Jobs for Felons: Educated Felon is Looking for Good...

Jobs for Felons: Educated Felon is Looking for Good Job

Hello,

I came across your blog on jailtojob.com and read an entry from 2015 that pretty much reflects what’s currently going on in my long time boyfriend’s life. He recently got his second felony for a drug conviction in 2016. He previously was out of trouble for 10 years, and was actually on his way to obtain his certificate of rehabilitation. Unfortunately, that’s no longer on the table now that he has his recent conviction on his record. He’s currently serving his probation, but is due for a review in court next week to see if he can get off early (keeping our fingers crossed).

I’m sure as you well know, it is extremely difficult for an ex felon to find gainful employment. It’s incredibly discouraging, even for me. I try to be positive and be some sort of resource for him, but he has a very self-defeating attitude right now and I just want to help him. Yes, I recognize that he has made it much more difficult for himself to find a job with a good salary and benefits, but I’m more of an optimist and I try my best to believe that something will come along, if he puts in the work.

He is educated (he has his BA from Cal State Northridge in Psychology) and has work experience in the respite health field. He now believes that is no longer an option for him, once they do a background check he’ll be denied. He is very well spoken, and is like a chameleon- he is able to integrate himself pretty effortlessly into anything he puts his mind to…he just needs that opportunity to prove it. He needs someone who is willing to give him a chance to provide for himself, his family and start preparing for his future.

Do you have any advice? A direction we can go into that will help him find a job that he will find rewarding, and gainful? I am aware of the Federal Bonding program and have that to bring to the table, but he is very discouraged, depressed and going through some type of learned helplessness. I just want to find something for him to be successful at. Anything I suggest, he seems to retort with a reason why it won’t work out. His probation officer is no help, and is hardly familiar with his case. He hasn’t offered any assistance or resources and when I ask my boyfriend to inquire about it with his PO, he shrugs it off and says things like, “I’m just a speck in his caseload”. He also doesn’t want to bring any unwanted attention to himself, so as to not cause any problems.

I’m at a loss. I myself am working a salary job, but it certainly isn’t enough and I know he will only be happy once he’s offered a position that will grant him the ability to provide a comfortable life for himself and his family. I don’t want him believing that he is only destined for a minimum wage job for the rest of his life….

Anything helps,

Jessica

Jobs for Felons: Educated Felon is Looking for Good Job

Hello Jessica,

It seems that your boyfriend has dug himself a bit of a hole. All is not lost. One thing I might try is the local community college. Community colleges are always looking for adjunct instructors to teach freshman classes. Adjunct instructors are used on an as-needed basis but it is a great way t0 get a start in the professional world.

Another thing to try is contact your local councilperson. Council members in touch with a lot of things and people in the community. They may know of open positions in the area, Remember council members are politicians and every person is a potential vote.

Another option is to apply for temporary employment. Working for a temporary agency is a great way to quickly get a job. Often temporary assignments turn into permanent jobs. Some agencies have clients that require professional employees. The key to felons applying to temporary agencies is to apply to smaller, privately owned agencies rather that large national companies. Sometimes larger companies have guidelines that prohibit the hiring of felons. Smaller agencies are free to hire anyone they choose so your boyfriend may have better luck with them.

Frequent readers of my blog know that everyone I speak to who is looking for a job I direct to the local One-stop Career Center. Each state has a network of centers that offer a variety of free services that can assist you in finding employment. In addition, these centers offer a wide array of services that can help a felon get jobs.

Some services available are:

Counselors for One-on-one Assistance

Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)