Finding employment is one of the most difficult task a person with a felony has to face. Having a sexual offense on your record can make this even more difficult, especially if you live in a state that requires you to not work within a certain distance of places like schools and parks. Below we have listed several tips and resources that may help you in finding a job, even if you have a felony for a sexual offense on your record. Remember to check your state’s laws in regards to where you can and cannot work before accepting employment.
We do not guarantee any of this information will help you find a job, we are just listing things we have found helpful or government and/or non-profit organizations have recommended.
Ask Friends and Family
Friends and family are a first important step in searching for a job. Most likely they know of your past and will be willing to work you if you are on parole or probation. If a family or friend own a business, ask if you can work for them. Maybe a friend or family members place of employment is hiring and by asking them,they could be a positive reference for you to their employer. You may find that friends and family are willing to hire you for odd jobs, providing you with short term employment until you find a full time job.
Temp Agencies
Many temp agencies will work with individuals whom have felonies on their records. If you call several temp agencies and they say they do not work with those that have felonies or there is a certain length of time that most past since your conviction date, do not give up. Some of the larger temp agencies have policies in regards to hiring felons, but there many medium and smaller temp agencies that are willing to work with you to help you find temporary employment, which could become full time based on your job performance.
Federal Bonding Program
the U.S. Department of Labor established The Federal Bonding Program to provide Fidelity Bonds that guarantee honesty for “at-risk”, hard-to-place job seekers. 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. A list of where one can obtain a Federal Bond for each state is available on their website. You can get to if by clicking here.
Non-Profit Organizations
There are a few organizations that are helping individuals whom have a felony find jobs. One of those organizations is Better People, which is located in Portland, Oregon. Another organization is Chrysalis, located in Los Angeles. A third organization is The National H.I.R.E Network, which help people across the US. A fourth organization is Hard 2 Hire.
State Employment Agents
Many states offer job search assistance. These places help with writing a resume, job searches, and may even offer help conducting mock interviews. Michigan Works is one of these places. Use our search box at the top of this page to find your state’s workforce development organization.
Start Your Own Business
If you have a skill like carpentry, cooking, or computers, you may want to look into starting your own business. With the advancement in technology, starting a home base business is much easier. There may be some restrictions to what type of business you may start, check the laws in the state you reside before you start a business.
Other Resources
“From Jail to a Job” the hardcore ex-offender job search manual, is a step-by-step guide that can teach any ex-offender how to get a job quickly. This book has helped thousands of ex-offenders and felons get jobs.
Riley Guide
Riley Guide – Ex-offender – Not only does the above site provide relevant information for ex-offenders seeking employment, but it also provides a LIST of employers who will hire ex-offenders. Some of these employers actively seek to hire ex-offenders to give them a second chance!
Sex Offender Jobs
Sex Offender Jobs – A blog dedicated to providing information for people can find gainful employment. They want to see all people that have to register find a good job where they can support themselves and their family.