Sex offender needs job search advice

Q: Hello,

My name is Carlton. I am 23 years old and have never had a real job. I got a felony at the age of 14 for a crime that was committed at the age of 12. My adoptive family allowed abusive things to happen to my siblings and I, and even committed some abusive acts. When I decided to contact authorities about their abuse, my adoptive mother countered it by claiming that I was terrorizing the household with sexual acts that I didn’t even know how to perform at that age. I have to register as a sex offender until November 2013, at which point I will apparently be scott free! However, the charge scares me and I have been very shy about finding a job until now. My life is now forcing me to seek out a job. I have documentation stating when I got the charge, my “no risk” status and the date in which Texas will remove me from the database. I desperately need a job…anything that someone of a small stature might be able to do. How do I go about finding a job even tho I know they will do a background check? And how can I give the details to the potential employers? Thank you so much for listening and responding.

A: Hello Carlton,

A sex offender will have a hard time getting jobs. I suggest reaching out to your parole or probation officer. Often they have knowledge of employers who would hire a sex offender.

I suggest also contacting your local United Way. The United Way supports social agencies that provide services to ex-offenders and felons. Goodwill Industries has a proven record of employing ex-offenders and felons as well as offering other services . You will find more information here:

http://www.goodwill.org/

A different solution is to apply for temporary work.  Many employers are in need of temporary help. Often temporary employees are hired permanently. Smaller independent agencies are a better choice than larger, nationally known ones. Independent agencies are free to hire anyone they choose and are more likely to hire felons and ex-offenders.

Jobs for felons and sex-offenders may be difficult to find but a little hard work will pay off.

I hope this helps

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.

Incredible List of Companies That Hire Ex-offenders and Felons

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If you have a criminal record, it can be very hard to find a job, especially if you’ve committed a felony. But, the University of Akron School of Law Criminal Expungement Program aims to give convicted felons a second chance.

This new program can give felons and ex-offenders a second chance and hope to find jobs.  Often ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs find few opportunities and find themselves reverting to criminal activities just to survive.  The program will offer expungement services that can help first time felons and ex-offenders the opportunity to have their records sealed or expunged making it easier to obtain employment.

Expungement help for ex-offenders and felons

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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Employment Expert - Eric Mayo

Expungement could help felons get Jobs

Q: I am 43years old I have been certified as an EMT for 18 years and my certifications are legal through the state of NJ. I am also a paramedic.  I was found guilty of 3rd degree poss of CDS not while on the job about 10 yrs ago.

I was arrested and charged with poss of Xanax 4yrs ago.  I had prescriptions but my lawyer was incompetent and has since been disbarred.  I did my probation and paid my fines.

Do you think that I can write to judge and ask to remove because of lawyer so I can expunge the old charges and get back to work?   If you can help, I need it other wise I have to wait another 7 yrs.   Please I could use your advice please write back.   Oh and I went to state and told them and they still let me keep my cert but when I go for job they see felony and show me to the door.

Katy

A: Hello Katy,

Many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs required legal assistance.  I’m not prepared to give legal advice.  I do know that there is a 10 year waiting period after the completion of your sentence to apply for expungement in New Jersey.

My suggestion is to explore all of your options such as getting your conviction overturned.  I would find your local legal aid office.  There you could could possibly get low-cost or even no cost assistance.

I hope this helps

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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Jobs for felons

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Advice to help Felons get Jobs

Employment Expert, Eric Mayo

Q: I plan to order your  book this week for my fiance.  Any tips in the meantime to help with him finding  a job.  We live in Cleveland, Ohio and the job market is tough.   He doesn’t have a GED but he is studying.  What can he tell employers on his application?

Thank you.  Any tips.   He is a father of 3 and we have one on the way.  He’s trying to do the right thing he has a Criminal Trespassing and Felonious Assault case.

Thank you,  Carrie

A: Hello Carrie,

Frequent readers of my blog know that one of the first suggestions to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to visit their local One-stop Career Center.  Your fiance will find a wide variety of services and resources that can help job seekers get employment.

Some services available are:

Career planning and counseling

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

Computers with internet access and word processing

Daily access to thousands of job listings

Job-related magazines and local newspapers

Job postings and referrals

Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use

Each center has trained counselors that provide one-on-one assistance. Many of them have experience assisting ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.

In addition, he may find resources to help him study for the GED.

The center nearest you is:

The Employment Connection

1020 Bolivar Road
Cleveland, OH  44115

The Employment Connection

In relation to his convictions, they sound as if they are a result of an altercation with another individual. This can happen to anyone.  The important thing is that the employer realize that the applicant is a not a criminal per se, but found himself in a situation that is considered a crime.

Whenever the question comes up on an application or on an interview, be honest. Typically on an application, the question will be, “Have you been convicted of a crime other than a traffic violation?” He should answer honestly.

In reference to convictions, it is necessary to list all relative information. Include the name of the conviction, date, location, and the disposition (time served, fine and/or probation.)

Example:

Criminal Trespassing /Felonious Assault (isolated incident) 8/12/08 Newark, NJ Probation 6 mos

I used the notation “isolated incident.” It gives the impression that this person is not a criminal, but a person that just found himself in a bad situation…something that can happen to anyone. If the question comes up, don’t go into detail,  just give an answer just like that.

The most important thing I suggest to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to be honest.   There no sense in being dishonest only to lose a job when a background check is done.

I hope this helps

Are you a ex-offender or felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to BelievePublications@comcast.net

If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job

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Felon JobsFelon EmploymentHire FelonFelon Career

Ten Steps for Ex-offenders and Felons who want Jobs

Jobs for felons

Can a felon get a job in health care?

