Are there jobs for felons in Virginia?

Answer 1

In my experience, the only jobs that are available to felons are fast food joints, factories and any low level income job that no else would take a felon can get. As a convicted felon, who is educated, bright, enegetic and dependable, my only hold back from obtaining a job in my field, which is administrative, is my felony. Are we ever forgiven. In my experience. No. Barbara-Hampton Roads,VA

Answer 2

For ex felons from prison (not jails) the Work Opportunity Tax Credit can be used within the first twelve months upon release as a financial incentive with employers to hire ex felons. Qualified Ex-Felon. An individual who has been convicted of a felony and has a hiring date which is not more than one year after the last date on which he was so convicted or released from prison. See the Related Link below. You can download the form yourself and present to an employer with your application. All the instructions are available at the website including to whom to send the WOTC. NOTE that it must be completed PRIOR to first day of employment.

More often, small and mid sized employers are able and willing to be flexible with their hiring policies as compared to large companies and corporations. Temp agencies more often than not do not hire ex felons so check out their policy before applying with a temp agency.

The prison system offers a variety of training programs through the Department of Correctional Education which prepare the inmate for occupations upon release. Some of these include: GED, HVAC, Barber, Construction trades.

Ask for a letter of reference or for permission to use as a reference anyone from the prison staff who will commend the changes they have in you, first hand; may be able to speak to your accomplishments in training programs while in prison.

Restrictions to Employment for Individuals with Criminal Histories can be found at the Related Link below. This resource is helpful if you are planning to attend school or take classes for additional training.

Interestingly, many jobs for ex felons are the ones that put the ex felon closest to a person's privacy such as construction, lawn care, car cleaning, auto mechanic, and food services. Food service places a person close to a person's privacy as many fast food restaurants accept debit and credit cards.

Hierarchy of most difficult to hire ex felons are from sex offender as most difficult and then violent crimes then trust crimes (fraud, forgery, theft, breaking and entering) then drug crimes (manufacturing, distribution, possession) and then all other felonies. It is unlikely you will obtain employment as a cashier, for example, if you have trust crimes.

When completing an application for employment that asks about felonies it is best to reply "will discuss at interview". If the employer is at all interested in your skills and abilities, they will often provide the chance during an interview; those who do not or cannot hire ex felons will not inquire further.

During the interview it is important to be honest about your felony and then quickly continue with what you have learned from your time, how you spent that time and what you have learned that will now be an asset to the potential employer. "I was in prison for and was grateful to have spent that time learning a and also participated in so that I could offer a better me that will be an asset to your company.

Honesty is the best policy. Lying will eventually get you fired because you will be considered untrustworthy. Also, employers speak to each other more often than we realize as many belong to a variety of groups.

Network family and friends who are employed to discover potential opportunities.

Contact the state vocational rehabilitation agency who assists with employment for individuals with barriers to employment such as drug and alcohol recovery, learning disabilities, mental health issues and physical limitations.

Develop yourself in the community. Volunteer at the Salvation Army, Goodwill, church, Community Action, a local food bank. While you may think that you don't have the time to do this as you need income NOW, these are people who often are connected with many employers and may hire you at their agency as well. It speaks volumes to your commitment to be part of the community and not "just another ex felon seeking work". You can offer your skills and abilities regardless of the job for which you are volunteering. Imagine the delight when you can come to the rescue on some task or emergency that occurs. "Bob was volunteering at the food bank when a pipe burst and saved the day by fixing the pipe and saving the food".

Start your own business. This takes a good amount of time and resources however the small business administration will help you develop a Business Plan and knows of resources that can assist with some funding or small business loans.

Many states, though unfortunately not Virginia, also have a Federal Bonding program in the Related Link below. The bonds cover the first six months of employment. There is no cost to the job applicant or the employer. In most states the bonds are made available through the state agency responsible for workforce matters.

Be willing to take on most any job. People with jobs are often the ones who find other employment. It is important to show that you are willing to do whatever it takes to obtain employment. Fast food is often the last preferred choice however many individuals do make it into management in fast food and then transfer those skills to other occupations. What is important is to develop a work history.

Though time must pass, applying for Restoration of Rights is beneficial. See the Related Link below. Most recognize that restoration of rights provides you with the right to vote which is important but also provides you with rights to also serve on a jury, be a notary public and to run for public office. It also re establishes you in your community.

The short term goal is to get employment so you have food and shelter and family. The long term goal is to be a productive member of your community again. Support groups are fine yet one on one therapy is also beneficial as employment is not your only goal toward re entry back to your community.