whether an applicant has been convicted of a felony is a staple on most job applications.

The nationwide “Ban the Box” campaign has been fighting to eliminate that hurdle for nearly two decades.

“The point is to actually look at the person as a person, look at their job skills and then find out, if there is a conviction history, does it have something to do with the job,” said Mark Fujiwara of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, the nonprofit that started the campaign.

Florida currently has no statewide law banning the box. A bill that proposed preventing employers from asking about a job candidate’s criminal background in the first stages of the hiring process died in committee in March.

But some cities have removed the question from employment applications. Orlando banned the box for applicants to city positions in May 2015.

Desmond Meade, executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, said another approach governments can take is to give priority in awarding contracts to businesses that hire ex-offenders.

Fujiwara suggested banning the box could help the economy well after the country recovers from the pandemic. But the current work-from-home boom presents potential pitfalls for ex-offenders, who may have limited access to and experience with the technology involved.

“A lot of people don’t have the skills or the resources to participate in the socially distanced, remote workforce,” Fujiwara said.

Finding work is essential to successful reentry, Meade said. In addition to having to pay fees associated with probation or parole and afford housing and transportation, a former prisoner could owe child support or face fines that can make it difficult to obtain a driver’s license, which in turn makes it difficult to get a job.

“This person is forced to pay for financial obligations that he has, but ... he’s prevented from actually being able to do the work,” Meade said.

Job counseling goes virtual

Usually, Turning Point Counseling works with inmates considered at risk of recidivism in a classroom setting at the Osceola County Jail to address their post-release concerns and create transition plans.

But COVID-19 has halted the mental health and life skills services program from accepting new inmates. One-on-one sessions are currently the only option, and even those have become difficult to arrange due to restrictions on inmate movement within the jail.

“It may be awhile before we can get back to that typical method that this program was really designed to do,” said Joanne Turner, who founded Turning Point Counseling in 1995. “... We’re doing the best that we can, and I know other programs like ours probably feel the same way.”

As the pandemic continues, Turner is rethinking how Turning Point will assist people in the future, whether it’s through Plexiglas at the jail’s chaplain’s office or through Zoom sessions with ex-offenders after they’re released.

Viglione said use of virtual methods to track and supervise ex-offenders has risen in the months since the pandemic started. Her June survey of 213 supervision agencies found that 91% were meeting with people through video conferencing, something nearly all of those surveyed said they’d implemented due to COVID-19.

Others are still meeting with clients in person, through drive-up curbside meetings or other socially distanced measures, Viglione said.

Job centers, too, have had to embrace a hybrid approach.

Ryan Ridley, career center manager at CareerSource Central Florida’s West Orange County office, said most of the workforce planning agency’s services, including one-on-one career counseling assistance and skill training seminars, have gone online.

Goodwill of Central Florida’s job connection centers have also gone virtual. That initially posed a challenge for job seekers who didn’t have access to computers or smartphones at home, but has become less problematic since libraries reopened, said Kim Praniewicz, senior director of marketing, communications and workforce development.

Goodwill has continued to offer employment resources to people behind bars. Life skills programs for inmates in the Orange County Jail are now contactless, with inmates completing coursework for the Goodwill team to review and provide feedback.

Goodwill representatives said they haven’t seen hiring slow during the pandemic overall, but there’s been a shift in which industries are hiring. Praniewicz said hiring in the hospitality industry slowed, while warehouse and transportation positions opened up as the supply chain shifted.

Ridley said the trade and logistics industry in particular has seen increased demand, especially for commercial drivers, which Ridley said “tends to be the most friendly and tolerant background employer.”

‘It’s tough, mentally'

Crout, who is looking for a job in Leesburg through Goodwill, said he has seen other ex-offenders struggle to find work during the early months of the pandemic.

“There aren’t as many positions out there,” he said. “It’s tough, mentally.”

Ten years after he was convicted for endangerment and larceny — the former for keeping the pain pills in his car within his family’s reach and the latter for stealing his grandmother’s jewelry to support his addiction — Crout hopes to work in outreach and use his story to motivate others to make good decisions.

“You have to be strong. A lot of people are in the same position as I am, but there are a lot of people a lot worse than me, too,” Crout said. “... My worst day out here is better than my best day in prison.”


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