Blog Post: Employers Hire ex-offenders if ex-offenders are getting intermediary services.

Employers are more likely to hire an ex-offender if they feel that a reputable agency is involved with that person and advocates on their behalf. According to the Urban Institute Reentry Roundtable Article on Understanding the Nexus between Prisoner Reentry and Work of May 2003. The article goes on to state that  survey suggested that employers might be more open to working with ex-offenders if the ex-offender is involved in services from “intermediary agencies”.

 However, it is important to note that the employer must be convinced that the intermediaries be effective. There recruitment and retention strategies will be one that will meet the employer’s needs.

 An effective agency will have a screening process that includes background investigation, along with soft skills training. Agencies that work with the ex-offender population will be most likely to succeed if they have developed a relationship with the employer that includes an understanding of the employer’s needs and liabilities involved in the hiring practice.

 Many employers that I have worked with in the past have had great success with hiring ex-offenders. Being mindful that even with great preparation there are no guarantees that the ex-offender will succeed at a rate any greater than hires that come from other sources. However, my experience is that many of the employers that I have worked with have reported a greater retention rate.

 I have been told by employers that they feel more comfortable hiring an ex-offender if they do not feel alone in the process. This also helps them to meet any due diligence requirements as well. The employer may be willing to work with agencies because of the expertise they have grown to trust.

 Having staff that is experienced in working with the ex-offender population and proper credentials such as the Global Career Development Facilitators certification or Professional in Human Resources will increase the trust and confidence in the program.

 I highly recommend that employers who are interested in working with ex-offenders contact the Community Reintegration Coalition at there web address www.azcrc.com for a listing of agencies in Arizona that have programs that help ex-offenders help themselves.

Steven B. Temple GCDF

President

CRC