Introduction to Working with Justice Involved Approximately 77 million Americans, or 1 in 3 adults, have a criminal record. Having a criminal record can make it difficult, or even impossible, for an individual to work in a given field, especially one that requires an occupational license and other challenges, such as lower levels of education and job skills. Many employers request a criminal check prior to hiring applicants. If you have a conviction, no matter how old, it is listed on your criminal record. Employers may opt not to hire you if you have been convicted, or worse, terminate you after learning you have a conviction even if you are performing satisfactorily. What can we do to improve the chance of our clients getting hired? Part of our Career Coaches responsibility is to help improve their chance of becoming more employable and maintain work. Be sure to have the client check their criminal record and know what is on their record. If there are crimes that are misdemeanors or are old, they may be able to utilize the expungement process. The Career Coach may need to assist the client to prepare for this process. Help them think and cultivate ways to talk about how they have grown and changed since the offense was committed. Maybe they learned a life lesson as a result. Limit those responses to things interviewers may ask. Have them get the proper training, gather references, make use of connections with your community partners to help with barriers and hiring. Have a list of employers ready to hire those with criminal backgrounds. Work one on one with your client to help them overcome hurdles, rebuild, and navigate the job market. We can help them begin a new life, find meaningful opportunities and reintegrate into the community. Most importantly, do not let them feel like they have to tackle this all on their own. At Goodwill, we believe everyone deserves a second chance. Many local agencies offer services to men, women and youth who have served time and are trying to get their lives back on track.
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