Occupational Enterprises, Inc. (OEI)

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Southwest Virginia Region
Project ReConnect
 
Project ReConnect is a partnership between OEI and the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services District of Virginia.  How much better would it be for society, the region's economy, the well being of families/children, and the restoration of men and women themselves, if they became stable and productive members of the community?  That is the goal of Project ReConnect.  Reentry into the labor market is one of the most challenging situations ex-offenders face.  Tragically, misinformation and misconceptions combine to create barriers to the successful employment of ex-offenders in Southwest Virginia despite low employment rates and desperate needs of employers.
 
 

 Myths about employing people with criminal records

 

  1. Ex-offenders are only capable of doing manual or repetitive work
  2. Ex-offenders are not educated
  3. Ex-offenders are un-reliable - they arrive late or not at all
  4. Ex-offenders are a high risk
  5. Someone will always have to be watching over them
  6. Other employees will not work with them
  7. The existence of criminal convictions is an indication of being untrustworthy.  Many people assume that ex-offenders have a basic character flat that is not found in the "normal" population
  8. An ex-offender would not be a conscientious worker and would only be working for the money
  9. People do not put their past behind them
  10.   Our company policy excludes ex-offenders because of the type of work involved or legal restrictions.

 Reality about employing people with criminal records

 

  1. People with criminal records come from all areas of our society
  2. Nearly one in three have graduated high school and/or college.
  3. In general, they are as reliable as other workers
  4. It is policy of the U.S. Probation Office to notify employers of any third party risk.
  5. Ex-offenders are people who have committed a crime and who have worked through their punishments.  Most of them want to make a fresh start.
  6. There is no need for employees other than line managers to know of the employee's past.  You'll be surprised how quickly an ex-offender will fit in, given the opportunity.
  7. In the vast majority of cases, these are "normal" people who have made a mistake and are ready to put it behind them.
  8. Most ex-offenders feel they have something to prove and will be conscientious workers.
  9. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1 in 32 adults were either on probation or incarcerated at the end of 2001.
  10.   It is a common misunderstanding that certain professions and trade licenses bar people with criminal records.  In fact, refusal is determined by type of offense, not by the existence of one.

 Assessing a conviction

 

Assessing a conviction to make a reasoned judgment about risk is a fairly simple process.  It involves checking a person's criminal history against the following criteria:

 

  • What is the relevance of the offense(s) to the job being applied for?
  • How long ago did the offense(s) occur?
  • How many times has the person offended?
  • What are the nature and seriousness of the offense(s)?
  • Evaluate the background to the offenses; (circumstances often change, i.e. drug dependency, homelessness, etc.).
  • Were the offenses work related?
  • What is the person's attitude regarding the offense(s)?

 Benefits of Hiring an Ex-offender

 

  • Probation officers are a direct point of contact and resource for the companies, and they assist with employee retention. 
  • As a condition of release, the ex-offender must maintain employment.
  • Drug testing (random) is mandatory.
  • Job readiness and skills training are provided.
  • Success for the community and the Commonwealth of Virginia is possible.
  • Ex-offenders become tax-paying citizens in the community where they live.
  • Federal work tax-credit provides up to $2400 for each ex-offender employed.
  • Federal bonding program can provide insurance for employers who hire convicted felons.  Information is available at www.Bonds4jobs.com.