NCJ Number
247418
Date Published
May 2014
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report focuses on addressing employers' needs and expectations as part of an employer-driven model for preparing justice-involved individuals to enter the job market.
Abstract
The perspective of this "employer-driven" model is that employers as well as employees must benefit from the hiring of justice-involved individuals. Most employers want to hire applicants who are qualified, motivated, and a good fit for their organization. This means that employment specialists must identify the specific needs of each employer in order to ensure successful placement of a justice-involved individual. Employment specialists must discuss the qualifications that employers are seeking for each available position; ask about problems employers are experiencing with workers hired for various positions; make an appointment for a site visit to observe the workplace and work culture; invite employers to visit the correctional facility to observe the employment training and other job readiness programs provided to reentering job seekers; and pursue opportunities to meet business owners. This report then discusses ways that job specialists can communicate the benefits that particular justice-involved individuals can provide an employer. Some effective practices briefly discussed are the assignment and training of staff to develop business relationships; the development of training programs based on local employers' needs for skilled labor; invite employers to serve on advisory committees; use networking practices; and develop marketing materials that focus on the benefits of hiring justice-involved individuals. 8 online resources