Handcuffs to Hired
Kevin O'Brien
Veteran Recruiter that companies turn to when they need to find and hire veteran talent. If you have the jobs, we have the veterans to fill them.
As reported by the Brennan Center for Justice, "As Many Americans Have Criminal Records as College Diplomas" That equates to almost one-third of the adult working-age has having a criminal record. The same report states that if all arrested American's were a nation, it would be the world's 18th largest.
With so many being caught up in the criminal justice system (CJS), and with the current labor market being so tight due to the booming economy, now is the time for more companies to relax the restrictions on hiring people with a criminal record. While it is important to protect their employees and clients from dangerous people, many with a criminal record do not pose a physical threat to anyone.
When it comes to veterans caught up in the CJS, the public and private sector need to do much more to help them reintegrate into society, and one of the best ways we can do that is to hire them. When a veteran that has been convicted of a crime is denied employment, it significantly increases their risk of reoffending. Having a sense of purpose greatly decreases the chance of falling into bad habits and behaviors.
There is a growing list of industry-leading companies that have changed their view on hiring people with a criminal record as evidenced by a recent article in Forbes that discussed how JPMorgan Chase had hired 2,100 people with criminal records in 2018, and their plans to hire many more.
To help bridge the gap between gainful employment for veterans with a criminal record, and those companies who are committed to giving them a second chance, Veteran Recruiting is leading an initiative to bring both sides together. SecondChanceVets will host virtual and in-person job fairs for veterans that have a record and will help them with resume writing and mock interviews.
Why hire a veteran with a criminal record?
- They have already served their time and their COUNTRY
- You will get a very appreciative and loyal employee
- For all of the same reasons you would want to hire a veteran without a record
- You may be eligible to receive tax credits
- You will tap into a talent pool that many of your competitors will simply overlook
- Because we all deserve a second chance
The late Rep. Elijah Cummings sponsored the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act that will open up the federal job market to more than 70 million Americans with a criminal background by removing the need for an applicant to disclose a criminal history record before they receive a conditional job offer.
They have had the handcuffs unlocked, and now it is time to help them unlock their potential. If your company believes in second chances and would like to hire veterans that have a criminal record, we would love to chat with you.
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5 年Great article and a very important issue!
Business &Employment Specialist DVOP (Disabled Veterans Outreach Program) at State of Oregon
5 年I personally believe it needs to come down from the top.? The federal government gives out tax breaks for hiring second chance candidates and they work with the state to implement it.? I think that the states and feds need to take the lead and hire these individuals with background issues as well.? It's one of those things, do as I say not as I do.?
HR Specialist (PPR - Provider & Physician Recruitment) - Veteran Affairs (VA) - VISN 1
5 年Terrific article - thanks
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5 年Municipalities that have implemented veterans treatment courts are finding success in routing vets into needed treatment programs and then back into jobs. The idea is to break the cycle of recidivism and integrate vets who are struggling into meaningful employment and treatment. The model utilized by Clark Co., NV starts the routing process at the time of arrest. Vets are sent to separate housing areas in the jail. They are then routed to the Vet Treatment Court and if found eligible are partnered with community partners to help improve the veteran program outcomes.
Director of Marketing @ AGX Freight | Marketing Strategy
5 年This is a great initiative, thank you for illuminating the importance of second chances for those with a background. Kevin Gay and I were just sharing the fact that 1 out of 3 Americans have a background with some friends the other day and they were astounded by how large the percentage is.