Q: Hi my name is Angela.  I’m I live in Ohio.  I was wondering if it was possible for me to get a job as a Home Health Aide or State Tested Nursing Assistant and if so, can you please give me tips on how to go about this.

Thank you.

A: Hello Angela,

You did not mention what your offense is.  Ex-offenders and felons cannot assume because they have criminal records, certain jobs are closed to them. The question is would your offense prohibit you from being licensed in the state of Ohio. Only the state board of Health can answer that.

You can contact the board here:

Ohio Department of Health
Nurse Aide Registry
246 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Telephone:
(800) 582-5908 (in-state)
(614) 752-9500 (out-of-state)

Fax: (614) 564-2461

I hope this helps.

Are you a ex-offender or felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog.   Just send your questions to BelievePublications@comcast.net

If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job

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A felon can get help finding jobs and careers

Q: I am a convicted felon with a bachelors degree in management.  I have no idea what to do or where to turn. I am not above digging ditches, however I would prefer a desk job with benefits and opportunities for advancement.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thank you in advance for your timely response.

Chris

A: Hello Chris.

Unfortunately there is no simple answer for you.  As I suggest to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to visit your local One-stop Career Center.  One-stop Career Centers are very underutilized resources that ex-offenders and felons can use not only to get jobs, but to get career counseling and training. In addition, these centers provide a long list of valuable services.

Career planning and counseling

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

Computers with internet access and word processing

Daily access to thousands of job listings

Job-related magazines and local newspapers

Job postings and referrals

Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use

Each center has trained counselors that provide one-on-one assistance. Many of them have experience assisting ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.

As stated in a previous post, you can find your nearest center here:

www.servicelocator.org

I hope this helps.

Are you a ex-offender or felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog.   Just send your questions to BelievePublications@comcast.net

If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job

felon felon felon felon

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Sex-offender needs job search advice

Q: Dear Mr. Mayo,

I saw your web site and immediately felt intrigued to respond.  I am an ex-felon currently experiencing extreme resistance returning to the workforce. Sir, with all due respect, if what you’re claiming is true; about finding work after serving time in prison, I pray in “Jesus name,” that you will please share it with me, so I can stop being a burden to my family, and become a blessing by finding honest work.  I have been at liberty for 10 years now, and initially I found it difficult at that time but not impossible to find temporary employment.  However, the last 3.5 years I have been unemployed and increasingly indigent.  I feel I have done virtually everything possible to obtain a legitimate job in my community with no success at all.  It appears all of the prospective employers in my area are discriminatory and unfair in their hiring process; particularly in my unique situation, which I will briefly explain.

I believe I’m not the usual ex-felon case, and without elaborating details, suffice it to say my crime was categorized under the statute of a single non-violent sexual offense.  My demographics are male, mid forties, semi-educated, computer literate, and certified in several areas such as, auto mechanics, machine trades, commercial driving, paralegal studies and more.  I do not smoke, drink or use illegal drugs.  I value principles & punctuality in my work ethics.  I’m intelligent, articulate, polite, patient and attentive, as well as easy to get along with.

However, in spite of my character strengths, credentials, and the infamous Internet criminal background checks abundantly available, I no longer see how to escape the superficially adverse effects and ostracisms that such an unforgiving society has unfairly labeled against reformed people like myself, so we may obtain a job.   I served my sentence, did my time, paid my fines, and successfully complied/exceeded all my obligations.  So I ask you, “Has my debt to society, for those crimes been redeemed?”  If so, then why is the public mainstream depriving me the chance to become a productive and civil minded member of the community, and hindering me from supporting myself and my family?  Obviously, all human beings (even ex-felons), require food, clothing and shelter in order to survive.  Give an ex-felon a second chance to be successful, independent, and productive, and you in turn will not only promote his rehabilitation, but also demonstrate exemplary emulation reinforcing the operative concepts of rehabilitation.  Contrarily, deprive the same individual those opportunities and you endorse a co-dependent propaganda that will only cultivate an inevitable pattern for recidivism, and financial burden upon society.

All I know is what I hear, see, and live to be the truth and reality of my situation.  Had it not been for the loving support of my wife, and my faith and trust in God, I could not successfully walk the straight and narrow.

Having briefly reviewed your claims Mr. Mayo, I humbly suggest to you that most of my problems relate to the immediate need for gainful employment, and it is on this pretext alone, that I sincerely ask you for your generous help to overcome a presently insurmountable obstacle and show me the way I can truly find suitable employment as an EX-felon.  I thank you for any time and effort you devote in this matter.

In Closing, I humbly pray this prayer:  “Heavenly Father, may your blessings be upon your servant Eric Mayo and his works as he touches so many American lives affected by their immediate need for employment.  Grant us the knowledge and the wisdom we so earnestly seek to overcome our challenges, and the determination to see your will through, and it’s in Christ Jesus we pray. Amen!

Sincerely,

Ray

A: Hello Ray,

Unfortunately sex offenders are among the most challenged when it come to finding jobs.  Difficult does not mean impossible. Ex-offenders and felons especially sex-offenders stand a better chance at getting hired by applying at smaller businesses. Smaller businesses are less apt to spend money on expensive background checks. One out-of-the-box suggestion I have is, if the the application on paper, leave the question that relates to having a criminal record blank.  It is often overlooked by being left blank and you won’t have to address the question  at all. If it is noticed, and you are questioned, always answer truthfully. Hopefully you will get an interview where the employer will get a chance to meet the man behind the application and you can sell yourself.

I hope this helps.

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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