Jobs for Ex-Offenders
We’ve compiled this list as a resource for those who come through the RU program and are looking for a job. We have resources to help people find employment, change careers (career training) and even those with a criminal past seeking employment (ex-offenders). These resources are a good place to start.
Where to Start?
- Ex Convicts Search for Employment. Looking for a job is no piece of cake for anyone, but when ex-convicts search for employment, they’re faced with additional challenges. (red more via lovetoknow.com)
- The National H.I.R.E. Network: This group’s whole mission is to help ex-convicts find their place in society. You’ll need a membership to reap the benefits, but it’s free. They also help you find employment search assistance in your local area. This is a goldmine of information for ex-convicts searching for jobs.
- One Stop Career Center: There is a one-stop career center in each major metropolitan area and many smaller communities throughout the United States. A partnership between federal and state job seeker assistance agencies, registering with the center in your area is a great way to jump start your job search. Meet with a counselor and be honest about your background so that the person who is trying to help you knows what you are facing. He or she will likely have contacts in the local area with employers and other resources for people who are transitioning from the criminal justice system back into the workforce.
Helps for Ex-Offenders
“More than 10,000 felons will come back to Northeast Ohio this year after serving time in state prisons. Of that number, 7,000 will return to Cleveland, according to the Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry.” (see article here)
Community agencies are available to assist individuals with criminal records find employment. This information will inform individuals with criminal records about government agencies and community-based organizations that assist with employment, education or vocational training. Researchers and policy makers may find this information useful in identifying agencies and service providers in order to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs. Again, this is Ohio-centric. If you are not in this state you will have to find your states version of these.
- Giving Ex-Offenders a Chance Helps All of Us – includes a brief checklist for ex-offenders seeking employment.
- . A comprehensive list of transitional job providers across the US.
- National Reentry Resource Center- The Resource Center, established by the Second Chance Act, provides assistance to the prisoner reentry field. We provide education, training, and technical assistance to states, tribes, territories, local governments, service providers, nonprofit organizations, and corrections agencies working on prisoner reentry.
Books and Other Resources
In five years the only difference will be the books you read and the people you meet. You’ve met some good people along the way, start reading some books. Besides, a little preparation for the soon-to-be job interview couldn’t hurt.
- The Ex-Offender’s Job Interview Guide: Turn Your Red Flags Into Green Lights
- I Need a J-O-B! the Ex-Offender’s Job Search Manual
- Best Jobs for Ex-Offenders: 101 Opportunities to Jump-Start Your New Life
Self-Employment Strategies
More ex-offenders on the streets are chasing fewer jobs due to the economy and high recidivism. If work won’t come to you then go out and make it happen. This should spark your creative interests.
- 48 Days to the Work You Love – Dan Miller
- 48 Low-Cost Business Ideas – Dan Miller
- Hamster Burial Kits and 998 Other Business Ideas
- 100 Business Ideas You Can Drive Home Today
I hope this has been a help for you. If so, please pass it along to your friends and loved ones.
