When applying for a job, honesty is always the best policy. Fair Chance programs, also known as second chance programs, are available to support individuals that have committed a crime and, having paid their debt, re-entered society. The following resources can help you find fair-chance employers.
1. Do a Web Search for Fair Chance Employers
Google and other search engines can be your best friend when doing a job search, and you can do a web search to find fair-chance employers in your neighborhood. In 2015, the federal government introduced the Fair Chance Business Pledge, which asks private-sector organizations to commit to giving convicted felons a fair chance at employment regardless of their past.
Job search sites like Indeed have filters so that you can see the jobs offered by Fair Choice Employers. You can view companies that have taken the Fair Chance Business Pledge.
When looking for a new job, you may consider getting training in a field where there’s a worker shortage. The need for employees can compel employers to reconsider their stance on hiring people with convictions.
High-demand industries include construction, delivery, technology, manufacturing, and food services. You may also consider becoming an entrepreneur and starting your own business. If you’re looking for an opportunity where you can work from home, you may be interested in sites to find entry-level remote jobs.
2. Search for Jobs on Fair Chance Specific Websites
In addition to the regular job sites, some websites focus on fair chance jobs and resources. Before you start your search, you may want to check out the top resume builder sites to create your resume online. Here is a list of fair chance job sites you can check out:
HonestJobs: A website that helps individuals that have been through the criminal justice system find employment quickly. The site has over a thousand felony-friendly employers across the United States. Second Chance Business Coalition: A group of large private-sector firms committed to expanding their organizations’ second-chance hiring and advancement practices. Felony-Friendly Jobs: Their goal is to be the number one resource site for felons seeking employment. The site is dedicated to providing convicts with an extensive list of positions by state and city. Jails to Jobs: A non-profit organization that provides convicted criminals that have served their time with the tools they need to find employment, including a step-by-step plan to follow as they continue to look for work. Second Chance Jobs: A non-profit organization that supports displaced workers, veterans, and non-violent offenders by providing career opportunities that can make a difference for themselves and their families. The organization provides support through education, training, pre-apprenticeships, full registered apprenticeships, and job career placement.
3. Research Re-entry Programs for Assistance
Federal resources can help you find a job if you have a felony conviction. The following is a list of some current programs:
i. Work Opportunity Tax Credit
The federal government offers a tax credit to encourage employers to hire formerly incarcerated people and applicants from other groups with work-entry barriers, like recipients of temporary assistance, food stamp recipients, and veterans. The program provides employers with a credit of up to $9,600 annually for each employee that meets the qualifying criteria.
The amount an employer can claim depends on various criteria, including the category the person falls under, the specific target group, total wages earned in the first year of employment, and the number of hours worked.
ii. Federal Bonding Program
The bonding program is a program that helps people impacted by the justice system find employment while reducing the risk of hiring them for employers. The program sells employers an insurance policy that protects employers against robbery, theft, forgery, or other intentional losses of value caused by at-risk employees covered by the policy.
At-risk employees are those with criminal backgrounds, people undergoing addiction treatment, and those with minimal work experience. The bond lasts six months and usually covers $5,000 worth of damage.
Businesses can request coverage of up to $25,000, and in some cases, coverage is issued by the Department of Labor, beginning on the first day of employment. Once the six months are up, employers can choose to pay for additional coverage.
iii. Felony Record Hub
The Felony Record Hub is a free website with comprehensive support for individuals that have recently been released from prison. The site goes beyond providing a list of employers and positions.
Felony Hub provides information about legal rights, various aid programs, housing, and community connections. The mission of Felony Hub is to assist offenders in all areas of their re-entry into society.
4. Join a Discussion Board for Support and Encouragement
Trying to live an everyday life after some time in prison isn’t easy. It would be best if you had the support of people who have been where you are and are achieving the goals you’d like to accomplish. There are numerous sites where you can connect with other people who are adjusting to life after prison. Here’s a list of a few:
Help for Felons | Supporting Ex-Offenders Ex-Felon Association Felon Families
You can search on social media platforms and discussion boards like Reddit to find other groups created to support people after they get out of prison. You may also want to review sites to learn how to prepare for a job interview and impress bosses.
5. Educate Yourself on Fair Chance Employment Laws
The National Employment Law Project is a resource where you can find information on the different fair chance work programs across the country. You can learn about the states with fair chance government jobs and discover the various fair chance employment programs and policies.
Over 150 cities and counties and 37 states have “ban the box” policies, including removing barriers to employment for qualified candidates with records. Of those jurisdictions, 15 states, the District of Columbia, and 21 cities and counties have extended their fair chance hiring policies to private employment. You may be interested in learning how to find a job after a career break.
You Deserve a Second Chance
We all make mistakes. The important thing is that we learn from them and do better in the future. If you have recently been released from prison, there are many programs available to support you in your re-entry into society. Don’t feel like you have to do it on your own; ask for help.
While you seek employment, don’t be shy about volunteering. It can be a great introduction to the kind of person you are, and someone may know of an opportunity that you’d be the perfect fit for.
