Jobs for felons: Female Felon finds Hard Job Search

I was convicted of 22 counts of forgery and uttering in 2009 and since then 6 probation violations (4 in 2013 and 2 in 2017). I obtained my BS degree in human services with a minor in psychology in 2008 with a 3.468 G.P.A., but cannot get a job. I have been clean from drugs and alcohol since May 21, 2013.  My dream is to be a drug and alcohol rehabilitation counselor. I want to help people struggling with addictions because I have been there and done that. I have also overcome my addiction and am working to make my life better. Even though I graduated with honors, I cannot get a job anywhere. I have applied to thousands of jobs since my 2008 graduation and cannot get one other than waitressing.

I live in a depressed area, but I have applied in several states and still nothing. It seems like if the job initially asks for a resume, I get an interview; then once I fill out the application and answer the “Have you ever been convicted of a felony” question, I never hear from them again. It’s odd because before I obtained my degree I was an office manager. I was given that job two weeks after being released from prison by a wonderful family. I did their payroll, bills and many other things. I quit to do my student internship. Since then, I can’t get a job anywhere. To answer Roger P.’s question, felons need to be seen as people that have made mistakes but people that should be given another chance. I believe with all of my heart people relapse or re-offend because the world shows them that no matter how hard they try, they will always be judged and punished.

Other than jobs, felons need hope, counseling, and people that believe in them. Counseling to build their self esteem. As felons we feel as if we have been branded with somewhat of a scarlet letter and no matter how hard we try people will always judge. I think it’s ludicrous that we pride ourselves on being forgiving and a country of opportunities. We are just like countries that cut fingers off of thieves and just the same as we were in medieval times when we made adulterers wear the Scarlett letter. We do not give people a chance because of a mistake they made or had a drug addiction when they were teens. It’s sad that we have no hope for tomorrow because we are continuously judged. As a felon, I want an opportunity to provide for my family. I want to be able to pay my student loans. I want to be able to get my masters degree and licensure for a LPC (licensed professional counselor).

I want to be employable. I have taken the necessary steps to improve my life. I have been clean for over ten years. I have offered employers, if they give me an opportunity I will pay for drug tests and am willing to be on an extended probationary period. I still can’t get a job. I have contacted the governor and applied for a pardon. I’m an active member of the Virginia Employment Commission. I have volunteered. I don’t know what else to do. I need help. None of my crimes are sexual or violent in nature. They were all committed at the same time except for my probation violations. I have 22 forgery from writing a boyfriends checks and 2 other times I was convicted of probation violations (drug tests and the other was a DUI). I have paid all of my costs, done my time in prison and have been released from probation for 6 years. I live in southwest VA, but have applied for jobs across the U.S. I want a better life. Please help me.

Sincerely,

Michele

Jobs for felons: Female Felon finds Hard Job Search

Hello Michele,

You are absolutely correct. People make mistakes. That’s why pencils have erasers. Felons who have committed crimes and worked hard to overcome them should be afforded opportunities. It would happen in a perfect world but unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world. I work with felons everyday so I know exactly the obstacles they face. It can be frustrating. You have worked hard to put your past behind you. My suggestion is to contact your local United Way office. The United Way supports many types of community and social service organizations. Many of them aid people that have pasts similar to yours. Perhaps they can point you to agencies that have hired people with criminal records. They could also put you in contact with advocacy groups that could also help by lending support. There is one in your area. The United Way of Southwest Virginia serves the counties of Scott, Wise and Dickinson. You can find more information here:

The United Way of Southwest Virginia

https://www.swvaunitedway.org/

Best of luck to you

Are you an ex-offender or felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for over twenty years and I feel I have an understanding of what works.

I will be updating this blog often. I will answer specific questions relating to getting a job with a criminal record on this blog so feel free to send me your questions. You could have your question answered right here. The right information could help ex-offenders and felons get jobs. Before sending your question, take a few minutes and look through questions that have been asked. The answer may already be there Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net.

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Jobs for felons: Female Felon finds Hard Job Search

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