Hello,
I think it’s wonderful that you are answering questions from folks with criminal backgrounds that are having a difficult time finding employment. I’ve noticed that you often refer these individuals to the local One-Stops. I work with individuals that are in this situation and I refer them to the One-Stops and various ex-offender programs as well. The problem is that they simply don’t ever find anyone a job.
The One-stops give lists of employers and then when the folks go for interviews and the employers discover they have backgrounds, they don’t hire them. The counselors seem to talk a good game, but they never actually “place” anyone with a challenging background. I mean if you have a misdemeanor or one offense, perhaps. But folks who have had multiple problems and are now seriously trying to change their lives — well, I can honestly say I haven’t had any luck.
I have 30 year who is on parole and has gone to every program I’ve recommended. He’s articulate, knows how to dress and act in an interview, etc. has been diligent in searching and following-up, but the information he has been given hasn’t been helpful. I have an older woman who just went through our jobs program and is ready willing able and eager to work. Everyone else in the class without a background has found employment, her, no luck. I’m not sure what good these One stop centers are if they can’t help those folks who need it the most. They always talk about their success rate, but in my experience, it’s been 0.
D Rich
How effective are One-stop Career Centers in helping ex-offenders and felons find jobs?
D,
I often tell ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs not to rely on simply one tool. That’s what the One-stop Career Center is …a tool. Like any other tool, it works if you work it. You can use the One-stop to help get a good resume and to secure solid job leads. The rest is up to you. Felons have to realize that no matter how many jobs they are referred to, they still have to compete for them.
I suggest you do some networking. Contact all of the felons you know that have jobs. Contact their employers and inquire about open positions. In fact contact every working person you know and ask if they know of any open positions. This is how most people their jobs.
Like I tell all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs, they are handicapped by criminal records. Like anyone else hampered by a handicap, they must work harder than the average job seeker. Start by doing a self assessment. How is your resume? How are your interviewing skills? How is your wardrobe? How hard have you worked to bring all of these tools together? How hard have you worked to make use of all the available resources that the One-stop Career Center has to offer?
One of my favorite quotes is,
“The bad workman blames his tools”
Are you an ex-offender or felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net.
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