Millions of Americans with a criminal background find it a big challenge to get a job. Not easy to accept that the punishment for committing a felony crime does not end when a prison sentence is over. You are released from custody, but you have to face several issues in society afterward. You also have to deal with the social stigma of a felony conviction. That’s why there are various programs to help felons get jobs!
Getting a job after your release certainly helps one begin a new life. Moreover, it’s equally important to avail the meaningful opportunities and re-integrate into your community.
But the question is how will you achieve all of that?
Well, here, we detail some prominent job assistance programs for felons.
Programs to Help Felons Get Jobs – Federal Employer Incentive Programs
Take a look at these job programs for convicted felons offered by the government & individual organizations:
- The Work Opportunity Tax Credit
- The Federal Bonding Program
- Cooperative of Felon Friendly Employers
- Help for Felons’ Organization
- State and Local Programs
This includes career assistance and advice for them:
- Felon-Friendly Housing Resources
- Food Stamp Information
- Book Recommendations for Newly Released Felons
- Loans And Grants for Felons
- Legal Information
- Second Chance Jobs for Felons
This includes further advantages for them:
- Companies that will hire felons
- Apprenticeship programs
- Truck driving schools
- Relief and legal assistance
- Tattoo removal
Movements to Help Felons Get Jobs
- Fair Chance Business Pledge
- Ban-the-Box
Promoting Education for Felons: The Government is HELPING
- Occupational Licensing
- Fair Chance Employment and Education
One of the essential steps is to fill out an application form. Note that all employers require you to list criminal convictions while filling out an employment application.
Despite the challenges, some employers do hire felons, and several cooperative organizations help felons with educational programs and finding jobs.
Moreover, here we bring some of the straight facts of companies that actively hire individuals with criminal records. They might take the help of these beneficial programs and give a fair chance to the candidate.
Below are some companies that are open to hiring felons & have hired them previously:
- Goodwill
- Hilton Hotels
- Amazon Warehouse
- Starbucks
- Dollar Tree
- General Electric
- AMC Theatres
- Best Western
- AVIS Budget Car Rental
- Blue Bell Ice Cream
- United Airlines
- Allstate Insurance
- Walmart
- Staples
- State University of New York
- Uber
- Under Armour
- Unilever
- Delta Airlines
- Stop & Shop
- AT&T
- The Coca-Cola Company
- United Parcel Service
- Knight Transportation
Important Skills a Felon Needs to Get Job
Hundreds of felons are released every year. Without stable employment, many of them return to incarceration within the year. Moreover, one of the biggest issues is that they are not even prepared to compete for jobs. Without even the basic skills necessary to be considered for employment, the hiring process for them will be difficult.
They should be taught essential skills in order to get a job. When looking for a job, a set of skills is important.
Here, we are talking about the combination of hard and soft skills.
Hard Skills
The term “Hard Skills” refers to professional skills associated with specific jobs or activities, for example, painting, driving, computer software, etc.
Soft Skills
The term “Soft skills” refers to an individual’s personal qualities, habits, and attitude. The most important soft skills are punctuality, dependability, teamwork, professionalism, responsibility, honesty, flexibility, etc.
Basic Skills Required for Getting a Job
- Interviewing Skills
- Body Language
- Positive Attitude
- Proper Communication
- Confidence
The Bottom Line
All in all, having a criminal background doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything ahead. Don’t be negative thinking about all the limitations, instead work towards strengthening yourself as a person. It is definitely a possible and realistic goal that one can lead to a fulfilling, long-term career.
Times are changing now. More employers are removing barriers that keep felons motivated to get jobs in the US. Studies have also shown that former felons with jobs have helped to build families and healthy societies. At the same time, they do contribute to a safer neighborhood that in turn leads to better communities.
Everything is Possible! Be Strong and have confidence in yourself that with a positive attitude you can do anything. Hopefully, this article will help you get in touch with several beneficial programs that can lead you to a better life.
