The Need: Equitable work opportunities
The Need:
Millions of capable employees have a hard time accessing work, even during low unemployment
What is the Easiest Way for an Employer to Show That They Have Inclusive Hiring Practices?
Employers do a great job of having equal employment opportunity statements, in accordance with their principles (and the law).
Organization Spotlight: Union Gospel Mission
Motivated by their Christian faith, the leaders at Seattle's Union Gospel Mission share a passionate desire to serve, rescue, and transform those in greatest need through the grace of Jesus Christ. As a group, these men and women bring hundreds of years of ministry experience to the table. That experience, combined with a consistent dependence on prayer and the Bible, informs the direction of the Mission.
Organization Spotlight: Cornbread Hustle
Cornbread Hustle is a staffing agency for Second Chances. They offer background-friendly jobs to people with a criminal history and those in recovery.
This organization is doing incredible work in the Dallas, Texas, area in second-chance employment!
How Do I list Jobs From Prison on My Resume?
The prospect of listing employment held while incarcerated can be intimidating.
The Importance of Second Chance Hiring to Communities
Second chance employment is the practice of providing employment opportunities to individuals whose life circumstances or choices have placed them at a disadvantage in finding work. This typically means making jobs available to people in recovery from addiction or with past criminal justice involvement (or both).
Organization Spotlight: Cares of WA
Cares of Washington’s mission is to support people with disabilities, barriers to employment, and low incomes to realize their purpose, potential, and strength.
Employing and Managing People with Addictions
For businesses and managers of people, it can be tricky to know the do’s and don’ts of doing what is best for employees with substance issues and working in the interests of the company as well.
Organization Spotlight: Workforce Foundation
Workforce Foundation works to empower all justice-impacted people to live a life they choose; believing that all people are deserving of living-wage jobs.
They offer fantastic programs for employment assistance, mentorship, coaching, and education for individuals with previous criminal justice involvement.
How Can Employers Help Workers Who Have Gone to Treatment Return to Work?
Employee Assistance Programs and health insurance companies do a wonderful job of providing treatment for employees who need help with substance issues. However, there is virtually no formal support offered after the employee completes (or leaves) treatment and returns to the workplace.
How can employers help their employees reacclimate to the workplace?
Survey: Increasing Number of US Workers Support Hiring People with Criminal Records
Recent research from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the SHRM Foundation found that people in the U.S. embrace the idea of second chances and would be proud to work for an employer—and would patronize a business—that hires people who have a criminal record or who have been incarcerated.
How Do I Transition Back Into the Workplace After Going to Treatment?
Considering a return to work after going to rehab can cause anxiety for many. While companies do a great job of providing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or health insurance that covers the cost of drug or alcohol treatment, there is almost no guidance after the employee returns to the workplace.
Organization Spotlight: Skills Inc
Skills Inc. is a self-supporting, nonprofit social enterprise that employs people of ALL ABILITIES in aerospace manufacturing, aerospace finishing, technical services and business solutions. It is also focused on providing worker training and opportunities for those with traditional barriers to finding and keeping employment.
How Do I Figure Out Whether an Employer Will Do a Background Check?
If you have a criminal record, you should try to figure out if a company does a background check before you apply, and if so, what kind. For a big company, there is probably a lot of info about this. If you have felonies, you should pay close attention to this information. If the company has a policy that says they do not hire people with felonies, unless you have some fantastic connection at the company that can override policy, you are probably wasting your time.
Does Having a Job Help with Recovery?
Absolutely! For a variety of reasons, employment can be a huge help in keeping people on the right track in their recovery.